Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement for Lower Rates Than Requested by York Water Company for Water and Wastewater Services

Published on 2/19/2026

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a joint settlement that will result in a smaller overall rate change in annual water and wastewater revenues for York Water Company (York Water) than was initially proposed by the utility. 

York Water provides water service to more than 73,000 customers and wastewater service to approximately 6,700 customers in parts of York, Adams, Franklin and Lancaster counties.

Joint Settlement

The Commission voted 4-1 to approve a Motion by Commissioner Ralph V. Yanora that granted in part and modified in part the Recommended Decision of PUC Administrative Law Judges John M. Coogan and Emily A. Farren and adopt a Joint Petition for Approval of Partial Settlement without modification supported by York Water, the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA), and the Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA).

The settlement will result in an overall adjustment in annual base-rate operating revenues of $18.85 million, which consists of an increase in base rate water revenues of $16 million and an increase in base rate wastewater revenues of $2.85 million.  In its original filing, York Water had proposed a general increase in water rates of more than $20.3 million per year, and a general increase in wastewater rates of more than $3.85 million per year.

Additionally, the settlement provides for a much smaller increase in York Water’s monthly residential customer charge for water customers – with a monthly adjustment from $17.25 to $19.75, as opposed to the monthly $24.85 customer charge initially proposed by the company.

Per details included with the recommended decision, York Water provides water and wastewater services to various townships, municipalities and subdivisions, and these rates are separate and distinct.  The new rates can become effective on March 1, 2026.

Consumer Enhancements

The approved settlement also directs several consumer enhancements to be undertaken by York Water, highlighted by the following:

• Approval of the company’s proposed pilot low-income bill discount program, including an additional $40,000 in annual funding for a program total of $80,000 per year.
  
  
• Annual funding of $40,000 for York Water’s Cares Low Income Customer Assistance Program is maintained. Information about the Cares Program and arrears forgiveness program will be posted on the company’s website.
  
  
• A company review of its termination notices for potential improvements. If any updates to termination notices need to be made as part of that review, York Water will consult with the OCA and file revised versions of the termination notices within 90 days of the Commission’s Final Order.
  
  
• A redesigned bill format by the company within 90 days of the Commission’s Final Order.
  
  
• Call center improvements to include a good faith effort by York Water to operate its call center to reduce the level of abandoned calls to no more than 4% annually and continue to answer no less than 80% of its calls within 30 seconds.

Updated Customer Class Demand Study

Today’s settlement also directs York Water to explore the feasibility of an updated demand study in an effort to enhance the company’s Water Cost of Service Study and ensure equitable revenue distribution.  A proposed customer class demand study could analyze the demand over a representative number of recent years using the customer data, at a minimum, for each period of time covering ten (10) years, twenty (20) years, and thirty (30) years from the date the study commences.

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, 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-2025-3053442
R-2025-3053573

Contact:

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