Customers of The York Water Company will soon see higher water and wastewater bills after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a joint settlement allowing new base rates.
The rate changes take effect on March 1 and are expected to generate about $18.85 million in additional annual revenue for the utility, the York Water Company said in a press release on Thursday.
“The York Water Company is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services,” said JT Hand, President and CEO of The York Water Company. “This disciplined rate adjustment allows us to reinvest in our system, ensuring that we can continue meeting the needs of our growing communities while meeting or exceeding the increasing regulatory demands placed on our industry.”
The York Water Company petitioned the PUC to approve a rate increase last year. The agency held two public hearings last year before making its decision.
For the typical residential customer, the settlement means they’ll pay about $8.51 more per month for water service — roughly 28 cents a day — and about $25.45 more per month for wastewater service, or about 85 cents a day.
Even with the increase, the company said the average cost of 1,000 gallons of water will remain just over a penny per gallon.
Company leaders say the added revenue will fund critical upgrades to aging infrastructure across the region.
Planned improvements include replacing and relining older water mains, upgrading meters and hydrants, expanding wastewater treatment plants, and improving storage tanks and pump stations.
The company also said the rate package doubles funding for low-income customer assistance programs, expanding help for qualifying households in York, Adams, Franklin and Lancaster counties.
Hand said the company has not raised rates in three years and described the adjustment as a balance between investing in the system and being mindful of customers’ budgets.
Customers will see the updated rates reflected on bills beginning in March.