Press Release

PUC Issues $25,000 Civil Penalty to Met-Ed Over Condition of Transmission Equipment

Published on 3/26/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today ordered Metropolitan Edison Co. (Met-Ed) to pay a $25,000 civil penalty after finding the company violated the Public Utility Code by failing to maintain its equipment in a safe and reliable manner.  

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion of Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner to issue the civil penalty and ordered the company to develop a plan to either maintain or remove the transmission facilities.

The decision is in response to two formal complaints that allege that Met-Ed failed to properly maintain the easement it holds on the Complainants’ property for high tension transmission lines, towers and concrete bases.  The complaints said the lines were not energized for at least 20 years and are in a state of disrepair, creating a safety hazard.  The lines are located in Oley and Exeter townships, Berks County. 

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 Nos.  C-20077995; C-2008-2029081

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