Pennsylvania American Water recently filed a rate adjustment request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
If approved as requested, the average residential customer would see a monthly water bill increase of approximately $17, a wastewater bill for combined sewer service increase of approximately $4, and a wastewater bill for sanitary sewer service decrease of approximately $5.
The new rates would take effect in August with the exception of some recently acquired systems that would have rate increases take effect at later dates.
The company is filing for the increase because of $1 billion in water and wastewater system investments it will make through mid-2025. The investment will replace aging infrastructure, enhance water quality, comply with environmental regulations, ensure reliable service, and increase fire protection for customers.
“There is tremendous need for significant and costly improvements to the commonwealth’s water and wastewater infrastructure, and Pennsylvania American Water is playing a key role by making necessary investments and replacing century-old pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities,” Justin Ladner, Pennsylvania American Water president, said. “We do this judiciously and with customer affordability in mind, which is why we’re also proposing to make more customers eligible for our bill assistance programs and mitigate increases for wastewater service.”