PWSA files request with PUC to increase rates nearly 70% over 3-year period
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has requested a rate increase and assistance expansion.
Higher water bills could be coming down the pipe for people living in Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
The PWSA filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to raise rates by nearly 70 percent over the next three years to support infrastructure improvements.
If approved, a typical customer would see their bill jump close to 20 percent each year through 2026. The increase would be slightly lower for those in the low-income assistance bill discount program.
"Well anytime there's a rate increase, we just want people to know that there are options available for help," said Jody Robertson, director of communications at Dollar Energy Fund.
One of the options to keep water expenses at bay is PWSA's Hardship Grant Program administered by Dollar Energy Fund. This provides one grant of up to $300 per year.
"It's based on income, so a customer can make annual income for the household up to 150 percent of the poverty guidelines. So, for most families like a family of four that's about $45,000 a year or less," Robertson said.
If the water authority's rate increase is approved, two separate $300 grants would become available through the Hardship Hrant Program.
Robertson said the Dollar Energy Fund typically helps 10,000 to 11,000 Pennsylvania households and now that's up to nearly 13,000.
"We're starting to see things level off how things were before COVID and absolutely the demand has been higher than ever," she said.
She said their program is run on donations, which they're always accepting so they can be there for more families in need.
"We know water can be a struggle for people we want to make sure as many households as possible have clean, safe water in their households and if they need a little bit of help to get that, we're happy to help them with that," Robertson said.
PWSA said the rate hike would provide essential funding for mandated infrastructure improvements and address increasing operating costs related to inflation.
People can learn more about Dollar Energy Fund's assistance programs on its website.
The PWSA rate increase proposal would also make more families income qualified for its bill discount program by increasing from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 200 percent. The discount program saves people at least $35 a month.
PWSA's Pgh2O Cares Team helps customers enroll in assistance programs.
Another assistance option includes the low-income household water assistance program, check with the PA Department of Human Services for application windows.
Many people may also be eligible for the Alcosan Clean Water Assistance Fund.
The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania sent KDKA-TV a statement on how they can help people who struggle to pay their water utility bills.
The statement reads, "United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is dedicated to helping individuals and families in our five-county region meet basic needs. United Way's PA 211 Southwest is here to support those struggling to pay water utilities, help with shutoff prevention services, and respond to people's critical needs when they don't know where else to turn. In 2022, 211 made 2,052 referrals for water payment assistance in Allegheny County. Families struggling to pay their utility bills can reach out to 211 by calling 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211, or visiting pa211sw.org."
The proposal also includes a one-time $40 credit for customers to put towards rain barrels.
The PUC will examine the requested rate increase. PWSA said the rate request would go into effect on July 8th but in most cases, the PUC suspends the increase for up to an additional seven months.