PA HB946

Requires a ratepayer referendum before any water or wastewater utility acquisition valued at $1,000,000 or more can proceed, with majority approval needed for the sale to be considered in the public interest.

Failure to respond to the referendum ballot counts as a disapproval vote, and the Public Utility Commission must reject acquisitions that do not receive majority ratepayer approval.

Selling utilities must notify ratepayers at least 45 days before mailing ballots, with notices and ballots required to disclose the maximum possible impact on rates, fees, or surcharges in plain language.

Ratepayers may vote via paper ballot or secure website, with at least 30 days provided between ballot mailing and the voting deadline.

The act takes effect 60 days after enactment and amends Section 1329 of Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.