SCRANTON, Pa. — Standing just feet from the Pennsylvania American Water Company offices in Scranton, state lawmakers expressed their frustrations after the water company requested a 1.9 percent rate hike for its customers. Lawmakers say it's more like 25 to 32 percent for some in Lackawanna County.
"These water and sewage rate increases are more than just figures. They're an unacceptable assault on our local residents, especially working families and our seniors," said State Senator Marty Flynn.
For the average residential customer, the proposed rates would increase the monthly water bill by about $17 per month.
The company's website says the reason behind the price hike is due to replacing aging infrastructure, enhancing water quality and services, as well as complying with environmental regulations.
Legislators say Scranton and Dunmore residents were hit with a 70 percent increase last year, claiming the company did not follow through on its promise to customers of no major hikes when it took over the Scranton Sewer Authority in 2016.
"Scranton and Dunmore ratepayers were sold a false bill of goods, and Pennsylvania American Water, the largest investor-owned utility in the Commonwealth, is clearly putting shareholder profits ahead of the ratepayers they are entrusted to serve," said State Representative Kyle Donahue.
Ann Harrington is one of those seniors living in Scranton on a fixed income. She has been trying to do everything she can to conserve her water use since her rates increased last year, and she knows she's not the only one.
"They're just going from payday to payday. And it's tough sometimes, especially for my neighbors next door. They've got five kids. I don't know how they do it," Harrington said.
Legislators believe there are too many people who won't be able to pay their bills because they don't qualify for help.
"Roughly 24,000 customers in our area, only 9,000 are enrolled in the in the customer assistance, income-driven program," said State Representative Kyle Mullins.
PA American Water offered a response to Senator Flynn's statement of the 70.4% increase saying:
"In its April 2022 filing, PAW requested a 4% decrease for Scranton wastewater customers ($55.76 to $53.55.) This was included in the notice of proposed water and wastewater rate changes that all customers received in the mail. However, the other parties in the case advocated for steeper increases for Scranton wastewater customers so that Scranton wastewater customers would share more of the costs associated with the company's significant wastewater system investments. The settlement amount (70.4%) reflects a compromise and avoids potentially higher rates that could have resulted if the case were fully litigated."