The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued an Emergency Order directing North Heidelberg Sewer Co. (NHSC) and Metropolitan Edison Co. (Met-Ed) to maintain full and proper operations at North Heidelberg Township’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Based in Bernville, Berks County, NHSC serves customers in portions of North Heidelberg and Jefferson townships.
The Commission’s Emergency Order, triggered by a petition filed by the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E), directs NHSC to pay its current and past due amounts owed to Met-Ed. The Order also prohibits Met-Ed from terminating electric services to NHSC without prior authorization from the Commission. Additionally, NHSC is required to ensure its customers, by way of written correspondence, that it will continue to provide safe, adequate and reasonable wastewater service.
The PUC Order was driven by concern that the termination of electric service to the NHSC treatment plant presents serious and immediate health issues, including catastrophic results with the discharge of untreated wastewater into Pennsylvania waterways and backups at customer locations.
An evidentiary proceeding will follow to determine the rights and obligations of the parties, as well as the consequences of failure to comply with further Commission directives.
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