Press Release

PUC Suspends Lancaster Request to Raise Sewer Rates

Published on 1/13/2005

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and review the City of Lancaster’s request to increase wastewater rates by $650,465 (54.5 percent).

            Under the city’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 60,000 gallons would increase approximately $93 from $157 to $250. The increase would affect approximately 3,356 customers in portions of East Lampeter, East Hempfield, Lancaster, Manheim and Manor townships, all in Lancaster County. The PUC regulates only those customers served outside of the municipal limits.

            The proposed increase will be suspended for up to seven months from its Jan. 17 proposed effective date and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. PUC commissioners have until the end of the seven-month period to make a final decision at a public meeting in Harrisburg.

            The city said the increase is needed to recover costs of system improvements since its last rate increase in 2001.

            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-00049862

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