Press Release

PUC Weighs $35,000 Settlement with Dominion Peoples

Published on 5/14/2009

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a $35,000 settlement agreement, which includes money for Dominion Peoples’ Low Income Usage Reduction Plan (LIURP) for alleged violations to the Public Utility Code and Commission regulations.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy to issue the settlement for comment, which ends an informal investigation by the PUC’s Prosecutory Staff. 

Under the terms of the settlement, Dominion Peoples is required to pay a civil penalty of $5,000 to contractors who participate in the Low-Income Usage Reduction Plan (LIURP) and to spend $30,000 to create and provide schools and contractors who engage in subsurface excavation within the Dominion Peoples’ service territory with an educational program that addresses safety-related issues associated with natural gas. 

The violations stem from three separate incidents in 2007. 

On May 2, 2007, a contractor using a backhoe damaged a service line connected to a dwelling in Tyrone, Blair County.  A PUC Gas Safety Division inspector subsequently found that Dominion had failed to follow proper procedures in abandoning the line.

On June 8, 2007, a contractor damaged a pipeline in West Mifflin, Allegheny County.  A PUC Gas Safety Division inspector subsequently discovered that Dominion personnel did not accurately mark the gas main in the proposed area of excavation and that the Dominion contractor did not locate the pipeline because the actual location of the pipeline on the map was misinterpreted.

On June 21, 2007, a PUC Gas Safety Division inspector reviewed Dominion Peoples’ records related to valve maintenance at the Wilkinsburg, Altoona and Kiski facilities.  It was determined that three Dominion employees utilized for valve maintenance were not qualified and that five employees had expired qualifications related to federal and state operator qualification rules.

Dominion Peoples provides natural gas service to 1.8 million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Interested parties have 20 days after the Order is entered to file comments. 

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 Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Number M-2009-2086651

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