Press Release

PUC Fines Verizon PA $20,050 Following Customer Complaint

Published on 12/5/2013

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today fined Verizon PA $20,050 for violating the Public Utility Code and Commission regulations.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a joint motion by Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. and Commissioner Gladys Brown to fine the company. The violations stemmed from a complaint filed with the Commission against the company by Ken Eernisse of Russell, Warren County. In his complaint, Eernisse cited ongoing service problems with Verizon. He also cited numerous complaint he made with Verizon and how the company’s response time exceeded the time frames required by the Commission regulations.

The Commission found that given the history of outages and overall service quality, Verizon should have known the condition of the lines serving the resident were not providing adequate service and required maintenance. The Commission also indicated that Verizon often made temporary repairs in response to outage reports instead of adequately inspecting and repairing its facilities.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket Number C-2012-2287023

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