Public Input Hearings Scheduled For Aqua Water Rate Hike Request

HARRISBURG — The public is invited to participate in a series of telephonic hearings in early and mid-November to address proposed water and wastewater rate hikes by Aqua Pennsylvania, rate increases that have since been suspended by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission while the body investigates the request.

The hearings, which are part of the record in that investigation period, will be held by the Public Utility Commission on Nov. 8, 9, 10 and 12.

Earlier this month, the state utility regulators voted to suspend Aqua's request for a rate hike, saying they needed to investigate the matter before taking any action on the proposed increases.

The proposed water and wastewater rate increases have come under fire from members of the public and some state officials.

According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Aqua Water looks to increase its annual revenues for water services by about $86.118 million, or 16.9 percent, while Aqua Wastewater seeks a corresponding increase by $11.566 million, or 31.2 percent.

Under the proposals, the average month bill for a residential water customer using 4,000 gallons per month would increase by $11.97 from $69.35 to $81.32, and the average monthly bill for a residential wastewater customer would increase $18.44, from $55.51 to $73.95.

Some lawmakers contend that the proposed rate increases should not be approved because Aqua currently has sufficient revenues allowing it to provide a public service while still making a very nice profit, and also because residents may still be suffering financial hardships due to the ongoing pandemic.

The upcoming hearings, which will be presided over by Public Utility Commission Administrative Law Judge Mary D. Long, will give the public a chance to offer their opinions on the proposed increases.

Those wishing to testify during any of the upcoming hearings must pre-register by 4 p.m. on Nov. 5, which can be done by sending an email to Judge Long's legal assistant, Daniela Alban, at dalban@pa.gov.

Individuals must provide their first and last name, date and time of the hearing at which they would like to testify, phone number to be reached at, and whether or not a language interpreter would be needed.

The hearings will take place Nov. 8 at 6 p.m., Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.

Pre-registration could also be done via phone by calling 412-565-3550.

Anyone wishing to offer any exhibits during the public hearing must send them to Long beforehand through email at malong@pa.gov. This must be done by Nov. 5.