PUCO schedules public hearings for Ohio American Water rate case

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Feb. 13, 2012) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today scheduled five local public hearings to give consumers an opportunity to express their views on Ohio American Water’s application to increase rates for water and wastewater services.

The local public hearings are scheduled as follows:

Monday, March 5, 6 p.m.
Harvest Assembly of God
8075 Dellinger Road
Galloway, Ohio 43119

Wednesday, March 7, 6 p.m.
Ashtabula Township Office
Meeting Room
2718 North Ridge Street
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004

Monday, March 12, 6 p.m.
Tiffin Municipal Building
Courtroom
51 East Market Street
Tiffin, Ohio 44883

Monday, March 19, 6 p.m.
Eastland Career Center
Multipurpose Room
4465 South Hamilton Road
Groveport, Ohio 43125

Wednesday, March 21, 6 p.m.
Marion City Council
233 West Center Street
Marion, Ohio 43301

In an application filed in August 2011, Ohio American Water seeks an increase in total revenues for water services of $7.8 million, or approximately 22 percent over current revenues. In addition, Ohio American Water seeks an increase for wastewater services of $500,000, or approximately 12 percent. After reviewing the company’s application, PUCO Staff recommended a combined increase of $4.76 to $5.54 million. The PUCO commissioners are not bound by the staff report and may implement some recommendations and reject others.

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 26, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the PUCO offices in Columbus. During the adjudicatory hearing, the company, PUCO staff and intervenors in the case may offer expert testimony supporting their positions.

For more information on the procedural schedule for this case or to view a copy of Ohio American Water’s application or the PUCO staff report, visit the PUCO website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov. Click on the link to Docketing Information System and enter the case number 11-4161-WS-AIR.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business, and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe, and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.