Press Release

PUC Approves $86,000 Settlement with West Penn Power Following Investigation into Handling of Fatal Incident

Published on 1/9/2014

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized a settlement with West Penn Power Co. (WPP) that includes an $86,000 civil penalty that stems from an investigation into the company’s handling of an incident that resulted in the death of a western Pennsylvania woman.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a modified settlement between the company and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E). The Commission also said it will further examine inspection requirements for automatic splices in a separate proceeding that provides interested parties the opportunity to file comments.

The company and I&E have 10 days to agree to the modifications to the settlement that includes annual refresher training for WPP employees. If either party does not agree to the modifications, the issue will be referred to the Commission’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for hearings.

Under the Commission Order, the company will:

• Pay a civil penalty of $86,000, which it may not recover from ratepayers;
• Modify its training program to ensure that linemen and line supervisors address splice installations and other issues;
• Provide annual refresher training for linemen and supervisors;
• Inspect the automatic splices on its primary distribution system using infrared technology;
• Spot check 5 percent of the installations a year; and
• Track automatic splice failures and report the information as part of its annual report to the Commission.

On May 30, 2012, I&E filed a formal complaint against WPP as an outgrowth of the fatal accident that occurred on June 2, 2009, when an electric distribution line fell onto a tree in Irwin, PA. The homeowner, Carrie Goretzka, died after coming in contact with the line. The complaint alleged the company violated the Public Utility Code and Commission regulations by failing to:  ensure the integrity of its distribution line; supervise and train employees; and provide information to Commission staff as requested. Under the settlement, the company does not admit any wrongdoing.

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. C-2012-2307244

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