PUC to probe water rate hike request

Process may include hearings, public comment

HARRISBURG » The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted Thursday to investigate proposed water and wastewater rate increases by Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc.

The commission voted unanimously to investigate the request.

The decision means that Aqua Pennsylvania’s revenue and rate increase requests are suspended for up to seven months from the time the rate would have otherwise become effective.

The company’s requested effective date was Oct. 16, 2018. A final decision by the Public Utility Commission is due by May 16, 2019.

Aqua Pennsylvania filed a request with the Public Utility Commission Aug. 17 to increase its annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $66.373 million — an increase of 15.4 percent. The company also filed to seek a corresponding increase in its annual operating revenues for wastewater services by $5.369 million — 40.1 percent.

The total annual revenue increase request amounts to approximately $71.8 million.

As a result of Thursday’s order by the Public Utility Commission, the rate case will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for evidentiary hearings and the issuance of recommended decisions or settlements.

No schedule or locations for the hearings has been established.

The investigation is “instituted to determine the lawfulness, justness, and reasonableness of the rates, rules, and regulations contained in Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.’s proposed Tariff,” the order stated.

If hearings are scheduled before an Administrative Law Judge, evidence in support of the rate increase will be examined and testimony offered. The hearings also present an opportunity for consumers to voice their opinions.

Following completion of the hearing process, a recommendation by the Administrative Law Judge will then be made to the Public Utility Commission for a vote and final decision by the commissioners.

After examining the evidence, the commission may approve all, none, or a portion of the request.

“Aqua Pennsylvania respects