Press Release

PUC to Investigate Water Rate Increase Request by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc.

Published on 5/5/2016

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to investigate a request from Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. Water Division (Community Utilities) for a rate increase for its water service.      

The Commission voted 4-0 to investigate the request, which is suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision. The Commission must issue a final decision by Jan. 5, 2017. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the PUC’s website.

Community Utilities, formerly known as Penn Estates Utilities Inc. and Utilities Inc. Westgate, provides water service to 2,605 customers in Monroe and Northampton counties. The proposed rates would provide an increase in annual revenues of $427,817 (40 percent). Under the proposal, the total monthly bill for an average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water in the service territory formerly known as Penn Estates Utilities, Inc. would increase from $34.96 to $52.69 (50.7 percent), while the total monthly bill for an average residential customer using 5,000 gallons of water in the service territory formerly known as Utilities Inc. – Westgate, would increase from $43.33 to $52.69 (21.6 percent).  

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 issues.

# # #

Docket No.: R-2016-2538660

 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov