SCRANTON, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is holding 12 hearings across the state to gather public input on proposed water and wastewater rate hikes.
Two hearings took place at the Scranton Cultural Center on Tuesday.
Pennsylvania American Water is proposing an increase of nearly 25 percent on water usage.
Customers, on average, would pay about $17 more per month.
State and local legislators have led the charge against Pennsylvania American Water's rate hike, specifically for residents of Scranton and Dunmore after the sale of the Scranton Sewer Authority.
For more than three hours, more than a dozen people testified in front of a panel about the constant increase in rates and the difficulty they have paying their bill.
"There is no legitimate reason that the rate increase for capital costs for plant facilities should go on indefinitely. Your car loan doesn't, your mortgage doesn't neither should this mortgage for capital improvements alone. It should be sent back to the consumer when they're done with it," said Larry Milliken, Dunmore.
"70.4 percent last year. How is a family of four—a quarter of our population is making in Scranton under $20,000 a year—how are they going to carry that?" asked state Sen. Marty Flynn, (D), 22 District.
Mary Tanealian lives in Tobyhanna and is upset about the chance of her bill going up. She also says the quality of the water isn't worth the cost.
"I see you're all drinking bottled water. I'm drinking bottled water flavored from a store; my husband drinks bottled water from a store. That's an added expense we have because the water quality of our water is horrible. I can't even make an ice cube with it." asked Mary Tanealian from Tobyhanna.
"It doesn't make sense. Something has to give, and it's not the back of us. We're not your banks, we're not your loan officers. We politely reject your request," said Olivia Jackson, Dunmore.
A few people spoke up for the water company's increase, stating that it's part of doing business.
Penns Northeast is fortunate enough to highlight these resources to growing companies. These assets come with a cost. To be competitive with other communities, our utility companies must continue to invest in their infrastructure and people. Regulated utilities provide convenience, quality, sustainability, and reliability," said John Augustine, Penns Northeast owner.
The Public Utility Commission is expected to make a final decision on the rate increase in August.