Aqua Pennsylvania Files Rate Request Based on Water and Wastewater Operations, Infrastructure Improvements and Repairs Across the Commonwealth
24 Mai 2024 - 12:00AM
Business Wire
Request reflects Aqua’s commitment to
reliability and service for customers
Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. (Aqua) filed an application with the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today requesting an
adjustment in water and wastewater rates for its customers. This
rate request reflects recovery of the $953 million in
infrastructure investments through the end of 2025 and highlights
Aqua’s commitment to improving reliability and service for its
customers across the commonwealth.
“We are at a critical point when it comes to our water and
wastewater infrastructure here in Pennsylvania and across the
country,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “I am proud
to share that our replacement of older pipes that deliver drinking
water not only improves customer service by reducing the number of
water main breaks and leaks, but also decreases environmental
impacts that may occur from these breaks. In addition, we are
aggressively responding to new regulations requiring treatment of
source water to remove PFAS and replacement of lead service lines,
as well as defending against threats from cyber-attacks, which is
becoming a more common occurrence throughout our industry.”
The request, Aqua’s first in almost three years, covers capital
investments and system repairs that Aqua has made since April 2023
and is projected to make through the end of 2025. This includes the
replacement of approximately 200 miles of aging water main, as well
as associated valves and customer service lines, throughout the
approximately 5,900-mile distribution system. Aqua has also
replaced hundreds of fire hydrants, drastically improving public
safety in the communities it serves.
“While I’m proud of the work we have done, and will continue to
do, in modernizing our water and wastewater infrastructure, I also
understand rate changes can be difficult for our customers,” said
Lucca. “That’s why we are aggressively seeking grants and
low-interest loans to moderate rate impacts. In fact, in the past
few years, we have successfully secured approximately $32 million
in state grants and low-interest loans and have an additional
pending request for nearly $85 million to benefit our customers. We
commit to continue pursuing these grants and low-interest
loans.”
Aqua also offers several options for customers seeking financial
assistance. “We want to help our customers with limited incomes
connect with programs and resources that make utility bills more
affordable,” said Director of Community Assistance Programs Rita
Black. “Anyone who is concerned about being unable to pay their
bill is encouraged to learn more about these programs on our
website.”
Aqua’s requested base rate increase requires investigation and
approval by the PUC. The rate review process can take up to nine
months, which means customers can expect any approved increases to
take effect at the end of February 2025.
If the company’s full request were to be approved, it would
increase the residential water bill for a typical customer using
3,870 gallons per month from $80.91 to $97.01, an increase of about
$16.10 per month (54 cents per day). The average monthly
residential wastewater bill would increase from $81.18 to $96.10.
The typical Aqua residential customer would still be able to have a
day’s worth of water, approximately 129 gallons, for approximately
$2.44 - or about 2 cents per gallon for quality water delivered
directly to the customer’s home. This usage includes cooking,
drinking, showering, washing clothes and dishes, and sanitation.
Aqua is requesting an overall rate increase of $126.7 million per
year for its water and wastewater operations.
The process to modify base rates is transparent and involves
multiple opportunities for public participation. Customers can call
Aqua at 877.987.2782 for more information about the rate
request.
About Aqua Pennsylvania Aqua Pennsylvania provides water
and wastewater service to approximately 1.5 million people in 32
counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Visit
AquaWater.com for more information or follow @MyAquaWater on
Facebook and @MyAquaWater on X.
About Essential Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:WTRG)
(“Essential” or the “Company”) delivers safe, clean, reliable
services that improve quality of life for individuals, families,
and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and
natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth,
operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier
employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and
are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600
acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.
Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves
approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Essential is
one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater
service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at
www.essential.co.
Forward-Looking Statements This release contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which generally include
words such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,”
“estimates” and similar expressions. The Company can give no
assurance that any actual or future results or events discussed in
these statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements
represent its views only as of today and should not be relied upon
as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Readers are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to a
variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s
actual results to differ materially from the statements contained
in this release. Such forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to, statements relating to the capital to be invested
in Aqua’s water and wastewater infrastructure, that it will
continue to seek and receive grants and low-interest loans, and
that it will receive its requested rate increase. There are
important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements including the factors discussed in the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which
are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more
information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the
Company’s business, please refer to the Company’s annual, quarterly
and other SEC filings. The Company is not under any obligation -
and expressly disclaims any such obligation - to update or alter
its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240523953666/en/
Media: Patrick Wenger Aqua Communications Manager O:
610.645.1175 PMWenger@aquawater.com
Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG)
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