Hearings set on bid to hike PWSA water rates

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Four public hearings next month will center on rate increases sought by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority.

Under PWSA’s proposal to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, bills for typical residential customers using 3,000 gallons a month would increase about 17 percent in 2019.

Higher rates are necessary to stabilize and rebuild the utility after years of lackluster maintenance and relatively low rates, according to PWSA officials. Commercial customers using 13,000 gallons a month would see their bills increase roughly 21 percent; industrial customers using 680,000 gallons a month, about 28 percent; and health and educational organizations using 50,000 gallons a month, around 10 percent, according to PUC.

Whether PWSA can impose the increases — which would take effect likely in April of next year — hinges on PUC approval.

PUC’s review process includes public input and a chance for parties to file objections. The commission has slated public hearings for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Allegheny Center Alliance Church, 250 E. Ohio St. in North Side; 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Kingsley Community Center, 6435 Frankstown Ave., Larimer; and 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center, 1852 Enoch St., Crawford-Roberts.

Mark A. Hoyer, a deputy chief administrative law judge, will conduct the hearings, and people don’t need to sign up or register in advance, PUC said. They can just show up and speak.

People with special needs may call 1-717-787-1399 to request accommodations,according to PUC. Those calls should be placed at least five business days in advance. Requests for interpreters should be made at least 10 businessdays in advance, PUC said.

The commission’s oversight of PWSA began in April. Commissioners are expected to decide by March 31 whether to approve the rate increases. Complete rate filings are available through PUC atwww.puc.pa.gov.