Press Release

PUC Announces Appointment to Damage Prevention Committee

Published on 2/22/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced an appointment to its Damage Prevention Committee (DPC), which is tasked with enforcing the state’s Underground Utility Line Protection Act – also known as the “PA One Call Law.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to appoint Alicia Bozic, York County, to the DPC to serve a three-year term, which began on Jan. 1, 2024.  Bozic will represent the natural gas or petroleum pipeline industry position on the DPC.

Ms. Bozic has been employed with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania/Maryland for just under 11 years, including more than four years working in the company’s Damage Prevention department. In her current position, she completes all of the Alleged Violation Reports on behalf of Columbia Gas, as well as representing Columbia Gas at Damage Prevention Committee meetings once a month.  She has also assisted with public awareness in the area of damage prevention.

About the DPC

The DPC is a peer-based group of 13 representatives, nominated by their industry or affiliated organization and appointed by the PUC. Creation of the committee was authorized by Act 50 of 2017, which enhances Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Law – also known as the “One Call Law.” The focus of the DPC is to reduce the number of “hits” on underground lines and utilities.

The DPC meets regularly to review alleged violations of the One Call Law and make informal determinations as to the appropriate response including, but not limited to, the issuance of warning letters, mandatory training programs and/or administrative penalties. Summaries of actions taken at monthly DPC meetings are available on the PUC’s website. 

In accordance with Act 50, membership on the DPC includes: non-municipal owned or affiliated facility owner industries, such as the electric, natural gas or petroleum pipelines, telephone, water or wastewater and cable television industries; excavators; municipal governments; and municipal authorities.  Each member shall serve a term of three years. After the term is completed, members are required to reapply for DPC membership.

About the PUC

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: M-2018-3000261

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov