Press Release

PUC Adopts Proposed Rulemaking on Gas Meter Location

Published on 7/28/2011

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed rulemaking related to the location of gas meters, which would make state regulations more consistent with the federal regulations the PUC has already adopted.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the proposed rulemaking for comment.  It includes language that allows the natural gas utilities to have sole determination for meter set (meter and regulator) location, and that the determination should be based upon public safety.  The proposed language also requires natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) to relocate current inside regulators that are connected to steel service lines to the outside with the exception of historic districts and high risk vandalism districts within 10 years. 

The proposed amended language imposes no additional regulatory requirements upon NGDCs that these utilities are not already subject to under the federal regulations.

Previously, the Commission directed the Bureau of Transportation, Gas Safety Division, to institute an investigation into the issue of gas meter placement and relocation.  The Gas Safety Division concluded that the Commission’s existing regulation is vague, inadequate and out-of-date with respect to the federal standards which the PUC has adopted.  The proposed regulations are more consistent with these federal regulations.

Interested parties may submit comments up to 30 days following the publication of the proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. To submit comments, send an original and 15 copies (including the docket number) to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Attn: Secretary, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265.  A link to today’s Order is available on the PUC website.

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.

###

Docket No. L-2009-2107155

Contact:

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