Press Release

PUC Weighs Equitable Settlement Proceeds for Low Income Usage Reduction Plan and Hardship Fund

Published on 6/18/2009

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a settlement with Equitable Gas Co. (Equitable) related to a natural gas explosion that destroyed an Allegheny County home.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy to issue the settlement for comment regarding the allocation of $50,000 provided for in the settlement to Equitable’s Low Income Usage Reduction Plan (LIURP) and hardship fund. 

The PUC’s independent prosecutory staff filed a formal complaint against Equitable in February 2006 alleging violations of the state’s Public Utility Code and federal pipeline safety regulations.  The complaint centered on the company’s actions in the area of Jacks Run Road in Ross Township.  On August 21, 2004, a natural gas leak resulted in an explosion that destroyed a home at 336 Jacks Run Road.  The settlement agreement was reached between the prosecutory staff and Equitable. 

Under the settlement, Equitable also agrees to:

• Provide up to 20 gas regulators to small natural gas distribution companies as directed by the PUC’s Gas Safety Division and provide training for the equipment;
• Maintain a file for the permanent record of any engineering analysis pertaining to the review and potential determination of a safety-related condition; and
• Amend its operating procedures to provide that information about valves with unusual operating conditions returning to full service is recorded.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. C-20065790

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