Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement Including Lower Rate Increase than Requested by Columbia Water Company

Published on 3/1/2018

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that includes a lower rate increase than had been initially requested by the Columbia Water Company.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a Joint Petition for Settlement, filed by Columbia Water Company, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement. The settlement will result in an increase in total annual operating revenues of $635,000 (12.4 percent), compared to Columbia Water’ Company’s initial request of $923,668 (17.8 percent).

Under the terms of the settlement, the average monthly water bill for a residential customer in the Columbia Rate District will increase from $36.66 to $39.81 (based on a 5/8” water meter and usage of 3,000 gallons per month).

The average monthly bill for customers in the Marietta Rate District will increase from $23.33 to $28.14.

The initial rate request filed by the Company would have increased the average monthly bills to $39.50, for residential customers in both water districts.

Additionally, the settlement includes the general agreement that Columbia Water Company will not seek another general rate increase for at least 33 months after the PUC’s approval of the settlement.

Also, the Company will file a cost of service study in its next general rate case, if it proposes the full consolidation of rates in their Marietta and Columbia Rate Districts.

Columbia Water Company serves approximately 10,223 customers in West Hempfield, Rapho, East Donegal and Manor townships, and Columbia, Mountville and Marietta boroughs, all located in Lancaster County; along with Hellam Township, York 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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: R-2017-2598203

Contact:

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