Press Release

PUC Suspends Request for Rate Increase by Philip M. Buss Water Company

Published on 9/10/2004

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate Philip M. Buss Water Company’s request for an $18,000 (56.5 percent) rate increase.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons of water a year would increase approximately $140 from $333 to $473. The rate increase would affect 93 residential customers located in Buss Acres, Deer Run, and Crest Development in Upper Milford Township , Lehigh County .

The company last raised rates by $15,000 in 1995.

The proposed increase will be suspended until May 1, 2005 from its proposed effective date of Oct. 1, and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The recommended decision will be sent to the Commissioners to make the final decision in a public meeting.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-0049559

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