The Public Utility Commission has decided further investigation is warranted on Pennsylvania American Water Company’s request for a rate increase of about 14.6 percent. By a 5-0 vote on Thursday, the PUC opted to suspend the increases for both water and wastewater service.
Under Pennsylvania American’s proposal, the utility’s 682,000 customers would pay about $168.7 million more annually. For a typical residential water customer using 3,623 gallons a month, it would be an increase of between $2.73 and $27.77 (9.8 percent to 41.4 percent), depending on their service area. Wastewater customers using a similar amount (3,164 gallons per month) would pay anywhere from no increase up to $26.29 more (54.14 percent). Combined stormwater and wastewater system customers would pay $20 per month more.
Pennsylvania American’s last rate increase was in July of last year. The suspension of the latest increase request is for up to seven months from the proposed effective date of January 26th. A final decision is due by August 13th.
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