FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 15, 2002

Toll Free Number

 800-684-6560

 (PA only)

CONTACT: Susan Henry, Consumer Liaison; e-mail: shenry@paoca.org

HARRISBURG – Consumer Advocate Sonny Popowsky today urged residents of Collier Township in Allegheny County to testify at public hearings to be held on August 27, 2002, regarding the need for public water service in the Collier Township area. The hearings will be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, at the Collier Township Municipal Building, 2418 Hilltop Road in Presto PA 15142.

Popowsky said that many Collier Township residents have been attempting to get Pennsylvania-American Water Company ("PAWC") to extend public water service to their areas. A formal complaint was filed with the Public Utility Commission (“PUC”) by Collier Township in September 2001 on behalf of the residents in need of service. The Office of Consumer Advocate (“OCA”) has intervened to assist Collier Township and its residents in seeking safe and adequate public water service from PAWC. The OCA has been working with residents and Collier Township officials to obtain relief either through settlement negotiations or through litigation. Popowsky said that efforts to reach a voluntary settlement of the case with PAWC have proven to be unsuccessful. Therefore, it is necessary to go forward with formal public hearings before the PUC.

"This hearing is the opportunity for residents of Collier Township to come forward and explain why they need public water service," Popowsky said. "This hearing is critical to the community’s efforts to convince the PUC to rule in favor of the Collier Township complaint."

Interested persons may testify on August 27 regarding their present water quality and supply problems and the need for PAWC to extend public water service to their areas. Anyone who wants information about the hearing can call the Office of Consumer Advocate toll-free at (800)684-6560.