Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania American Water receives recommendations amid concerns over proposed rate increase – Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Pennsylvania American Water, the public utility company tasked with providing water and wastewater services to more than half of Pennsylvania counties, received a list of recommendations in late 2023 that it says it will work to implement.
Not included in the most recent audit report was mention of concerns over a proposed rate increase, requested by the utility company less than a year after its last rate increase was implemented, and amid soaring utility costs for consumers. The audits are regularly conducted by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Pa. House panel revisits utility privatization law as consumers face soaring water and sewer bills
The PUC reports that Pennsylvania American Water is the largest water and wastewater service provider in the Commonwealth, serving 681,707 water and 97,585 wastewater customers in 37 counties across Pennsylvania.
In its audit report, PUC made 31 recommendations to Pennsylvania American Water, among them were:
- Reducing unaccounted-for-water (UFW) below the PUC’s 20% threshold and reporting UFW correctly,
- Reducing service line hits to the company’s underground facilities, including damage by PAWC employees and contractors,
- Improving physical security for control rooms and systems,
- Improving customer service performance to at least pre-pandemic levels,
- And continuing outreach efforts to assist customers in need by leveraging low-income resources to help reduce the number of customers with outstanding balances.
A spokesperson for Pennsylvania American Water told the Capital-Star that it believes the audit was a success with fewer findings from the PUC compared to the Commission’s last audit, which was conducted from 2014-2016.
In its response to the Commission, Pennsylvania American Water accepted all 31 of the PUC’s recommendations in full or part and indicated that it plans to implement most of them by the end of 2024.
“We are confident that our implementation plan demonstrates our commitment to take appropriate actions resulting from this important effort,” David Misner, a spokesperson for the utility, said.
On Dec. 21, the PUC voted unanimously to suspend a proposed rate increase for water and wastewater services provided by Pennsylvania American Water to conduct a “detailed investigation and analysis” of the proposed change.
The PUC reported last month that the proposed rate change would increase the company’s total annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $199.2 million, or more than 24%, and increase total annual operating revenues for wastewater services by approximately $4.7 million or 2.5%.
In a Dec. 10 letter to PUC Chairperson Steve DeFrank, state Rep. Jim Haddock (D-Luzerne) urged the Commission to suspend the rate increase, saying that it was “especially concerning considering PAW was just approved for a 14.5% increase by the PUC in April 2023.”
Pennsylvania American Water reported in late 2022 that the increase slated for 2023 was needed to cover the costs of replacing aging water and wastewater management systems.
“The company continues to make needed investments to replace aging infrastructure, comply with water quality and environmental regulations and meet customers’ water and wastewater service needs,” a statement from the utility reads.
While the proposed rate increase was suspended by the PUC before it was scheduled to take effect, Haddock wrote that he had heard from concerned constituents who said they were worried about the impact of the proposed increase.
“My district offices are being overwhelmed by constituents who are filled with dread and worry about how they can afford such a sudden and expensive water rate increase,” Haddock said. “This is a substantial burden for customers struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet.”
Misner said the Commission’s decision regarding the suspension of the proposed rate change is “a typical action in every large utility rate filing.”
“This allows time for the Commission and other parties to thoroughly review the request and provide opportunities for public input,” Misner said, adding that the utility informed customers not to expect the proposed increase to take effect until August 2024.
A final decision by the PUC on the rate increase request is due by Aug. 7. The next audit is scheduled to begin in 2026.
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Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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