Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Request by Columbia Water Co.

Published on 6/15/2023

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate a rate increase request by Columbia Water Company (Columbia Water), which provides service to approximately 12,000 customers in Lancaster and York counties.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate Columbia Water’s proposal to increase rates by $999,900 (14.2%) per year.

Under that proposal submitted by Columbia Water, the bill for a typical metered residential customer using 3,800 gallons of water per month would increase from $37.67 to $40.04 (6.3%) for customers in the Columbia rate division, and from $32.57 to $40.04 (22.9%) for customers in the Marietta division.

Based on today’s action by the Commission, the rate increase request is now suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for investigation and a recommended decision.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Columbia Water provides service to customers in several Lancaster County communities, including Columbia, Mountville, and Marietta boroughs, as well as West Hempfield, Rapho, East Donegal and Manor townships. Columbia Water also provides service to customers in Hellam Township, York County.

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 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.: R-2023-3040258

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov