Press Release

Duquesne Light Agrees to $20,000 Settlement for Questionable Acquisition and Disposition of Allegheny County Property

Published on 5/22/2014

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a settlement agreement with Duquesne Light Company (Duquesne) that is the result of an investigation into the company’s acquisition and disposition of a Moon Township, Allegheny County property in 2010.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the settlement for comments. The informal investigation was instituted on March 19, 2010, by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, which alleged that Duquesne acquired and disposed of a property without obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience in violation of the Public Utility Code.

The purpose of the land acquisition was for Duquesne to upgrade an existing high-tension power line crossing a residential property in Moon Township by building a line extension across the Ohio River and into Sewickley Borough.

Under the settlement, Duquesne will pay a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 to the Commonwealth, as well as $17,500 to the Dollar Energy Fund, which provides energy assistance to low-income customers.

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.

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Docket No.  M-2014-2165364

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