PUC to Hold Final Penn Am Water Hearings

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will be holding its final two public hearings this week on a proposed Penn American Water Co. (PAWC) rate increase. The company has asked the commission to allow a 12.5% annual rate increase to make up for money lost on capital improvements.

PUC spokeswoman Jennifer Kocher says in general, consumers aren’t thrilled with idea; however, some who are satisfied with PAWC’s service say if the rate increase is justified, it should be allowed. She says in either case, those who wish to speak should prepare their comments and put them in writing, so they can be filed with the PUC’s report.

Kocher says the PUC must make a decision by January 23 of 2010, but a verdict may come through earlier than that date.

The first hearing:
August 25, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
Days Inn Conference Center
139 Pittsburgh Rd
Butler, PA 16001

The second hearing:
August 26, 2009, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Washington County Agricultural Fair, Hall 4
2151 North Main Street
Washington, PA 15301