Pennsylvania American Water has been granted permission to increase its water and wastewater charges over two years following its $1.64 billion investment to replace ageing infrastructure between 2019 and 2022.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved a settlement agreement that was filed between the company and the PUC Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.
Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran said: “We are pleased the Commission has approved this settlement, which reflects carefully negotiated terms that balance the customer’s interest with the much-needed ongoing investments made by the company. We also appreciate the diligence of all parties in the case that supported our company’s robust commitments to additional consumer protections and customer hardship assistance in light of the economic challenges presented by COVID-19.”
Through its H2O Help to Others Program™, the company already provides financial assistance to low-income customers who qualify, including emergency grants, bill discounts and water-saving devices and education. The agreement includes enhancements to the company’s COVID-19 customer relief measures and low-income assistance programs, including waiving reconnection fees for customers at or below 200 percent of Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) for one year. The company will also increase its annual contribution to the H2O Help to Others grant program from $450,000 to $600,000.
“Pennsylvania American Water is steadfastly committed to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable customers and being responsive to the current environment caused by the pandemic,” Doran continued. “At the same time, we remain focused on meeting the current and future needs of our customers through sound infrastructure and public health protection by making prudent, ongoing investments to maintain and upgrade water and wastewater systems.”
Do you have an article that you would like to share? Submit your article here or keep up with the latest news from the water industry and wastewater industry by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
