Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase Than Requested by Can Do Inc. for Water Services to Commercial and Industrial Customers in Luzerne and Carbon Counties

Published on 7/11/2024

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

CAN DO Rate Increase Reduced by Nearly One-third From Initial Request

 HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today adopted a Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement (joint settlement) in the rate case proceeding of Greater Hazleton Community-Area New Development Organization Inc. t/a CAN DO Inc. (CAN DO).  CAN DO provides water services to approximately 119 commercial and industrial customers in Luzerne and Carbon counties.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the Recommended Decision of PUC Administrative Law Judge Conrad A. Johnson, which adopted the joint settlement among CAN DO, the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, and the Office of Small Business Advocate.  The joint settlement reduces the company’s initial revenue increase request of $999,900 (43.1%) by nearly one-third – instead settling on an overall annual increase of $670,000 (28.9%). 

Additionally, CAN DO agrees not to file for a rate increase earlier than two years from the effective date of this new water tariff.  This is the company’s first water rate increase since December 2011, and enables the company to eliminate an expected deficit, pay a 12% increase in its purchased water costs, and continue providing safe, adequate and reasonable service to customers.

As for its Wastewater Division, CAN DO did not propose a rate increase to approximately 87 wastewater customers.

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Docket No.:  R-2023-3040153

Contact:

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