Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on Proposed Electric Safety Rulemaking

Published on 11/19/2015

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a proposed rulemaking that would revise the Commission’s electric safety regulations for its jurisdictional electric distribution companies (EDCs).

The Commission voted 5-0 to seek comments on the proposed rulemaking that would revise existing electric service regulations and add electric safety standards.

Among other things, the proposed rulemaking aims to:

• Reference the national electric safety standards found in the National Electrical Safety Code;
• Enable the PUC’s Electric Safety Division to enforce electric safety standards at jurisdictional electric distribution facilities;
• Add regulations to clarify the applicable electric safety standards, EDC record-keeping and reporting rules and EDC obligations in regard to inspections and investigations;
• Clarify the duties and responsibilities between the customer and the EDC regarding maintenance of certain facilities and equipment; and
• Require jurisdictional EDCs to adhere to the Underground Utility Line Protection Act (PA One Call).  

Written comments shall be submitted within 30 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Further instructions on filing comments are contained in the Proposed Rulemaking 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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No. L-2015-2500632

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722