Press Release

PUC Seeks Comments on $110,000 Settlement with Columbia Gas

Published on 6/5/2014

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for comment a $110,000 settlement agreement with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Columbia) that is the result of an investigation into various operating practices and incidents involving its third-party contractor.

The Commission voted 5-0 to issue the settlement for comments. Interested parties have 20 days to file comments. Instructions on how to file comments can be found in the Commission’s Order.

The informal investigation, instituted on Aug. 30, 2012, by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, focused on whether Columbia Gas complied with state and federal regulations regarding valve maintenance, operating pressures and excavation damage. The practices in question relate to incidents in Washington, Somerset, Fayette and Allegheny counties.

The parties filed a settlement agreement on Feb. 6, 2014, to resolve the investigation. The settlement provides that Columbia Gas will pay a $110,000 civil penalty, engage in corrective actions and implement revisions to its operating procedures.

Columbia provides natural gas service to approximately 417,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 26 counties in Pennsylvania.

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” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Docket No. M-2014-2306076

Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722