How were my current rates set?

Following a series of public meetings in July and technical hearings in August of 2012, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and the public advocate - appointed to represent residential customers (Community Legal Services) - together with other parties in the rate case - reached a settlement of Phase 1 of the water rate case (which addressed revenue requirements, cost allocation and rate design) (“Settlement”). On October 14, Michael Bowman, the Hearing Officer appointed by the Mayor and City Council to oversee the rate case, issued a report to the Water Commissioner agreeing with the Settlement determination. The Water Commissioner, Howard Neukrug, reviewed the Hearing Officer’s report and agrees with the Hearing Officer’s recommendations. New rates will become effective on January 1, 2013. Rates have not increased since July 2011.

Why is the rate- setting process changing?

Philadelphia voters approved a charter change in November of 2012, put forth by City Council, to create an independent water-rate setting board. This board would serve in a similar capacity to the state’s Public Utility Commission, which reviews rate changes by other utilities. This change brings Philadelphia’s water and sewer rate-setting process into alignment with the way most other major water utilities around the country set rates.

What will the new process be?

• The Mayor will appoint members of the rate- setting board.
• The Water Department will submit to Council a comprehensive financial stability plan every four years, which must be updated prior to proposing revisions in rates and charges
• The Water Department will give written notice to Council and the rate-setting board at least 30 days in advance of the filing of notice of any proposed change in rates or charges or of any proposed revision in service rates.
• The board will establish open and transparent processes and procedures for public input and comment on proposed water rates and changes, including public hearings.
• The rate-setting board must issue a written report that approves, modifies or rejects the proposed rates and charges within 90 days from the filing.
• Any party may appeal the board’s decision to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the filing

2012 Public Hearings Schedule and Notes

Download the schedule for the rate increase public hearings here.
Notice of Additional Public Hearing- Tuesday, July 31

Notice of Public Hearings

Notice of Pre-Hearing Conference - Friday, June 8

2013 Philadelphia Water Rate Filing Documents

Visit the PWD File Directory to view and download documents related to the 2013 rate filing.

Directions for downloading documents:

• Click here to visit the PWD File Directory.
• Click on the 2013 Philadelphia Water Rate Filing folder in the left-hand column (under Top Level Folders).
• Select the folder or file to open on the right hand side by clicking on the folder or file name; Click the green arrow next to the file to download. Most files are PDFs.
• At any time, you may click on the 2013 Philadelphia Water Rate Filing folder in the left column to return to the main Statements and Exhibits folders.
• Use the Keyword Search function to search for specific terms in the title of a document.
• If the page does not respond, be sure you are using an updated version of Flash and a current browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari are recommended). Be aware that some files are large and may take some time to download.
• For assistance and technical questions about downloading files, email webmaster@phillywatersheds.org.