Press Release

PUC Approves $170,100 in Penalties Against an Armstrong County Gas Co.

Published on 1/14/2010

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved $170,100 in penalties against Able Gas Co., Armstrong County, for failing to comply with Commission regulations.

“Given Able’s consistent disregard for its obligations as a natural gas company, pursuant to statute and Commission regulations and orders, we are deeply concerned about Able’s ability to provide safe and reliable utility service to its customers,” said Commissioners Kim Pizzingrilli and Wayne E. Gardner in a joint statement. “Adding to our concern is that it is unclear whether Able’s customers are aware of its non-compliance and whether they are receiving service at just and reasonable rates.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the penalties. On July 31, 2009, the PUC independent Prosecutory Staff amended a previous complaint and charged that Able Gas failed to pay its annual assessment to the PUC or to file annual assessment reports since 1990. The company also failed to file annual reports with the PUC since 1995 and to pay the accompanying penalties related to previous failures to file annual reports.

In the previous complaint, Prosecutory Staff charged that the company committed numerous violations of the Public Utility Code, the commission’s regulations and federal gas safety regulations. Many of the violations were related to record keeping, mapping and operations and maintenance issues.

The amended complaint was served on the company; however, no response was received. Consequently, the Commission approved this default order.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. C-20042415

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