Press Release

PUC Launches Statewide Evaluation of Electric Company Storm Response, Plans Public Input Hearing for Pittsburgh Area

Published on 9/25/2008

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – After hurricane-force winds knocked out power to more than 300,000 Western Pennsylvania residents, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today launched a statewide evaluation of the storm responses by all of its electric distribution companies (EDCs).

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a joint motion by Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy and Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli that initiated a look at how the state’s EDCs respond to storms, their power restoration practices and customer communications.

“We think it is very important for us to step back and critically review aspects of emergency response such as the communications strategies with affected customers, proper number of linemen, the proper number of subcontractors and other steps that can be taken to minimize the length of outages or to improve communications with customers,” Vice Chairman Christy said. “Emergency preparedness and communications are important topics throughout the Commonwealth. Now is the time to review this matter for all jurisdictional electric utilities.”

“This is a good opportunity for all utilities to review their practices and procedures to ensure every one of them is prepared to respond effectively and efficiently,” Commissioner Pizzingrilli said. “We must work now to ensure that all electric utilities are adequately prepared in the future and a broader review is a good way to do that.”

The Commission maintains and enforces standards and procedures for the safety and reliability of the electric transmission and distribution system. Consistent with these regulations, the affected utilities will provide reports on their storm response to the Commission. However, given the magnitude and duration of these recent outages, we find that it is necessary to conduct a statewide evaluation of aspects of electric distribution company storm response, service restoration, and customer communication practices, said the motion.

The PUC also will hold a public input hearing in the Pittsburgh area to provide an opportunity for utilities, government agencies and emergency service providers to share information. Consumers also will be able to provide their comments including information on how they would best be notified during future outages. The time and location of the public input hearing will be announced at a later date.

Attached to the motion were 10 questions the state’s 11 EDCs are directed to answer within 15 days. The questions ask the electric utilities to address topics such as:

• The number of personnel employed as line or substation repair crews for each of the years beginning with 1998 and up to and including 2007, and whether those personnel are utility employees or utility contractors;
• Details concerning mutual aid received for outage restoration for each of the years beginning with 1998 and up to and including 2007;
• Beginning with 1998 and up to and including 2007 the Pennsylvania inventory levels kept on utility property of equipment related to storm restoration such as utility poles, wire and transformers used for residential service;
• How EDCs communicate with the PUC, consumers, local officials and the media during an outage;
• Crisis communications plans; and
• If technological enhancements in communications can be made to keep the public better informed.

The motion also said that upon receipt of the companies’ answers, the PUC Bureau of Conservation, Economics and Energy Planning (CEEP) will prepare a report on this matter that will include recommendations for future action, including changes in policies and regulations governing electric service reliability.

On Sept. 14, 2008, Hurricane Ike mixed with a cold front and produced 80-mph winds in Western Pennsylvania that left more than 300,000 customers without power and caused damage to the area’s electric distribution system. For some, it was Sept. 22 before power was restored.

The four electric utilities affected – Duquesne Light Co.; Allegheny Power Co.; Pennsylvania Power and Pennsylvania Electric – are required to file a report with the PUC within five days of restoring the last customers’ service.  The Commission action today all 11 EDCs to provide responses to the questions listed in the motion.

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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