Press Release

PUC Reminds Pennsylvania-American Water Company Customers in Southwest PA of Upcoming Public Input Hearings on Requested Rate Increase, To Include Statewide Smart Hearing on July 27

Published on 7/17/2017

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC) customers of three hearings next week in southwest Pennsylvania, as well as a statewide “Smart Hearing” on July 27, to gather public input on a rate increase request (R-2017-2595853) filed by the company.

On Monday, July 24, the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge (OALJ) will conduct hearings at the following times and locations:

     1:00 p.m.
     Washington County Building
     100 W. Beau St., Room 103
     Washington, PA  15301

     6:00 p.m.
     Getaway Cafe
     3049 Sussex Ave.
     Pittsburgh, PA  15226


On Tuesday, July 25, OALJ will conduct a hearing at the following time and location:

      1:00 p.m.
     Hilton Garden Inn
     555 Synergy Drive
     Uniontown, PA  15401

Additionally, the Commission reminded all PAWC customers of a statewide “Smart Hearing” on Thursday, July 27, in Harrisburg.  Smart Hearings are broadcast live on the PUC website and allow witnesses to offer comments by telephone, from the convenience of their homes or other locations, to be considered as part of the Commission’s review.  Smart Hearings also enable residents and concerned parties throughout Pennsylvania to see and hear the testimony being offered without the need to attend the hearings in person.

Overall, the OALJ will conduct nine public input hearings on PAWC’s requested rate increase throughout the state in late July and early August, with additional hearings scheduled in Camp Hill, Wilkes-Barre, East Stroudsburg, East Fallowfield and Reading.

Rate Increase Request

Under the request submitted by PAWC, the average residential customer using 3,630 gallons per month would see a monthly increase of $9.49 from $55.63 to $65.12 per month.  The application filed by PAWC, along with other documents that are part of the PUC public docket for this case, are available on the PUC website.  PAWC presently provides water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people in Pennsylvania.

More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.


Offering Comment at a Hearing

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

• 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, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.

• Understand that 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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.:   R-2017-2595853

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov