Press Release

PUC Seeks Comment on Proposed Regulations to Enhance Water Utility Service in Pennsylvania

Published on 9/17/2020

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Proposed Regulations to Focus on Preserving Water Resources, Limiting Leaks, Reducing Overall Company Risk and Enhancing Customer Service

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANOPR), seeking comments from interested parties regarding the replacement of an existing PUC policy statement with regulations intended to more comprehensively address water loss in public utility water systems across the Commonwealth.

The Commission voted 4-0 to adopt the ANOPR, which would implement the Water Audit Methodology, developed by the International Water Association and American Water Works Association, as a best management practice in water loss control in Pennsylvania.

The proposed regulations would replace an existing PUC policy statement that addresses water conservation and “unaccounted-for-water.” The Commission has determined that, rather than revising its existing policy statement, a new regulation addressing water conservation is necessary and the ANOPR reflects this change. 

In seeking comments, the Commission noted that since 2012 all of Pennsylvania’s Class A water utilities – systems with annual revenues over $1,000,000 – have been required by the PUC to filing annual Water Audit summaries.  Additionally, the proposed PUC regulations would be consistent with regulations for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – which require certain reporting of system unaccounted for water loss exceeding 20% – and aligns with guidance from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and Delaware River Basin Commission.

More specifically, the Commission is requesting comments regarding specific costs and/or savings associated with implementation of the Water Audit Methodology, including legal, accounting or consulting procedures which may be required. Also, the Commission is inviting comments as to whether the Water Audit Methodology should be extended to the other jurisdictional water utilities.

Interested parties may submit written comments, via the Commission’s electronic filing system, referencing Docket No. L-2020-3019521 within 45 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.  Comments shall be filed consistent with the Commission’s Secretarial Letter issued on July 27, 2020, regarding filings with the PUC.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: L-2020-3021932

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov