Press Release

PUC Approves Withdrawal of Laser Northeast Gather Co.’s Application for Public Utility Status

Published on 11/10/2011

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today granted Laser Northeast Gathering Co.’s petition to withdrawal its application to become a public utility.

The Commission voted 3-2 on a motion by PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. to allow Laser to withdraw its application while declining to rescind its prior Orders in the case. PUC Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer and Commissioner James H. Cawley dissented.

On Jan. 19, 2010, Laser Marcellus filed for a certificate of public convenience to begin to offer gathering and transporting or conveying service by pipeline to the public in several townships in Susquehanna County. The company had applied to be a public utility under the Public Utility Code, Title 66 of Pennsylvania's Consolidated Statues.

A June 2011 Commission Order determined that Laser’s proposed service was a “public utility” service. On Aug. 25, 2011, the Commission provided clarification to the June 2011 Order by further defining the parameters of the determination that Laser’s proposed service meets the definition of a “public utility.” Laser filed to withdraw its application on Sept. 8, 2011.

The Commission did not vote on whether the granting of a certificate of public convenience to Laser was “necessary or proper for the service, accommodation, convenience of safety of the public” under the Public Utility Code.  In its June 2011 Order, the Commission had remanded that issue to the PUC Office of Administrative Law Judge for further consideration. Today’s approval of the petition to withdraw ends further consideration of the application.

 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. A-2010-2153371

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722