Presenters: John Sweet, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project; Dan Vitek, Community Justice Project; Robert Ballenger, Community Legal Services

2020 PLAN Virtual Statewide Conference

Most Pennsylvanians are provided water and sewer service by municipal authorities that are unregulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The statutory requirements that apply to them are limited and not well-known.

This interactive session for new and seasoned advocates covered how to handle cases dealing with unregulated utilities, including the difference between regulated and unregulated utilities; long term consequences of water privatization; consumer protections; due process issues around appealing grounds for termination; how to obtain documentation; and how to advocate with a local municipal authority on behalf of your clients.

Emerging trends in water and wastewater assistance programs at regulated and unregulated water companies across the state are also discussed.