Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Pennsylvania-American Water Company’s Acquisition of Winola Water Company in Wyoming County

Published on 8/6/2020

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a Joint Petition for Settlement enabling the acquisition of the Winola Water Company (Winola) in Wyoming County by Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC), which has been serving as the Receiver for Winola since directed by the Commission on Dec. 10, 2018.

The Commission voted 4-0 to accept a Recommended Decision by PUC Administrative Law Judge Joel H. Cheskis approving the sale of Winola’s assets to PAWC - along with PAWC’s ongoing capital improvements to the system and PAWC’s assumption of Winola’s billing and collections functions. The joint settlement was reached among several parties including PAWC, Winola, Pennsylvania’s Office of Consumer Advocate and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E). 

The acquisition of Winola’s assets by PAWC follows a lengthy investigation under Section 529 of the Public Utility Code, which allows the PUC to order a capable public utility to acquire a troubled small water or sewer utility that is unable to furnish or maintain adequate, efficient, safe and reasonable service.

On Jan. 26, 2018, I&E first filed a formal complaint against Winola for failure to furnish and maintain adequate, efficient, safe, and reasonable service and facilities.  On Nov. 29, 2018, the Commission then issued an Emergency Order granting I&E’s petition and directing an investigation under Section 529 – alleging the system’s management and operating conditions at the time appeared to present a serious public health and safety threat.

As a Commission-regulated public utility, the small, privately held water company serves approximately ten (10) year-round customers and approximately 25 seasonal customers in Overfield Township, Wyoming County.  PAWC provides water and wastewater service to more than 400 communities across the Commonwealth with a combined population of more than 2.4 million.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Nos.:  P-2018-3006216
                    C-2018-2644592
I-2018-3006498

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov