Press Release

PUC Acts to Stabilize Troubled Central PA Water System

Published on 3/13/2025

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Commission appoints Pennsylvania American Water Company as a Receiver While Directing Rock Spring to Negotiate a Long-Term Solution with State College Borough Water Authority

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took action to ensure the provision of safe and reliable water service for approximately 1,000 customers served by Rock Spring Water Company (Rock Spring), appointing Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) as receiver while directing efforts toward a long-term solution.

During today’s PUC Public Meeting the Commission voted 5-0 to grant an emergency petition filed by the state’s consumer advocate to appoint a receiver for Rock Spring – a small rural water utility facing ongoing service challenges. Additionally, the Commission’s order directs Rock Spring to engage in serious and accelerated discussions for the potential sale of its system to the State College Borough Water Authority (SCBWA), which could provide a permanent resolution for customers.

The Commission’s action follows a joint motion offered by Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank and Commissioner John F. Coleman, Jr., which details the steps necessary to address the challenges facing Rock Spring while working toward a long-term solution.

“These measures should prompt the finalization of a permanent acquisition of Rock Spring while ensuring that Rock Spring’s customers receive safe and reliable water service in the interim,” noted the joint motion.

Receivership & Next Steps

PAWC was appointed as the receiver because it is a PUC-jurisdictional entity, enabling the Commission to act quickly under its authority to ensure continued operations at Rock Spring.

At the same time, the Commission is directing Rock Spring to negotiate, in earnest, toward the transfer of its system to SCBWA. If an agreement is reached, Rock Spring is expected to file an application within 90 days seeking Commission approval to transfer its assets and abandon its certificate of public convenience. Given the urgency of the situation, the Commission is also working to streamline the review process for any such application, including a shortened protest period and expedited review timelines.

While today’s decision marks an important step toward stabilizing water service for Rock Spring customers, the Commission remains focused on facilitating a long-term resolution that provides continued reliability and efficiency for affected residents.

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 No.: P-2024-3051313

Contact:

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