LIMERICK PA – Aqua Pennsylvania’s recently proposed wastewater rate hike, which would affect Limerick Township rate payers, has attracted the attention of 146th District state Rep. Joe Ciresi.
Ciresi announced a press conference to be held Friday (June 7, 2024) at a township housing community “to speak against the negative impact” of the suggested increase.
Media representatives were invited to attend. The presentation also is anticipated to be open to the public. Residents of the Willow Run neighborhood – the press conference will be held in its clubhouse, at 200 Village Way – are expected.
About the proposed increase
The utility filed its request May 23 (Thursday) with the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Aqua Pennsylvania asked to raise rates and recover “$953 million in infrastructure investments through the end of 2025.” They were said to include replacing about “200 miles of aging water main, as well as associated valves and customer service lines.”
If the PUC were to grant Aqua Pennsylvania’s full request, the company estimated “the average monthly residential wastewater bill would increase from $81.18 to $96.10,” or nearly $15 a month or $179 annually.
The company noted that its “requested base rate increase requires investigation and approval by the PUC. The rate review process can take up to nine months.” As a result, it added, “customers can expect any approved increases to take effect at the end of February 2025.”
Ciresi called the rate hike proposal an “injustice” following Aqua Pennsylvania’s “near doubling of rates in the township less than three years ago.” He said his remarks “will highlight the dangers of privatization, as Aqua Pennsylvania will be raising rates in one district to make capital improvements in another district.”
Ciresi also is calling for public input hearings on rate increases, and legislation to enact clearer notification language when rate changes are proposed.
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