In its public meeting today, July 11, 2024, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) approved modified water and sewer rate hikes recommended by administrative law judges in May. Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC) originally sought extreme water rate increases in November, but those rates were reduced while recommended sewer rate increases were more than doubled.
Originally, PAWC sought rate increases of 24.2 percent for water customers and 2.5 percent for wastewater customers that would have cost Scranton residents an estimated $220 more per year. The approved rate hikes of 10.7 percent for water customers and 6.4 percent for wastewater customers are slightly lower than those recommended by a panel of judges this spring (respectively 11.3 and 6.6 percent). The approval was accompanied by several motions that will, among other actions, require PAWC to complete an investigation of its northeastern service territory to address water quality and service issues within nine months, or by May 7, 2025.
“Throughout our advocacy efforts as we amplified our residents’ concerns, we made it clear that the extreme rate hikes sought by PAWC were not sustainable for those living in Scranton,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “The reduction in water rate hikes is a step in the right direction, but the suggestion to further increase wastewater rates is not.
“Further, we hope the investigation into service and quality issues in Scranton recommended by the PUC can protect any residents who have ongoing concerns about their water quality. The PUC’s decision to investigate these issues, highlighted by public testimony, show that advocacy by residents and their elected officials can create positive change,” Cognetti concluded.
In their comments today, PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank, Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow, and Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss recalled the extensive public input gathered in the water and wastewater rate hike request. Public input included two hearings in January at the Scranton Cultural Center, along with others held across the commonwealth. The City of Scranton was one of eight formal interveners providing written testimony opposed to the original rate hikes.
At the Scranton Cultural Center, administrative law judges heard from local elected officials including Scranton City Councilmembers William F. King and Dr. Jessica Rothchild about issues including but not limited to poor billing cycles resulting in automatic late fees and dirty water.
DeFrank recalled residents from Scranton and surrounding municipalities who were afraid to consume their water due to its odor or appearance. Others formally complained about multiple water main breaks, service interruptions, and customers either filtering their own water or buying water to safeguard family members and pets. More than 30 complaints and 50 comments asserted PAWC’s negative quality of service through public testimony.
Commissioner Zerfuss also discussed public comments from those who dramatically reduced the frequency that they bathed or flushed their toilets in order to reduce their personal water and wastewater costs.
The rate increase, she added, “is not just and not reasonable,” noting that this is the third PAWC rate increase heard by the PUC in four years.
Residents may see PAWC rate increases as early as August 2024.
The City and its attorneys will continue to examine today’s vote and associated motions to ensure continued advocacy in the best interest of Scranton residents.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 80,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov.
PUC Approves PAWC Water Sewer Rate Increases | Press Release
Last modified: July 12, 2024
