SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) \u2014 The mayors of Scranton and Dunmore are urging state utility regulators to bring a public hearing to Lackawanna County as Pennsylvania-American Water seeks another rate increase affecting thousands of local customers.<\/p>\n
In a joint letter sent Nov. 24 to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti and Dunmore Mayor Max Conway said residents, businesses and community groups \u201care keenly interested in the potential impacts of the proposed increase\u201d and argued that a Scranton-based hearing is essential to ensure \u201crobust, representative input\u201d from those who would feel the effects.<\/p>\n
The request marks the fourth time in less than two years that Cognetti has asked the PUC to hold a public hearing in the city on utility rate proposals as part of her ongoing push for stronger consumer advocacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have repeatedly stepped up on behalf of our residents and businesses to defend against never-ending utility rate increases,\u201d Cognetti said, adding that she welcomed partnering with Conway \u201cas we fight together for the best outcomes for both of our communities and anyone struggling to afford basic needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Conway echoed those concerns, noting the borough and city faced a significant Pennsylvania-American Water rate proposal in early 2024. \u201cIn January 2024, we fought a massive rate hike from PA American Water. Now, less than two years later, they\u2019re back asking for more,\u201d he said. \u201cOur residents are not ATMs these repeated increases on an essential service are unreasonable [and] unfair.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is the second time in two years that Cognetti has specifically requested Scranton-based hearings on PAWC proposals. After hearings held at the Scranton Cultural Center in early 2024, the PUC reduced the company\u2019s requested increase by more than half and ordered an investigation into local water quality and service concerns. Scranton was one of eight formal intervenors in that case.<\/p>\n