Press Release

PUC Approves Electric Safety Regulations

Published on 4/20/2017

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today gave its final approval to new electric safety standards, advancing efforts to enhance electric safety in Pennsylvania and reduce the number of serious injuries or fatalities that occur each year.

The Commissioners voted 5-0 to adopt the Final Rulemaking Order, which adopts the standards included in the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) into PUC regulations. The action is intended to clarify the minimum industry standards for electric utilities operating in Pennsylvania, and assist the PUC’s Electric Safety Division’s efforts to enforce those standards.

Created in 2014, the PUC’s Electric Safety Division works to increase the safety of individuals working around power lines, including utility employees, contractors, construction workers and homeowners.  Annually, an average of 24 serious injuries and six deaths occur in Pennsylvania involving individuals working around utility company power lines.

The rulemaking adopted today by the Commission will be submitted for review to the Office of Attorney General, the Governor’s Budget Office, designated committees of both houses of the General Assembly and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.  Following those reviews, it will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

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:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov