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Aqua Pennsylvania Acquires Greenville Sanitary Authority’s Wastewater System

Aqua Pennsylvania invests in modernizing wastewater infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

News Summary

Aqua Pennsylvania has finalized an $18 million acquisition of the Greenville Sanitary Authority’s wastewater system, a move approved by the PUC. This acquisition marks the first approval following legislative changes aimed at stimulating municipal acquisitions in Pennsylvania. Aqua plans to invest $20 million over the next decade to modernize the system and promises no changes to existing customers’ rates initially. This strategic move is part of Aqua’s growth strategy, aligning with its commitment to reliable utility services and environmental sustainability in the region.

Pennsylvania – Aqua Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG), has completed the purchase of the Greenville Sanitary Authority’s wastewater system for $18 million. This acquisition was officially approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on December 12, 2024, and will serve residents in Mercer County, specifically in Greenville Borough, Hempfield, and West Salem Townships.

The transaction is notable as it marks the first approval granted by the PUC following legislative changes to the fair market value statute in 2016. These changes are expected to stimulate growth in municipal acquisitions within Pennsylvania in the upcoming year.

Aqua Pennsylvania has outlined a robust plan to enhance and modernize the wastewater system in Mercer County. The company intends to invest $20 million over the next decade to address safety, operational, and environmental deficiencies. This planned expenditure is projected to be less than half of the costs proposed by the Greenville Sanitary Authority under an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This strategic investment will save local customers over $20 million compared to the previous authority’s plans.

As part of the transition, Aqua Pennsylvania has assured existing customers of the Greenville Sanitary Authority that their base rates will remain unchanged once operations begin. Any future adjustments to these rates will require the approval of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Additionally, eligible customers will have the opportunity to benefit from Aqua’s low-income Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and the Aqua Aid hardship fund, designed to help with sewer bill payments.

Aqua Pennsylvania has committed to maintaining clear communication with residents regarding service schedules and operational procedures following the acquisition. This includes informing residents about any changes or improvements that will take place in the community’s wastewater services.

This acquisition is part of a broader trend for Essential Utilities, which has completed four water and wastewater acquisitions in the past 12 months, collectively serving an additional 2,600 customers, equivalent to 4,520 dwelling units. Aqua Pennsylvania currently serves approximately 1.5 million people across 32 counties in Pennsylvania.

Essential Utilities operates under both the Aqua and Peoples brands, delivering essential services to roughly 5.5 million people across nine states. The focus on acquisitions in recent years highlights the company’s strategy to enhance service delivery and infrastructure in the regions it operates in, which is essential for sustainable community development.

The completion of this acquisition signifies Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to improving wastewater services in Mercer County and aligns with its overall mission to provide reliable utility services while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability in the communities it serves.

As the utilities market continues to evolve, Aqua Pennsylvania is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing infrastructures and addressing the needs of residents in Pennsylvania, ensuring they receive safe and reliable wastewater services into the future.