Press Release

PUC Finalizes $15,000 Settlement with UGI Utilities over Lebanon County Natural Gas Fire

Published on 5/6/2010

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a $15,000 settlement with UGI Utilities Inc.

The Commission voted 3-1to approve the settlement, which requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $15,000.  Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy dissented. Under the settlement, UGI will also:

• Review and modify their damage prevention program to evaluate and determine how to correct the program; and
• Review its mapping system to ensure all UGI-owned master meter operators are correctly mapped and confirm with the Commission’s Gas Safety Division that it has been done.

The settlement follows an investigation by the PUC’s Prosecutory Staff into an Aug. 28, 2007 fire, which occurred in Campbelltown, Lebanon County, after a backhoe being used to install sewer lines struck an unmarked three-quarter inch steel main.  The mobile home closest to the line caught fire. 

UGI serves 307,000 natural gas customers in communities in 14 Pennsylvania counties including Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, the Lehigh Valley and their surrounding suburbs.

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 Number M-2010-2037411

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722