Press Release

PUC to Investigate Water and Wastewater Rate Increases Proposed by Aqua Pennsylvania and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater

Published on 6/13/2024

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate proposed water and wastewater rate increases by Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. (Aqua Water) and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc. (Aqua Wastewater).

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the annual revenue and rate increase requests.  Aqua Water proposes to increase its annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $112 million (18.7%).  Aqua Wastewater seeks a corresponding increase in its annual operating revenues for wastewater services by $14.6 million (20.1%).  In total, the proposed rate increase requests would increase the company’s total annual operating revenues by approximately $126.7 million.

Under the proposals, the average monthly bill for a residential water customer using 3,870 gallons per month would increase by $16.10 (19.9%) from $80.91 to $97.01.  The average monthly bill for a residential wastewater customer would increase $14.92 (18.4%) from $81.18 to $96.10.

These revenue and rate increase requests are suspended and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for evidentiary hearings and the issuance of recommended decisions or settlements.  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

A final PUC decision on both rate increase requests is due by February 22, 2025.Aqua Water provides water service to approximately 445,000 customers in portions of more than 200 municipalities throughout 32 Pennsylvania counties.  Aqua Wastewater provides wastewater service to approximately 56,000 customers in portions of more than 40 municipalities throughout 16 Pennsylvania counties.

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-2024-3047822
C-2024-3049339
C-2024-3049344
R-2024-3047824
C-2024-3049340
C-2024-3049345

Contact:

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