Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Proposal to Updated Overhead Line Inspection Regulations

Published on 2/20/2014

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today requested comments on potential revisions to existing regulations governing overhead line inspections.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANOPR) for comment as to whether existing regulations on electric reliability should be amended to require regular inspections of automatic splices using infrared technology or whether there are any other necessary changes.

The ANOPR grew out of the Commission’s Jan. 9, 2014, approval of a settlement between the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement and West Penn Power Co. following an investigation into the company’s handling of an incident that resulted in the death of a western Pennsylvania woman. At that time, the Commission said it would further examine inspection requirements for automatic splices in a separate proceeding that provided interested parties the opportunity to file comments.

Existing Commission regulations require all Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to conduct visual overhead line inspections every one to two years. Infrared inspections are not currently required by PUC regulations, but were part of remedial measures West Penn Power agreed to perform in the settlement.

The ANOPR contains a series of questions the Commission would like to have addressed by interested parties. It also requests that those filing comments include draft regulatory provisions, including any supporting justification appropriate for consideration.

Comments are due 60 days after publication of the ANOPR in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Reply comments are due 30 days later. Detailed filing instructions and other details will be contained in the Commission’s final order.

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 No. L-2014-2400191

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