Press Release

PUC Fines PECO $1,000 after Customer Complaint of Inadequate Service

Published on 11/4/2010

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today found PECO provided a customer with inadequate service relating to a temporary fix made to raise the height of a power line, fining PECO $1,000 for the problem.

The Commission voted 4-1 to approve a motion by Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner stating that PECO’s failure to properly follow up on a temporary fix to an electrical line and PECO’s failure to properly communicate with the customer is not reasonable service and violates Section 1501 of the Public Utility Code. The company was directed to pay a $1,000 fine. Commissioner Robert F. Powelson dissented. Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. issued a statement dissenting in part.

In November of 2007, customer Rebecca Mueller of Coatesville contacted PECO stating that she could not drive her recreational vehicle into her driveway because the overhead electrical wire running from the street to her house was too low.  As a temporary fix, a PECO employee raised the wire by wrapping a rope around it mid-span and tying the rope to a tree.  The Complainant was informed that PECO was responsible for the line and would make a permanent repair.   However, the temporary fix was left in place for approximately a year and a half.

In February 2008, Ms. Mueller filed a formal complaint with the PUC alleging that PECO provided inadequate service by tying the electric wire to a tree and that due to PECO’s inadequate service, significant damage to her electrical appliances occurred. 

In August 2008, for the first time, PECO informed the customer that it was her responsibility as the customer to ensure that PECO had a point high enough on which to secure the line and suggested that she attach a service mast to her house in order to permanently raise the wire.  PECO was informed that it was not possible for her to do this at that time. Approximately nine months later, in May 2009, PECO placed a utility pole closer to the Complainant’s house in order to raise the wire.

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. M-2009-2141293

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