Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Proposed Rulemaking for Steam Heat Regulations

Published on 11/5/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed rulemaking that would amend the Commission’s regulations for steam utilities.

The Commission voted 5-0 to seek comments on a proposed rulemaking that would revise and expand its steam heating service regulations and facilitate the PUC’s Gas Safety Division's safety inspections of jurisdictional steam heat distribution facilities.

Currently, there are two active, jurisdictional steam public utilities in Pennsylvania: NRG Energy Center, with locations in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, and Veolia Energy, located in Philadelphia. Steam facilities in the Commonwealth that distribute steam to, or for, the public for compensation require a Certificate of Public Convenience from the Commission in order to legally operate.

Written comments shall be submitted within 30 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Further instructions on filing comments will be contained in the Final Order.

Among others, the proposed amendments include:

• Modernizing and updating accident regulations, per the revised regulations implemented for electric, gas, and water utilities in 2011;
• Emphasizing that steam utilities must adhere to Pennsylvania One Call (the Underground Utility Line Protection Act) and comply with standard safety codes;
• Adding regulations related to notification of major construction, operating and maintenance plans, customer education, recordkeeping, employee training, periodic inspections, steam leaks and emergency report, and welding; and
• Minor revisions to clarify that steam utilities must adhere to the Commission’s service outage regulations. 

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No. L-2015-2498111

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722