Delayed water bills could cause sticker shock for PA American Water customers
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)— Pennsylvania American Water customers could be in for a bit of a shock when they check their bill this month.
In a statement from the Pennsylvania American Water Customer Service team, they say they are currently experiencing a delay that prevented them from sending customers their current bills.
According to an external affairs manager for Pennsylvania American Water, a change in tariffs caused a delay for about 48,000 customers around the state. While it may appear your bill increased, PAW says there was actually a decrease in the state tax adjustment surcharge.
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Due to a tariff change that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, bills for approximately 48,000 Pennsylvania American Water customers statewide were delayed while the change was implemented.
The tariff change was due to a change in the State Tax Adjustment Surcharge, which reflects the reduction to the Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax. The surcharge decreased from 0.00% to -0.16% for water and 0.00% to -0.37% for wastewater. This negative surcharge will be reflected as a credit on customers’ bills.
Customers whose bills were delayed by 7 days or more received a letter notifying them of their delayed bill, explaining what the customers should expect, and notifying them that we will extend the time they have to pay the delayed bill.
PA American Water Spokesperson
If you have an increased bill, PAW says it’s likely because there are two months of service on one bill. However, this is an isolated event.
PAW says the delayed bill will be sent out as soon as possible. Depending on how close this delayed bill is to your normal billing cycle, it could appear on your next bill or you could receive two bills in succession.
Officials said they will be extending the time you have to pay the delayed bill and allow for installment plans via their website.
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