Press Release

PUC Approves 911 Renewal Plans for Elk, Butler, Fayette, Berks, and Mercer Counties

Published on 8/17/2006

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reauthorized the telephone charge residents of Elk, Butler, Fayette, Berks and Mercer counties pay for their local 911 system.

Elk County, a sixth-class county, did not request any change in the current contribution rate of $1.50 per telephone line. Telephone companies provide service for more than 19,300 telephone access lines in the county.  ALLTELL Pennsylvania Inc., Verizon PA Inc. and various competitive local exchange carriers serve the county.

Butler County, a fourth-class county, did not request any change in the current contribution rate of $1.25 per telephone line. Telephone companies provide service for more than 92,000 telephone access lines in the county. The United Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, North Pittsburgh Telephone Co., Verizon PA Inc. and various competitive local exchange carriers serve the county.

Fayette County, a fourth-class county, did not request any change in the current contribution rate of $1.25 per telephone line. Telephone companies provide service for more than 71,600 telephone access lines in the county. Verizon PA Inc., Laurel Highland Telephone Co., Verizon North and various competitive local exchange carriers serve the county.

Berks County, a third-class county, did not request any change in the current contribution rate of $1.25 per telephone line. Telephone companies provide service for more than 192,000 telephone access lines in the county.  Verizon PA Inc., Verizon North, Commonwealth Telephone Co., Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Co. and various competitive local exchange carriers serve the county.

Mercer County, a fifth-class county, did not request any change in the current contribution rate of $1.25 per telephone line. Telephone companies provide service for more than 55,700 telephone access lines in the county. Verizon PA Inc., Verizon North Inc., ALLTEL Pennsylvania Inc., The United Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, Pymatuning Independent Telephone Co. and various competitive local exchange carriers serve the county.

The Public Emergency Telephone Act of 1990 provides for a statewide 911 emergency communication system to be administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).  The law allows the counties to recover the cost for 911 systems by accessing a fee on every telephone line.

Local phone companies collect the fee for the counties. The maximum fee that can be collected per telephone line is $1 for first- and second-class counties; $1.25 for third through fifth class counties; and $1.50 for sixth- through eighth-class counties.

The PUC reviews the contribution rates to make sure they do not exceed the allowable amount.  The PUC then forwards a decision to PEMA.  The PUC has 90 days to submit its recommendation to PEMA as to whether a proposed contribution rate should be approved or modified.  The plan and the surcharge are effective from the date of the PUC order for a period of three years.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Numbers
Elk County: M-00930491
Butler County: M-00920314
Fayette County: M-00930436
Berks County: M-00920319
Mercer County: M-00930420

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722