Public Utility Commission to hold 10 hearings on proposed Pennsylvania American Water rate increase

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold a series of 10 hearings — including one in Exeter Township — to gather public input on rate increases proposed by Pennsylvania American Water.

The privately-owned utility company in November filed a request with the PUC to raise its water and wastewater rates.

If approved, the change would increase the typical residential water customer’s bill by about $14 per month. Residential customers of the Exeter Township wastewater plant would see their sewage bills rise by about $10 per month, the company said. Customers with combined storm water and wastewater systems would see an increase of about $20 per month.

Exeter residents recently held a town hall to air their frustrations over the proposed increase.

Commercial and industrial customers would also see increased rates.

In all, the rate increases are expected to produce an additional $168.7 million in revenue for Pennsylvania American Water. The company says the rate hikes are needed to support $1.2 billion in ongoing water and wastewater system investments.

On Dec. 4, the PUC voted unanimously to suspend and investigate the proposed change. The hearings have been scheduled as part of that investigation.

Eight of the hearings will be held in-person. They are scheduled for:

• Jan.13 at the Crossroads Center in Washington, Washington County. Hearings will be held at 1 and 6 p.m.

• Jan. 15 at Scranton University’s Brennan Hall, Scranton, Lackawanna County. Hearings will be held at 1 and 6 p.m.

• Jan. 16 at state’s Keystone Building, Harrisburg, Dauphin County. Hearings will be held at 1 and 6 p.m.

• Jan. 20 at the Dunn Community Center, 4565 Prestwick Drive, Exeter Township, Hearings will be held at 1 and 6 p.m.

Two telephonic hearings will also be held. They will take place on Jan. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m.

The participate in a telephonic hearing call 866-675-4281 and use the PIN number 85057514.

Individuals wishing to testify at a telephonic hearing can preregister by 4 p.m. on Jan. 19 by emailing the PUC judges’ legal assistant, Sumathi Jayakumar Raj, at sumjayakum@pa.gov or calling the judges’ office at 717-787-4972.