The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is holding eight video and telephone hearings in August to gather public comment about proposed rate increases from Pennsylvania American Water Company and PAWC's Wastewater division.

Hearings will be held at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 18, 25, 26 and 27.

Registration deadlines for those wanting to testify include: Aug. 13 for the Aug. 18 hearing; Aug. 20 for the Aug. 25 hearing; Aug. 21 for the Aug. 26 hearing; and Aug. 24 for the Aug. 27 hearing.

Those who want to testify should call the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate at 1-800-684-6560, to register by 4 p.m. on the applicable registration deadline.

On June 12, the PUC voted 4-0 to investigate PAWC's requests for multiyear rate increases in its water and wastewater rates.

For water service, PAWC proposes to increase total annual operating revenues by about $80.1 million (12.5 percent) for rates effective Jan. 1, 2021, and by about $41.7 million (5.8 percent) for rates effective Jan. 1, 2022.

If the company's proposed rates are approved as requested, the monthly water bill for the average residential customer using 3,458 gallons per month would increase from the current charge of $57.85 to $65.91 in year one and $69.73 in year two, according to PAWC.

For its wastewater division, PAWC proposes to increase total annual operating revenues by about $12.3 million (16.9 percent) for rates effective Jan. 1, 2021, and by about $4.5 million (5.4 percent) for rates effective Jan. 1, 2022.

The average monthly residential sewer bill would increase from $60.42 to $71.97 in year one and $76.85 in year two, according to PAWC

Final decisions by the PUC are due by Jan. 28, 2021.

PAWC said the rate increases are needed to ensure continued safe and reliable water and wastewater service.

“We understand and wish to be responsive to the current environment caused by the pandemic, but we also remain focused on meeting the future needs of our customers through sound infrastructure and public health protection,” said Mike Doran, president of Pennsylvania American Water.

“I want to emphasize that this request is in no way related to the pandemic and is entirely based on our need to continue ongoing infrastructure improvements,” he said. “We will work with the commission to address any issues they raise while they review our request.”