Press Release

PUC Issues Audit Report and Implementation Plan for Pike County Light and Power Company and Leatherstocking Gas Company

Published on 11/18/2021

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has released a Management Efficiency Investigation of Pike County Light and Power Company (PCLP) and Leatherstocking Gas Company LLC evaluating the implementation of recommendations from a 2017 Focused Management and Operations Audit.

The Companies indicate acceptance of 22 follow-up PUC recommendations, acceptance-in-part for three follow-up recommendations, and rejection of one follow-up recommendation.

The Commission voted 3-0 to make the Companies’ Audit Report and Implementation Plan public. In its Implementation Plan, the Companies indicate acceptance of 22 follow-up recommendations, acceptance-in-part for three follow-up recommendations, and rejection of one follow-up recommendation. The Companies indicated plans to complete the majority of the follow-up recommendations by the third quarter of 2022.

The scope of this investigation was confined to an examination of the Companies’ progress in implementing all of the 33 original recommendations from the Focused Management and Operations Audit released in February 2018. The Companies have effectively or substantially implemented 15 of the 33 prior recommendations reviewed and have taken some action on the remaining 18 recommendations.

Some of the more notable follow-up recommendations include:

• Accelerate replacement of unprotected bare steel and cast-iron main to meet or exceed LTIIP goals for PCLP;
• Strengthen the process used to periodically evaluate staffing levels and external resources for PCLP;
• Develop a formal testing and drill program for the physical security, emergency response, cybersecurity and business continuity plans;
• Ensure all charges between affiliates are appropriate, reasonable, documented, and align with the PA PUC-approved affiliated interest agreements;
• Expand the safety manual to include detailed safety topics related to gas and electric operations; and
• Establish and document a policy governing IT asset lifecycle management.

Pike County Light and Power Company and Leatherstocking Gas Company LLC provide service to approximately 4,860 electric and 1,250 gas customers in Pike County, and 423 gas customers in Susquehanna County, respectively.

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket Nos.:  
D-2020-3022546
D-2020-3022547

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov