Press Release

PUC Approves Lower Rate Increase than Requested for Aqua Pennsylvania

Published on 6/7/2012

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to approve a lower rate increase request than requested by Aqua Pennsylvania (Aqua).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a settlement for an annual increase in rates of $16.7 million (4.1 percent).  The settlement was reached among Aqua, the Commission’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate and the Aqua Large Users Group. The company had originally requested an increase in rates of annual revenues of $38.6 million (9.4 percent).  Five public input hearings were held within Aqua’s service territory.

As part of the approval, the average residential customer residing in the Main Division using 4,745 gallons per month would see a monthly increase of $1.99 from $52.86 to $54.85.  Under the company’s proposal, the average residential customer residing in the Main Division using 4,000 gallons per month would have experienced a monthly increase of $5.08 from $52.86 to $57.94.

Aqua PA presently serves over 404,000 customers in portions of 27 counties.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-2011-2267958

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov