A series of public hearings have been scheduled by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to hear from the public on rate increases proposed by the Pennsylvania American Water Company.

There will be a total of 12 in-person and telephone hearings held later this month and in early February.

Pennsylvania American Water Company is the largest regulated water and wastewater service in Pennsylvania, which includes providing water service in the City of Warren.

Eight of the sessions are in person but none are within a three hour drive of Warren.

However, the remaining sessions will be held over the phone at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Three administrative law judges will preside over the hearings.

Those looking to register for the hearings via telephone must register with the Office of Consumer Advocate by emailing consumer@paoca.org or by phone at (800) 684-6560.

According to the PUC, the proposed increase would range from 20 to nearly 25 percent depending on location.

A final decision by the PUC is required by Aug. 7.