PUC to Investigate Rate Increase Requests by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. for Water and Wastewater Services
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to suspend and investigate proposed rate increase requests by Community Utilities of Pennsylvania Inc. (CUPA) for water and wastewater services.
CUPA provides water service to approximately 3,257 customers in portions of Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties and wastewater services to approximately 3,832 customers in portions of Monroe, Chester and Pike counties.
The Commission voted 5-0 to investigate CUPA’s proposals to increase annual water revenues by approximately $1.5 million (62.2%) and annual wastewater revenues by $1.8 million (50.9%).
Under CUPA’s proposal for water service, the typical monthly bill for residential customers using 3,452 gallons of water per month would increase from $63.90 to $101.37 (59%) except for customers in the Tamiment service territory in Lehman Township, Pike County, where the typical monthly bill for a residential customer using 2,270 gallons of water a month would increase from $44.18 to $74.68 (69%).
Under CUPA’s proposal for wastewater service, the typical monthly bill for residential customers using 3,400 gallons of water per month would increase from $74.73 to $112.51 (51%) except for customers in the Tamiment service territory in Lehman Township, Pike County, where the typical monthly bill for a residential customer using 2,225 gallons a month would increase from $57.25 to $91.48 (60%).
Based on today’s action by the Commission, the rate increase request is now suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for investigation and a recommended decision. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.
A final PUC decision on CUPA’s rate increase requests is due by Aug. 9, 2024.