HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on the proposed rate changes by Twin Lakes Utilities Inc., Pike County.

Administrative law judges will conduct the hearings at:

1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6
Shohola Township Municipal Building
159 Twin Lakes Road
Shohola

On July 28, 2011, the PUC suspended for investigation the rate increase request by Twin Lakes. The company’s proposal includes an annual increase of revenues of $124,420 (368 percent). Under the company’s proposal, the annual bill for an average residential customer using 29,960 gallons per year will increase $1,036.36 from $282 to $1,318.68.

Twin Lakes furnishes metered water service to approximately 120 residential customers in Shohola Township, Pike County. The request is suspended for up to seven months and will be assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judge for a recommended decision or settlement. More information on the ratemaking process is available on the Commission’s website.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearings and provide comments. Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision. The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips on how to participate. They include:

• Prepare what you are going to say beforehand. Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
• Bring copies. If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
• Plan to be questioned. Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.