Bill > HB171

This bill requires wastewater utilities in Pennsylvania to develop and offer a "deduct meter program" as part of any new or updated tariff, which is a set of rules and rates for providing services. This program will allow eligible customers, defined as residential customers with a metered water supply who are current on their payments, to install a special secondary meter called a "deduct meter." This deduct meter measures water that is not discharged into the sanitary sewer system, such as water used for irrigation or pools. Customers participating in the program will have the option to be billed for wastewater services based on either their total water usage or their "net sewer outflow," which is their total water usage minus the volume measured by the deduct meter. Eligible customers are responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the utility-approved deduct meter, ensuring it's properly located for inspection, and submitting or allowing access for meter readings. Wastewater utilities may also charge reasonable administrative or inspection fees, subject to approval by the commission, which is the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). The commission will be responsible for approving deduct meter models and installation standards, maintaining a registration system for these meters, providing clear program guidelines to customers, and reviewing all deduct meter tariffs to ensure they are consistent, fair, and protect customers. The commission can also adopt regulations to implement these requirements, standardizing eligibility, calibration, and reporting for deduct meters.

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https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb171