Press Release

PUC Clarifies Implementation of Pipeline Registry, Inspections, Assessments under Pipeline Safety Act

Published on 5/24/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today clarified its Implementation Order as a continued step in implementing the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act (Act 127).

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the Tentative Order indicating all pipeline operators in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of Class 1 transmission lines must register these lines with the Commission.  All entities with Class 1 transmission lines that have not previously filed must now file with the Commission by June 22, 2012.  A Class 1 location is considered an offshore area or any class location unit that has 10 or fewer buildings intended for human occupancy.  Interested parties may submit comments on or before June 1, 2012.

On Feb. 16, 2012, the Commission approved its Order, which began the process of creating a statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and facilities within the Commonwealth; provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline; and assesses entities for the costs.

Final forms and other materials are available on the Commission’s website. Act 127 directed the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines for “pipeline operators” in the state. The Commission also is tracking the development of pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells.

Act 127 expands the Commission’s authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to those pipelines and facilities. Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned natural gas distribution systems, non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and propane distribution pipeline systems.

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-2012-2282031

Contact:

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