Press Release

PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Requests for Water and Wastewater Cos. in Clinton, Lehigh Counties

Published on 9/17/2015

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate separate rate increase requests from the Appalachian Utilities Inc. (Clinton County) and Allied Utility Services Inc. (Lehigh County).

The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate the requests for up to seven months. The requests are suspended and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the PUC’s website.

The proposed rates for Appalachian Utilities would provide an increase in annual revenues of $252,721 (46.3 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the total annual bill for an average residential water customer using approximately 41,195 gallons of water per year would increase from $318.05 to $478.58 (50.5 percent).

The company provides water service to 1,950 customers in portions of the Borough of Avis, Pine Creek and Dunnstable townships, Clinton County.

The proposed rates for Allied Utility Services would provide an increase in annual revenues of $154,334 (61 percent).  Under the company’s proposal, the total annual bill for an average residential water customer using approximately 12,912 gallons per quarter would increase from $687 to $1,105.87 (61 percent).

The company provides water service to 302 customers in portions of Schnecksville North Sewer District and North Whitehall Township, Lehigh County.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility shopping.

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Docket Nos.  R-2015-2478098; C-2015-2500408; R-2015-2479955

Contact:

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