Press Release

PUC Announces Natural Gas Service Restored to 30 Butler County Natural Gas Customers

Published on 12/24/2008

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that service has been restored to about 30 customers of Herman Gas & Oil Co. Herman Gas serves about 375 natural gas customers in Butler County.

Customers began experiencing periods of either low pressure or no service on Sunday. The PUC was notified of the problem Tuesday and sent two gas safety inspectors to the area to assist in fixing the problem. Service was restored to all customers at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23.

The company experienced a pressure problem with one of its gas lines. A compressor was moved to redirect the flow of natural gas, fixing the problem. The issue also was compounded by the cold temperatures, which caused freezing at the well heads.

The Commission will be following up with a detailed review of the cause of the gas interruption to help prevent further interruptions. The PUC’s gas safety division is investigating the company for any violations of the state’s Public Utility Code, PUC regulations and federal pipeline safety regulations.

The PUC also received about five complaints from customers. The complaints are being reviewed.

 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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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722