PAOLI, PA — State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, announced that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has commenced a series of public hearings to gather feedback on proposed increases in water and sewer rates. These hearings will take place across Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties in the coming week.
The proposed rate hikes would see the average monthly bill for residential water customers rise by 19.9%, translating to an increase of $16.10. Meanwhile, residential wastewater customers would face an 18.4% hike, equating to an additional $14.92 per month. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has formally lodged a complaint against these proposed increases with the PUC.
Hearing Schedule
The public hearings are scheduled as follows:
- Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Delaware County
- 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Delaware County Community College, STEM Building – Room #1403 (Auditorium), 901 S. Media Line Road, Media, PA 19063
- Thursday, Aug. 8 – Chester County
- 1 p.m.
- New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350
- Monday, Aug. 12 – Montgomery County
- 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Spring-Ford Area High School (Auditorium), 350 S. Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
Rep. Shusterman emphasized the impact of these rate hikes on consumers, stating, “Consumers are hit hard by rate hikes, making essential resources a financial strain. These increases turn a necessity into a growing expense, creating obstacles to access that can have wide-ranging consequences. Nonetheless, we have an opportunity to make a difference by participating in the hearings. I am eager to see a strong turnout.”
Telephonic Public Input Hearings
In addition to in-person hearings, telephonic public input hearings have been scheduled:
- Wednesday, Aug. 14
- 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Residents who wish to testify at the telephonic hearings must pre-register by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13. To register, they should email PUC Legal Assistant Christina M. Biggica at cbiggica@pa.gov or call 717-787-1191, providing their first and last name, the phone number they will use to call into the hearing, and additional contact information.
Interested individuals can visit the PUC’s website for more details on the hearing procedures and to access a form for commenting during the hearing.
By participating in these hearings, residents have the opportunity to voice their concerns and influence the outcome of the proposed rate increases.
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