Press Release

PUC Approves Final Rulemaking for the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure Act

Published on 5/1/2008

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved the final rulemaking for the Public Utility Confidential Security Information Disclosure (CSI) Act, which is designed to safeguard confidential security information of all public utilities.

The Commission voted 4-0 to implement a comprehensive set of regulations that will apply to all public utilities in the Commonwealth relating to the filing requirements and challenge procedures outlined in the CSI Act.  The CSI Act, which was signed into law on Nov. 29, 2006, directs each state agency to create these regulations to ensure the safeguarding of confidential security information from disclosure that may compromise security against sabotage or criminal or terrorist acts. 

The rulemaking establishes protocols and procedures that must be followed when public utilities file records with the Commission that contain confidential security information and when challenges to the utility’s designations or requests to examine records containing security information are made by members of the public.

In Sept. 2007, the Commission adopted proposed regulations.  The proposed rulemaking was reviewed by the Office of Attorney General and Budget Office and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Dec. 8, 2007.  The Commission received comments from interested parties and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. L-00070185; M-00072014

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov