18469_Authority_June

56 The Authority | June 2025 1000 North Front Street, Suite 401, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 717-737-7655 . 717-737-8431(f) . info@municipalauthorities.org m u n i c i p a l a u t h o r i t i e s . o r g Government Relations Update continued from page 24. TO: Chairman Burgos, Chairman Metzgar, and members of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee FROM: Jennie Shade, Senior Director of Government Relations DATE: April 4, 2025 SUBJECT: Support of HB 322 P.N. 278 I am writing on behalf of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA), which represents over 700 municipal authorities across the Commonwealth. These authorities provide essential drinking water and wastewater treatment services to more than six million residents in Pennsylvania. PMAA supports HB 322 P.N. 278 which amends Title 66 (Public Utilities) to enhance transparency and provide necessary protections for consumers when for-profit companies seek approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to acquire a system or raise rates. This bill promotes greater accountability and ensures that customers are informed about actions that will significantly impact their service. Water and sewer authorities depend on the PUC’s decisions regarding system takeovers. Our members recognize the critical importance of transparency and public participation play in ensuring that the acquisition of municipal authority water and sewer systems, as well as rate increases, are fair, reasonable, and well-understood by those who are most affected, the customer. By allowing both mail and electronic submission of comments, HB 322 strengthens the public participation process. This improvement is especially important for the many ratepayers across the state who may not be able to attend in-person hearings or submit comments solely through traditional methods. Allowing electronic comments ensures that more voices are heard, and the public’s input is considered when making crucial decisions regarding system acquisitions and rates changes. Additionally, the inclusion of electronic submission reflects necessary modernization, aligning with the growing trend of digital engagement. It acknowledges the reality of our increasingly interconnected world, where citizens expect more accessible and convenient ways to engage with government. While we support the underlying goals of HB 322, our members also believe it is important to highlight some existing regulatory gaps that could be addressed within this bill to further strengthen the public’s right to be informed. Specifically, T itle 66 mandates customer notification for rate increases but does not require for-profit companies to notify customers when seeking approval to acquire a municipal authority under Section 1329 of the Public Utility Code. This results in limited transparency and reduced customer participation in proceedings that directly affect their services.