Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Requests by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. for Water and Wastewater Services

Published on 12/21/2023

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increase requests by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. (CUPA) for water and wastewater services. 

CUPA provides water service to approximately 3,257 customers in portions of Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties and wastewater services to approximately 3,832 customers in portions of Monroe, Chester and Pike counties.

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate CUPA’s proposals to increase annual water revenues by approximately $1.5 million (62.2%) and annual wastewater revenues by $1.8 million (50.9%).

Under CUPA’s proposal for water service, the typical monthly bill for residential customers using 3,452 gallons of water per month would increase from $63.90 to $101.37 (59%) except for customers in the Tamiment service territory in Lehman Township, Pike County, where the typical monthly bill for a residential customer using 2,270 gallons of water a month would increase from $44.18 to $74.68 (69%).

Under CUPA’s proposal for wastewater service, the typical monthly bill for residential customers using 3,400 gallons of water per month would increase from $74.73 to $112.51 (51%) except for customers in the Tamiment service territory in Lehman Township, Pike County, where the typical monthly bill for a residential customer using 2,225 gallons a month would increase from $57.25 to $91.48 (60%).

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.

A final PUC decision on CUPA’s rate increase requests is due by Aug. 9, 2024.

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 X (formerly 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 Nos.:

R-2023-3042804 (water)
R-2023-3042805 (wastewater)

Contact:

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