Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Than Requested Water and Wastewater Rate Increases for Eaton Sewer & Water Company

Published on 12/19/2019

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a joint settlement involving Eaton Sewer and Water company (Eaton Sewer & Water) which includes lower than requested increases in the rates for wastewater and water service for customers in Wyoming County.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to adopt the Recommended Decision from the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge and approve the Joint Petition for Settlement.  The settlement was submitted by Eaton Sewer & Water, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, the Office of Small Business Advocate and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.

The settlement calls for an overall increase in annual operating revenues of $42,006 (approximately 25%) for wastewater service, along with an overall increase in annual operating revenues of $10,028 (approximately 6%) for water service. In their original filing, Eaton Water & Sewer had sought a 45% increase in annual wastewater revenues, along with a 35% increase in annual water revenues.

Under the settlement, the bill for a typical residential wastewater customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month would increase from $51.65 to $66.75 (29.2%) – rather than to $74.90 (45%), as originally requested by the company.

Additionally, the bill for a typical residential water customer using 5,000 gallons of water per month would increase from $37.30 to $40.15 (7.6%) – rather than to $50.35 (35%) as originally proposed in the rate request.

The approved settlement also requires compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection directives regarding the adequacy of power resources for ensuring uninterrupted system services to the consumers of Eaton Sewer & Water.

Eaton Sewer & Water serves approximately 106 residential customers and 25 commercial customers in portions of Eaton Township, Wyoming 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 Nos.:
R-2019-3009567
R-2019-3009559

Contact:

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