Press Release

PUC Finalizes $60,000 Settlement for PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Over Outage Restoration Practices

Published on 10/31/2013

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized a settlement with PPL Electric Utilities Corp. (PPL) that includes a $60,000 civil penalty, which stems from an investigation into restoration practices during an October 2011 snowstorm.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement.

Under the settlement, PPL will add a provision to its storm restoration procedures instructing personnel not to deviate from the company’s guidelines when assigning storm restoration crews and will file reports with the Commission, that specify the company’s compliance with the terms of the settlement.

According to the settlement, the civil penalty cannot be recovered from consumers.

On April 26, 2012, after receiving an anonymous letter from a PPL employee, the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) began an informal investigation into PPL’s alleged improper transfer of a restoration crew in the wake of the Oct. 29, 2011 snowstorm.  The allegation was that the restoration crew was transferred from a higher priority job in order to restore service to a lower priority job. I&E alleged this was a violation of PUC regulations, the Public Utility Code and the company’s restoration procedures.

PPL provides electricity service to approximately 1.4 million customers in 29 counties in eastern and central 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-2013-2275471

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