The Chronological Events

September 2022 – New Garden residents get their first sewer bills reflecting the full rate increase.  That prompts me to analyze Aqua’s rate filing documents, which led to my consumption volume complaint. 

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November 21, 2022 – New Garden holds a Board of Supervisors public meeting to explain the rate increases.  Aqua reveals it ended trucking by the end of 2021: LINK.  That initiated my trucking complaint.  

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June 6, 2023 - I filed a “Formal” complaint combining the two issues. 

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June 8, 2023 – The PUC rejects my filing because it should have been filed as a “Formal Rate Complaint". 

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June 8, 2023 – I refile as a “Formal Rate Complaint".  The only difference is minor changes in the PUC forms that act as transmittal sheets for the complaint.  The PUC accepts the filing. 

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June 22, 2023 – The PUC notifies me that the filing should have been rejected.  It was correct as first filed.  The full story on this issue is a bit involved and is told here:  LINK 

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June 30, 2023 – Aqua files an answer to my complaint.  LINK

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July 10, 2023 – I file a request to withdraw the complaint, with the right to re-file. 

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September 18, 2023 – I re-file.  This time I break the two issues into separate “Formal Complaints”  The PUC accepts both. Complaint summaries can be found here: LINK1 & LINK2

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October 10, 2023 - Aqua filed an Answer and a “New Matter” for each complaint.  Here is a summary of their replies:  LINK

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October 25, 2023 I  filed replies to Aqua’s filings.  This LINK also includes my replies

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November 3, 2023 - PUC issued an order scheduling a hearing for my complaints on 12/12/2023. 

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November 14, 2023 – Aqua proposes mediation to resolve the complaints.  I accept.

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December 8, 2023 – The PUC schedules a mediation meeting for January 23, 2024. 

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February 1, 2024 – The PUC schedules a second mediation meeting for March 7, 2024.

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March 25, 2024 – Aqua makes a formal settlement offer.

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April, 29, 2024 – I withdraw from the mediation process.  LINK 

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June 12, 2024 – The PUC schedules a hearing for July 23, 2024. 

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July 11, 2024 – Aqua files a motion to combine my two complaints with the rate case that Aqua filed on May 23, 2024.  LINK

July 12, 2024 – The PUC cancels the hearing scheduled for July 23, 2024.

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July 25, 2024 – I file an answer to Aqua’s motion to consolidate requesting the PUC to deny the motion.  LINK

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October 21, 2024 – The PUC denies Aqua’s consolidation motion and schedules a hearing on the complaints for November 25, 2024.  LINK 

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November 15, 2024 – Aqua files a motion to convert the November 25, 2024 hearing into a prehearing conference call or delay the hearing 30 days.  LINK to Aqua's motion.  

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November 18, 2024 – I reply requesting the PUC deny Aqua’s motion.  LINK to my reply.

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November 20, 2024 – The PUC denies Aqua’s motion.  LINK to the PUC's order

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November 25, 2024 – The hearing is held.  It lasts about five hours.  LINK 

March 31, 2025 – The ALJ issues her Initial Decision.  It essentially totally rejects my complaints.  LINK 

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April 21, 2025 – I file “Exceptions” to the Initial Decision alleging that the ALJ made several legal errors in her decision.  LINK 

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May 1, 2025 – Aqua files a reply to my Exceptions.  LINK

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May 9, 2025 – I submit two filings.  The first is a motion to strike major parts of Aqua’s Exception Replies:  LINK   The second is a petition to reopen discovery for the complaints.  LINK 

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May 19, 2025 – Aqua files a response to the petition to reopen discovery.  LINK 

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May 29, 2025 – Aqua files a response to the motion to strike parts of their Exception Replies.  LINK

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June 18, 2025 – The PUC issues its Order and Opinion for the complaints.  It essentially totally affirmed the Initial Decision.  LINK

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July 17, 2025 – My pro bono lawyer files an appeal with the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.  LINK

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August 18, 2025 – This is the last day interested parties can file to be part of the appeal.  Only Aqua signed up. 

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August 29, 2025 – The PUC certified the list of documents relevant to the case. 

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August 29, 2025 – The Commonwealth Court issued a briefing schedule for the case. 

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September 18, 2025 - My attorney files for a 30 day extension for filing brief. 

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September 22, 2025 - The Commonwealth Court grants the extension for filing briefs.

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November 10, 2025 – My brief for the case was filed with the Commonwealth Court.  

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December 10, 2025 – The briefs for the PUC and Aqua are due to be filed with the Commonwealth Court.