Press Release

PUC Suspends Rate Increase Requests by Little Washington Wastewater Company

Published on 3/3/2005

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate the request of Little Washington Wastewater Company to raise sewer rates for three divisions serving Chester County. The company conducts business under the name Suburban Wastewater Company.

Under the company’s proposal, rates in the East Bradford Division would increase by $16,093 (19.9 percent). Average annual bills for residential customers using 73,200 gallons of water would increase approximately $177, from $892 to $1,069. The increase would affect 85 residential customers in a portion of East Bradford Township.

Rates in the Plumsock Division would increase by $17,717 (45.9 percent). Average annual bills for residential customers using 86,400 gallons of water would increase approximately $442, from $962 to $1,404. The increase would affect 38 residential customers in a portion of Williston Township.

The company also proposes to increase rates by $94,731 (64.8 percent) in the Little Washington Division. Average annual bills for residential customers using 48,000 gallons of water would increase approximately $267, from $413 to $680. The increase would affect 350 residential customers in portions of East Brandywine, Westtown and Williston townships.

The proposed increases will be suspended for up to seven months from their March 4 proposed effective dates, and assigned to a PUC administrative law judge for a recommended decision or settlement. The recommended decision or settlement will then be sent to the Commissioners to make the final decision.                              

The company said the increases are needed to offset increased operating costs.

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-00040192; R-00040191; R-00040189

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