Consumers Pennsylvania Water Co. Shenango Valley Division said Friday the utility is seeking an 8.6 percent rate hike.

If the increase is approved in full by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, it would increase a typical monthly residential bill by $2.93 a month to $37.02. While the utility sought to have the increase become effective Jan. 14, the PUC typically investigates the request for up to nine months.

The increase is being sought under the company's formal name, Pennsylvania Suburban Water Co., which covers 1.3 million Pennsylvania residents, including 57,000 residents in 18 municipalities in Mercer and Lawrence counties.

Consumers' Shenango Valley Division also serves the former Western Utilities Inc. water system where rates would be slightly reduced.

Consumers' last increase was in 2001 when it upped rates by 8.3 percent.