Urges PUC to protect consumers facing rising household costs
Monroeville, PA, November 19, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced his opposition to a proposed rate increase by Pennsylvania American Water, warning that higher monthly bills would place additional strain on families already grappling with rising costs.
Pennsylvania American Water has requested approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to raise rates in order to fund $1.2 billion in ongoing water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
“This is the wrong time for a rate hike,” Pisciottano said. “I understand the need for long-term infrastructure improvements, but shifting these costs onto consumers is not the answer. Families are already navigating rising household expenses, and many cannot absorb another increase. At the same time, American Water is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar corporate merger with a net income in excess of $1 billion this year, so we shouldn’t be considering raising rates on Allegheny County’s working families to satisfy Wall Street shareholders. I am urging the PUC to consider these factors and center the needs of consumers when evaluating this rate case.”
Pisciottano said he will be submitting formal comments to the PUC urging rejection of the proposed rate hike and encouraged residents to share their concerns as well.
Consumers can write to the PUC at:
Secretary’s Bureau
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120