HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted to approve a rate increase for Manwalamink Water Co., Monroe County.

The Commission voted 3-2 to allow the company to raise its rates by about $78,100 (30.2 percent). Commissioners Kim Pizzingrilli and Robert J. Powelson dissented. 

The new rates will increase the customers service charge from $3.00 to $4.80 per month, resulting in an increase of $1.80 per month.  The customer using 44,850 gallons a year will see their bill increase from $174.96 to $228.96

The company provides service to approximately 1,167 residential customers and 50 commercial customers in the Village of Shawnee on Delaware, and portions of Smithfield and Middle Smithfield townships in Monroe County.  The Commission found the company’s need for an increase was to recover the costs of providing service that were not fully reflected in the company’s current charges.