Pielli announces public hearings over water rate hikes
Rep. Chris Pielli August 5, 2024 | 2:45 PM
WEST CHESTER, Aug. 5 – Beginning today, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is holding a series of five public hearings in the region to gather public input on proposed water and sewer rate hikes, announced state Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester.
There will be hearings in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties over the next week.
Under the proposals, the average monthly bill for a residential water customer would increase by 19.9% ($16.10). For residential wastewater customers, the average monthly bill would increase 18.4% ($14.92).
The hearing schedule is 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
"Rate hikes burden consumers, turning essential resources into a financial strain,” Pielli said. “These increases turn a basic necessity into an escalating expense, creating a barrier to access that can lead to broader social and health implications.
“We have a choice, however, and it begins with testifying at the hearings. We are looking forward to a well-attended event.”
Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for information on how the hearing will be conducted.
In addition, telephonic public input hearings have been scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 14
1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
To testify at one of the telephonic public input hearings, interested residents must pre-register by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 by emailing PUC Legal Assistant Christina M. Biggica, at cbiggica@pa.gov, or calling 717-787-1191 and providing first and last name, the phone number that will be used to call into the public input hearing, and additional contact information.