1. (a) When a public utility files a tariff, revision or supplement effecting changes in rates, including rate increases and rate decreases, and changes to the terms and conditions of service rendered or to be rendered, it shall file with the Commission statements showing all of the following:

   1. (1) The specific reasons for each change.
   2. (2) The total number of customers served by the public utility.
   3. (3) A calculation of the number of customers, by rate schedule, whose bills will be affected by the change.
   4. (4) The effect of the change on the public utility’s customers.
   5. (5) The direct or indirect effect of the proposed change on the public utility’s revenue and expenses.
   6. (6) The effect of the change on the service rendered by the public utility.
   7. (7) A list of factors considered by the public utility in its determination to make the change. The list must include a comprehensive statement about why these factors were chosen and the relative importance of each. This paragraph does not apply to a portion of a tariff change seeking a general rate increase as defined in 66 Pa.C.S. § 1308 (relating to voluntary changes in rates).
   8. (8) Studies undertaken by the public utility in order to draft its proposed change. This paragraph does not apply to a portion of a tariff change seeking a general rate increase as defined in 66 Pa.C.S. § 1308.
   9. (9) Customer polls taken and other documents which indicate customer acceptance and desire for the proposed change. If the poll or other documents reveal discernible public opposition, an explanation of why the change is in the public interest must be provided.
   10. (10) Plans the public utility has for introducing or implementing the changes with respect to its ratepayers.

   11. (11) Orders or rulings, or both, applicable to the filing from the following:

       1. (i) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
       2. (ii) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
       3. (iii) The Commission.
       4. (iv) Courts of competent jurisdiction.

2. (b) When a public utility files a tariff, revision or supplement which will increase or decrease the bills to its customers, it shall file with the Commission in addition to the requirements of subsection (a) statements showing all of the following:

   1. (1) The specific reasons for each increase or decrease.
   2. (2) The operating income statement of the public utility for the HTY.
   3. (3) A calculation of the number of customers, by rate schedule, whose bills will be increased.
   4. (4) A calculation of the total increases, in dollars, by rate schedule, projected to an annual basis.
   5. (5) A calculation of the number of customers, by rate schedule, whose bills will be decreased.
   6. (6) A calculation of the total decreases, in dollars, by rate schedule, projected to an annual basis.

3. (c) If a public utility files a tariff, revision or supplement which it is calculated will increase the bills of a customer or a group of customers by an amount, when projected to an annual basis, exceeding 3% of the operating revenues of the public utility—subsection (b)(4) divided by the operating revenues of the public utility for the HTY—or which it is calculated will increase the bills of 5% or more of the number of customers served by the public utility—subsection (b)(3) divided by subsection (a)(2)—it shall submit to the Commission with the tariff, revision or supplement, in addition to the statements required by subsections (a) and (b), all of the following information:

   1. (1) A statement showing the public utility’s calculation of the rate of return or operating ratio (if the public utility qualifies to use an operating ratio under § 53.54 (relating to applicability; small water public utilities and small wastewater public utilities)) earned in the HTY and the anticipated rate of return or operating ratio to be earned when the tariff, revision or supplement becomes effective. The rate base used in this calculation must be supported by summaries of original cost for the rate of return calculation. When an operating ratio is used in this calculation, it must be supported by studies of margin above operation and maintenance expense plus depreciation as referred to in § 53.54(b)(1).
   2. (2) A detailed balance sheet of the public utility at the end of the HTY.
   3. (3) A summary, by detailed plant accounts, of the book value of the property of the public utility at the end of the HTY.
   4. (4) A statement showing the amount of the depreciation reserve, at the end of the HTY, applicable to the property, summarized as required by paragraph (3).
   5. (5) A statement of operating income, setting forth the operating revenues and expenses by detailed accounts at the end of the HTY.
   6. (6) A brief description of a major change in the operating or financial condition of the public utility occurring between the end of the HTY and the date of transmittal of the tariff, revision or supplement. As used in this paragraph, a major change is one which materially alters the operating or financial condition of the public utility as reflected in paragraphs (1)—(5).
4. (d) If a public utility renders more than one type of public service, information required by this section or § § 53.51 and 53.53 (relating to general; and information to be furnished with proposed major rate increase filings), except subsection (c)(2), relates solely to the kind of service to which the tariff or tariff supplement is applicable. In subsection (c)(2), the book value of property used in furnishing each type of public service, as well as the depreciation reserve applicable to the property, must be shown separately.

Authority

The provisions of this § 53.52 issued under 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 1501 and 1504; amended under 66 Pa.C.S. § § 315, 501, 1301—1304 and 1307—1309, 1350—1360 and 1501.

Source

The provisions of this § 53.52 amended through March 21, 1986, effective March 22, 1986, 16 Pa.B. 956; amended January 17, 1997, effective January 18, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 301; amended February 13, 1998, effective February 14, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 801; amended August 29, 2025, effective August 30, 2025, 55 Pa.B. 6180. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (369830) and (410503) to (410504).

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 53.10 (relating to letter of transmittal); 52 Pa. Code § 53.51 (relating to general); 52 Pa. Code § 53.51a (relating to definitions); 52 Pa. Code § 53.103 (relating to concurrently furnished information); 52 Pa. Code § 65.55 (relating to LSLR program requirements); and 52 Pa. Code § 66.35 (relating to DWSL program requirements).