Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Requests for PA American Water’s Wastewater Divisions

Published on 6/16/2010

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate rate increase requests by Pennsylvania American Water Co. (PAWC)for four wastewater divisions.  

The Commission voted 4-0 to investigate the requests. Commissioner Robert F. Powelson issued a statement.

The requests are suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for public hearings and a recommended decision or settlement. A final decision must be made by Jan. 22, 2011. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.     

Clarion Wastewater Operations

PAWC proposed to increase its wastewater rates by about $968,817 (83.6 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 39,958 gallons a year would increase about $226.20 (88 percent) from $258.24 to $484.44 per year.

The Clarion Wastewater Operations provides service to about 2,215 customers in Clarion Borough; Clarion and Monroe townships; and portions of Strattanville Borough, Clarion County.

Claysville Wastewater Operations

PAWC proposed to increase its wastewater rates by about $487,486 (158 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 38,708 gallons a year would increase about $653.40 (142 percent) from $459.60 to $1,113 per year.

The Claysville Wastewater Operations provides service to about 500 customers in Claysville Borough and Donegal Township, Washington County.

Coatesville Wastewater Operations

PAWC proposed to increase its wastewater rates by about $8.2 million (197.4 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the monthly bill for an average residential customer using 51,042 gallons a year would increase about $754.08 (229 percent) from $329.16 to $1,083.24 per year.

The Coatesville Wastewater Operations provides service to about 6,035 customers in the city of Coatesville, Parkesburg Borough and West Sadsbury, East Fallowfiled, Caln, West Caln, West Brandywine, Valley, Sadsbury and Highland townships, Chester County.

Northeast Wastewater Operations

PAWC proposed to increase its wastewater rates by about $2.1 million (240 percent). The Northeast Wastewater Operations provides service to about 3,911 customers in parts of Lehman, Middle Smithfield, Smithfield and Stroud townships, Monroe County.

Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using:

• Lehman Pike Service Area – 33,220 gallons a year would increase about $489.60 (241 percent) from $202.80 to $692.40 per year.
• Winona Lakes Service Area – 43,198 gallons a year would increase about $500.40 (153 percent) from $327.96 to $828.36 per year.
• Blue Mountain Lake Service Area – 52,887 gallons a year would increase about $683.64 from $276.60 to $906.24.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-2010-2166208; R-2010-2166210; R-2010-2166212; R-2010-2166214

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• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722