Press Release

PUC Issues Emergency Order, Directs North Heidelberg Sewer Co., Met-Ed to Maintain Full, Proper Operations at Berks Wastewater Treatment Plant

Published on 3/23/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG  – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued an Emergency Order directing North Heidelberg Sewer Co. (NHSC) and Metropolitan Edison Co. (Met-Ed) to maintain full and proper operations at North Heidelberg Township’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Based in Bernville, Berks County, NHSC serves customers in portions of North Heidelberg and Jefferson townships.

The Commission’s Emergency Order, triggered by a petition filed by the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E), directs NHSC to pay its current and past due amounts owed to Met-Ed. The Order also prohibits Met-Ed from terminating electric services to NHSC without prior authorization from the Commission. Additionally, NHSC is required to ensure its customers, by way of written correspondence, that it will continue to provide safe, adequate and reasonable wastewater service.

The PUC Order was driven by concern that the termination of electric service to the NHSC treatment plant presents serious and immediate health issues, including catastrophic results with the discharge of untreated wastewater into Pennsylvania waterways and backups at customer locations.

An evidentiary proceeding will follow to determine the rights and obligations of the parties, as well as the consequences of failure to comply with further Commission directives.

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” PA Public Utility Commission” on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No. P-2017-2594688  

Contact:

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