Press Release

PUC Schedules Seven Public Input Hearings in Pennsylvania American Water Co. Rate Changes Request

Published on 7/16/2013

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled seven hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate changes by Pennsylvania American Water Co.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Conrad A. Johnson will conduct the hearing at:

6:30 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2013

Shaler Villa Volunteer Fire Co.

960 Saxonburg Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA  15223

ALJ Jeffrey A. Watson will conduct the hearing at:

1 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Washington County Fair and Expo Center

Hall 4

2151 North Main St.

Washington, PA  15301

ALJ Charles E. Rainey, Jr. will conduct the hearing at:

6 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Camp Hill Borough Building

2145 Walnut St.

Camp Hill, PA  17011

ALJs Angela T. Jones and Darlene D. Heep will conduct the hearings at:

1 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013

Scranton State Office Building B3

100 Lackawanna Avenue

Scranton, PA  18503

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013

Stroudsburg Area School District Auditorium

123 Linden St.

Stroudsburg, PA  18360

1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013

Exeter Community Library

4569 Prestwick Drive

Reading, PA  19606

1:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013

East Fallowfield Township Building

2264 Strasburg Road

East Fallowfield, PA  19320

On June 13, 2013, the Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the request, which proposes an annual increase in revenues of $58,618,355 (10.1 percent).  More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Water Customers

Under the company’s proposal, the total bill for a typical residential customer using 47,520 gallons annually would change as follows:

• Main Division Customers – Increase from $630.12 to $703.56 (11.7 percent)
• Nittany Area Customers – Increase from $286.08 to $703.56 (145.9 percent) 
• Sutton Hills Area – Increase from $374.52 to $703.56 (87.9 percent)
• Indian Rocks Area – Increase from $559.92 to $703.56 (25.7 percent)
• Wildcat Area – Increase from $551.28 to $703.56 (27.6 percent). 
• Lake Spangenberg Area – Increase $138.72, from $564.84 to $703.56 (24.6 percent)
• All Seasons Area – Increase from $330 to $703.56 (113.2 percent) 
• Balsinger Area – Increase from $340.80 to $703.56 (106.4 percent)
• Springfield Area – Increase from $554.56 to $703.56 (26.8 percent)
• Olwen Heights – Increase from $529.20 to $703.56 (32.9 percent).  

Wastewater Customers

Under the company’s proposal, the total bill for a typical residential customer using 47,520 gallons annually would change as follows:

• Clarion Area – Increase from $417.36 to $571.56 (36.9 percent)
• Pocono Area – Decrease from $612 to $571.56 (-6.6 percent)
• Northeast Systems – Decrease from $702 to $571.56 (-18.6 percent)
• Claysville Area – Decrease from $1,096.44 to $571.56 (-47.9 percent)
• Coatesville Area – Decrease from $810 to $571.56 (-29.4 percent)

The company provides water and wastewater service to approximately 2.2 million residential customers across 35 counties.   

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments.  Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate.  They include:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand.  Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies, if you are attending an in-person hearing.  If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Plan to be questioned.  Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.

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. 

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Numbers R-2013-2355276; C-2013-2362470; C-2013-2364641; C-2013-2364664; C-2013-2364692; C-2013-2364771; C-2013-2366095; C-2013-2367036; C-2013-2367041; C-2013-2369063; C-2013-2369095; C-2013-2369464; C-2013-2366239; C-2013-2369925; C-2013-2370649 and C-2013-2372641

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov