Proposed rate increases that will result in higher water and sewer bills across the 69 News viewing area will be under the microscope in the new year.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled ten public hearings in January on the request by Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC).

Eight of the hearings will be in-person and two will be conducted by telephone. The PUC will use testimony gathered at the hearings to guide its decision on whether the increase will be approved.

Of the in-person hearings, only two are in the 69 News viewing area. Both of those hearings will take place on Tuesday, January 20 at the Dunn Community Center at 4565 Prestwick Dr. in Exeter Township, Berks County.

Hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m., and hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m.

The other in-person hearings are happening in Washington, Lackawanna and Dauphin counties.

The public hearings being conducted by telephone will take place on Wednesday, January 21. Hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m., and hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m.

You can find information about how to take part in the hearings here.

PAWC said the new rates would support $1.2 billion in ongoing water and wastewater service system investments through 2027. 

If the PUC gives the go-ahead, the typical residential water customer would see an increase of approximately $14 per month. Wastewater customers would see an increase of about $10 per month. Customers with combined stormwater and wastewater systems would see an increase of about $20 per month, the company said.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, with about 682,000 water customers and 97,000 wastewater customers.

The company provides water service to 20 counties in Pennsylvania, including Northampton, Bucks and Schuylkill. It provides water and wastewater services to 17 counties, including Berks, Montgomery, Chester and Monroe.