Press Release

PUC Rejects Settlement with UGI Central Penn Gas Inc.

Published on 5/24/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today rejected a settlement with UGI Central Penn Gas Inc. (UGI Central Penn Gas) for violating the Public Utility Code and Commission regulations.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner rejecting the proposed settlement agreement which included a $5,000 civil penalty.  The matter has been returned to the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement for further action.

“I strongly caution UGI and our other jurisdictional utilities that I will continue to monitor safety violations carefully and to track any trends in unsafe operational practices,” said Commissioner Gardner in his motion.

The settlement follows an investigation into a Sept. 2, 2009, incident that damaged a four-inch high pressure distribution line, owned by UGI Central Penn Gas, while Kukurin Contracting Inc. was installing a new sewer and water main for the Bedford Township Municipal Authority.  The damage occurred in an unpopulated section of Bedford Township and caused natural gas to leak at a high rate from the excavation area. Under the terms of the settlement, the company would have paid a civil penalty in the amount of $5,000 and modified its Damage Prevention Plan.

UGI Central Penn Gas Inc. provides natural gas service to approximately 76,500 customers in 33 counties across Pennsylvania.

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-2011-2155312

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