Aqua seeks rate increases; public hearings set before regulators
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE
HARRISBURG – Water bills could be on the rise in the Shenandoah area, among other parts of the state next year, and regulators want your input.
Aqua Pennsylvania filed an application in May seeking a rate increase from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Aqua purchased the water system serving the Greater Shenandoah Area and took control last year.
“We are at a critical point when it comes to our water and wastewater infrastructure here in Pennsylvania and across the country,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “I am proud to share that our replacement of older pipes that deliver drinking water not only improves customer service by reducing the number of water main breaks and leaks, but also decreases environmental impacts that may occur from these breaks. In addition, we are aggressively responding to new regulations requiring treatment of source water to remove PFAS and replacement of lead service lines, as well as defending against threats from cyber-attacks, which is becoming a more common occurrence throughout our industry.”
Aqua said the rate increase request is the first in three years and covers capital investments and system repairs made since April of 2023 and planned through the end of 2025.
The PUC voted last month to suspend and investigate the rate increase, which would draw in an additional $112 Million in revenue for Aqua’s water systems. Regulators have until February of 2025 to issue a decision.
In addition to the newly-acquired Shenandoah water system, Aqua also serves Girardville, Mount Carmel, Shamokin, and the surrounding areas, as well as Eagle Rock.
The PUC said that under the proposals, the average monthly bill for a residential water customer in Aqua’s primary territories using 3,870 gallons per month would increase by $16.10 (19.9%) from $80.91 to $97.01.
According to paperwork filed with the PUC, Shenandoah’s rates would remain lower than the average Aqua customer.
Customers using 3,870 gallons a month in the Shenandoah system would see their bills increase from $56.14 to $77.36 per month.
The PUC has scheduled several public hearings to hear testimony regarding the rate increases.
All but two in-person hearings are in suburban Philadelphia.
The other two will be at the Comfort Inn in West Hazleton, off Kiwanis Boulevard.
Those will be held on Thursday, August 1 at 1pm and 6pm.
There will also be two telephonic public hearings at 1pm and 6pm on August 14.
Anyone who wishes to testify at one of the telephone hearings is asked to pre-register by 4pm August 13 by emailing or calling your first and last name, phone number, and email address to [email protected] or 717-787-1191.
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