Press Release

PUC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Addressing Potential Barriers to Enhancing Water and Wastewater Services

Published on 12/16/2021

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Order (NOPR) as the latest step in the ongoing exploration of issues impacting water and wastewater utilities across the state. 

The Commission voted 3-0 today to issue the proposed rulemaking order for publication and comment. Today’s action follows nearly two years of PUC study and public input on water and wastewater issues, which began in early 2020.   

The NOPR proposes to amend PUC regulations governing the application for certificates of public convenience to provide utility water or wastewater service in Pennsylvania.  The proposed amendments streamline some requirements for established utilities during the process of acquisition of another water or wastewater service provider.  Smaller updates are proposed to other sections to modernize requirements generally, and to distinguish between system acquisitions, service area expansions, and service to previously unserved areas. 

Based on today’s order, the NOPR will be submitted to the Office of Attorney General for review as to form and legality; to the Governor’s Budget Office for review of fiscal impact; to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the Legislative Standing Committees for review and comment; and to the Legislative Reference Bureau to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Filing Written Comments

Interested parties may file written comments within 60 days of the publication of this NOPR in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, followed by a 30-day period for reply comment. Comments and reply comments must be filed using the PUC’s eFiling system, via by U.S. Mail or overnight delivery using the following address:

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Attn: Secretary - Docket No. L-2020-3017232
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 2nd Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120

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.

# # #

Docket No.: L-2020-3017232

Contact:

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