PUC suspends PA American Water rate increase for investigation
HARRISBURG – What the PA Public Utilities Commission says would have been a 25% average increase for customers of Pennsylvania American Water, which serves the Frackville area, has been halted for investigation.
The PUC made the announcement Thursday, suspending the rate increase until next August.
Customers in Pennsylvania American Water’s Rate Zone 1, which includes Frackville and Laurel Ridge, would have seen their average bill, based on 3,201 gallons of metered usage per month, increase from $70.65 to $88.24 (24.9%).
The PUC voted 5-0 to suspend the proposed rate increases, which would increase the company’s total annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $199.2 million (24.2%) and increase total annual operating revenues for wastewater services by approximately $4.7 million (2.5%).
The case will now be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for an investigation, the scheduling of hearings and the issuance of a recommended decision.
A final decision by the PUC on the rate increase request is due by August 7, 2024. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the PUC’s website.
Pennsylvania American Water serves Frackville borough, Englewood, Altamont, and Laurel Ridge.
About Author
