SCRANTON, Pa. — Pennsylvania American Water says residential homes could see a 25 percent increase in their water bill this upcoming year.
Customers received a letter this week notifying them of an increase in prices.
A release from the company says that the monthly water bill for the average residential customer would increase by approximately $17 per month, the average monthly residential wastewater bill for sanitary sewer service would decrease by approximately $5 per month, and the average monthly residential wastewater bill for combined sewer service would increase by approximately $4 per month.
While most residents we spoke to aren't happy about this hike, many say it's the trend for just about everything right now.
For some in Scranton, it's out of sight, out of mind.
"I usually do auto-pay, so I really don't see it that much," Joel Grabin said.
"You use it, you pay for it," Paul Morgan said. "That's it."
While others say that the increase hits hard.
"I just went full time in my job, and it's making no difference. All that extra money is going right to bills," Pamela Thorburn said.
The company's website says the price hike is due to replacing aging infrastructure, enhancing water quality and services, and complying with environmental regulations.
"Who's going to go without water, without electric, without gas? It's the nature of the beast," Morgan said.
To help offset the increase, the company proposes expanding its income-based monthly bill discount program, opening the service to about 55,000 new customers.
While some say the extra help would be great for those who need it, some seniors like Jack McMullen of Scranton are figuring out another way around their water bill.
"It doesn't feel bad because you want to know why? I'm moving," McMullen said. "I'm moving out of Scranton."
McMullen says Pennsylvania American is just another company on the long list of those adding to inflation.
"There's no end of sight unless they do something. You know, they have to make changes somewhere. I mean, this shouldn't be just up, up, up, up."
Customers say they see spikes in pretty much everything, especially as winter makes its way in.
"It's not really impacting me that much, to tell you the truth," Grabin said. "It could be worse. I mean, when I get my gas bill, that's usually when I feel the pinch, especially in the wintertime."
Residential homes aren't the only ones that would be seeing the impact. Commercial businesses would also see a major spike of about 32 percent.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission must approve the increases and that could take up to nine months. If approved, those increases would hit your bills in August of 2024.