Code provisions provide the Commission with the authority to conduct property valuation investigations and property valuation is the core purpose of Section 1329 proceedings. I&E R. Exc. at 18. Regarding statutory interpretation arguments, I&E proffers that the Aqua’s sections of the Code should be interpreted harmoniously. Absent some exceptions not pertinent here, a later statute Section 1329 shall not be construed to repeal earlier – – statutes Sections 505 and 1103 unless the statutes are irreconcilable, states I&E. I&E – – R. Exc. at 18 (citing 1 Pa. C.S. § 1971(c)). Here, I&E contends that the Section 1329 fair market value procedure is reconcilable with the authority under Sections Commission’s 505 and 1103 of the Code. I&E R. Exc. at 18. The OCA in its replies also objects to the argument that under Company’s Section 1329 there can be no challenge to the UVE appraisals. Rather, the OCA asserts that the public interest can only be protected if the Commission can consider evidence regarding errors and unsupported judgments in the UVE appraisals. The OCA contends that position is contrary to the plain language of Section 1329 and the rules of Aqua’s statutory construction, which dictate that all provisions of a statute should be given effect. Here, the OCA states that Section 1329 was established under Chapter 13 of the Code and must be implemented consistent with the requirement that all rates be just and reasonable. OCA R. Exc. at 14 (citing, in part, 66 Pa. C.S. § 1301). Eliminating the ability to investigate the reasonableness of the appraisals and make Commission’s necessary adjustments to determine the fair market value, the OCA continues, would prevent the Commission from ensuring that rates are just and reasonable. OCA R. Exc. at 14. The OCA highlights the importance of the review by noting Commission’s the potential impact of approving the $29,500,000 ratemaking rate base and the possible resulting rate increase of sixteen percent for all Aqua wastewater customers. Further, the
Code provisions provide the Commission with the authority to conduct property valuation investigations and property valuation is the core purpose of Section 1329 proceedings. I&E R. Exc. at 18. Regarding Aqua’s statutory interpretation arguments, I&E proffers that the sections of the Code should be interpreted harmoniously. Absent some exceptions not pertinent here, a later statute – Section 1329 – shall not be construed to repeal earlier statutes – Sections 505 and 1103 – unless the statutes are irreconcilable, states I&E. I&E R. Exc. at 18 (citing 1 Pa. C.S. § 1971(c)). Here, I&E contends that the Section 1329 fair market value procedure is reconcilable with the Commission’s authority under Sections 505 and 1103 of the Code. I&E R. Exc. at 18. The OCA in its replies also objects to the Company’s argument that under Section 1329 there can be no challenge to the UVE appraisals. Rather, the OCA asserts that the public interest can only be protected if the Commission can consider evidence regarding errors and unsupported judgments in the UVE appraisals. The OCA contends that Aqua’s position is contrary to the plain language of Section 1329 and the rules of statutory construction, which dictate that all provisions of a statute should be given effect. Here, the OCA states that Section 1329 was established under Chapter 13 of the Code and must be implemented consistent with the requirement that all rates be just and reasonable. OCA R. Exc. at 14 (citing, in part, 66 Pa. C.S. § 1301). Eliminating the Commission’s ability to investigate the reasonableness of the appraisals and make necessary adjustments to determine the fair market value, the OCA continues, would prevent the Commission from ensuring that rates are just and reasonable. OCA R. Exc. at 14. The OCA highlights the importance of the Commission’s review by noting the potential impact of approving the $29,500,000 ratemaking rate base and the possible resulting rate increase of sixteen percent for all Aqua wastewater customers. Further, the