PUC sides with water company in Scranton rate hike

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has denied Scranton's request to reconsider big increases in rates of Pennsylvania American Water. According to reports, the PUC determined the city failed to justify any changes to increases in water and sewer rates by Pennsylvania American Water, adopted July 11 by the PUC and that took effect Aug. 7. The PUC also started an investigation into water-quality and service concerns and complaints raised by customers and local legislators in the water company's northeastern service territory, particularly from the Scranton and Dunmore areas. That probe is expected to be completed within nine months.