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Understanding Pennsylvania American Water's New Initiatives

Pennsylvania American Water, the state's largest regulated water utility, is making significant updates to its service rates and customer assistance programs this week. These changes are important not just for maintaining infrastructure but also for supporting community members facing financial difficulties.

Upcoming Changes to Water and Wastewater Rates

Beginning this week, residents will notice a slight increase in their water and wastewater bills. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved these new rates to facilitate essential improvements across the water supply system. For a typical residential water customer, the monthly bill will increase by about $3. Meanwhile, customers connected to sanitary wastewater systems will see an approximate rise of $14, whereas those using combined stormwater and wastewater systems can expect an increase of about $17.

These adjustments are part of a broader initiative that includes a $1.2 billion investment plan aimed at enhancing the water and wastewater infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania. This substantial investment will cover the replacement of 117 miles of outdated water mains, as well as eliminating lead service lines and addressing emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, in our drinking water supplies. Furthermore, necessary upgrades to the wastewater systems will also occur, including an upgrade of 32 miles of old sewer mains.

Expanded Customer Assistance Programs

Recognizing that these increases could impact household budgets, Pennsylvania American Water is also enhancing its customer assistance initiatives. For over 35 years, the H2O Help to Others Program™ has provided aid to eligible customers. Last year alone, this program offered over $16 million in discounts and $1.8 million in grants.

With the new rate changes approved by the PUC, the customer assistance program will see significant enhancements:

• - Increased Financial Assistance: Eligible customers will now receive monthly financial assistance raised from $25 to $40.
• - Arrearage Forgiveness Credits: Customers enrolled in the program can earn credits for each complete payment made, regardless of payment timing.
• - Full Arrearage Forgiveness Opportunities: Enrolled customers have the chance to receive complete arrearage forgiveness over a 24-month period.
• - Retroactive Credit Application: Participating households will receive retroactive credits once their balance has been paid in full, further easing their financial burdens.

Justin Ladner, President of Pennsylvania American Water, emphasizes the company's commitment to providing both high-quality services and support to customers facing economic challenges. He stated, "These enhancements will provide eligible customers with more opportunities to reduce past-due balances, maintain service, and improve household affordability."

How Customers Can Apply for Assistance

To ease the process of applying for support, Pennsylvania American Water has partnered with the Dollar Energy Fund, allowing customers to navigate a simple three-step method for determining their eligibility for assistance. This process includes:
1. Using an online income calculator.
2. Reviewing eligibility requirements.
3. Applying for financial assistance through the program.

These initiatives are designed not just to accommodate current customers but to ensure that affordable water service remains accessible to all households that qualify.

Conclusion

The responsibility of ensuring safe and reliable water service is paramount. With rising costs and the need for upgrades to the water supply infrastructure, Pennsylvania American Water is focused on maintaining this balance while also striving to support their customers’ needs. To find more information about the new rate zones, estimated bill impacts, and available customer assistance programs, residents are encouraged to visit pennsylvaniaamwater.com/rates and to stay tuned for updates in their upcoming billings. As Ladner aptly put it, "Water and wastewater service is something families rely on every day, and we are committed to providing smart upgrades while connecting customers to the support they need when it matters most."