Press Release

PUC Identifies Compliance Groups and Establishes a Template for Inspection and Maintenance Plans Submitted by Electric Distribution Companies

Published on 8/6/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today identified the electric distribution companies (EDCs) in each inspection and maintenance compliance group and also established a template form for the inspection and maintenance plans that are to be submitted by the EDCs according to Chapter 57, Title 52, of the Pennsylvania Code, which establishes electric reliability standards.

The Commission voted 5-0 to identify the members of the compliance groups and to establish a template form for the plans, which are to be submitted to the Commission on a biennial basis.  The following EDCs will make up Compliance Group 1: Metropolitan Edison Co., Pennsylvania Electric Co., Pennsylvania Power Co., Allegheny Power Co., and UGI Utilities Inc. – Electric Division.  Compliance Group 2 consists of the following EDCs: Duquesne Light Co., PECO Energy Co., PPL Electric Utilities Corp., Citizens’ Electric Co., Pike County Light & Power Co. and Wellsboro Electric Co.

On May 22, 2008, the Commission entered a Final Rulemaking Order revising Chapter 57 by adding a section setting forth inspection and maintenance standards for EDCs.  The rulemaking establishes standards for a variety of activities such as vegetation management, pole inspections, distribution overhead line inspections, distribution transformer inspections, and substation inspections.  These standards are based on current industry practices and comments submitted during the rulemaking proceeding.  Per the rulemaking, EDCs are to be separated into two compliance groups.  The first group will file the initial plans on or before Oct. 1, 2009, to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2011, and to remain in effect for two years.  The second group will file plans on or before Oct. 1, 2010, to be implemented Jan. 1, 2012, and also to remain in effect for two years. 

EDC plans will be designed to reduce the risk of power outages by accounting for the age, condition, design and performance of its system and through inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, and upgrading of the system.   EDCs will have to maintain adequate records of inspection and maintenance activities to demonstrate compliance with this rulemaking.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  M-2009-2094773

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov