Press Release

PUC Advances Final Rulemaking on Replacement of Lead Service Lines and Damaged Wastewater Service Laterals

Published on 2/25/2022

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Sets Uniform, Minimum Standards Under Which PUC Regulated Utilities May Replace Lead Service Lines & Damaged Wastewater Service Laterals

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has advanced a Final Rulemaking on the implementation of Act 120 of 2018 (Act 120) regarding the replacement of lead service lines (LSLs) and damaged wastewater service laterals (DWSLs) and the recovery of associated costs.

The Commission voted 2-1 in support of a motion offered by Commissioner Ralph V. Yanora adopting a Final Rulemaking Order. The Final Rulemaking establishes PUC regulations addressing LSL replacements in Chapter 65 and creating a new Chapter 66 addressing wastewater service and DWSL replacements. 

“My motion works to achieve the shared goal of the PUC and DEP to quickly remove 100% of lead service lines from the Commonwealth’s drinking water infrastructure,” Commissioner Yanora said.  “The PUC’s recognition of discrete aspects of the DEP-enforced final revised Lead and Copper Rule at this time, including lead service line inventories and associated public outreach requirements, will allow utilities to accelerate lead line replacement throughout the Commonwealth in the most efficient and cost-effective way for utility customers.”

Upon the entry of a Final Rulemaking Order as modified by the Motion, the rulemaking will be reviewed by the legislative standing committees and Independent Regulatory Review Commission.  The rulemaking will then be reviewed by the Office of Attorney General for form and legality, and by the Office of Budget for its fiscal impact.  The Final Rulemaking Order will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and become effective on the date of publication. 

On Oct. 24, 2018, Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 120 into law, thereby amending 66 Pa.C.S. § 1311(b) to address the accelerated replacement of customer-owned LSLs and DWSLs.  Act 120 directs the Commission to establish certain standards, processes, and procedures by regulation.  Today’s action follows a comprehensive review and consideration process regarding the replacement of LSLs and DWSLs, including stakeholder comment on directed questions regarding the parameters for planning and reporting, communications, replacements, refusals, 66 Pa. C.S. § 1311(b), and rates; a PUC-convened working group for interested stakeholders; and a comment and reply comment period following the entry of the Sept. 17, 2020 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Order.

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 No.:  L-2020-3019521

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov