Press Release

PUC Rejects Proposed Settlement with Columbia Gas of PA Concerning Over-pressurization of Distribution Systems

Published on 5/12/2022

Filed under: Gas

PUC Calls for Further Examination of 2018 Incidents on Columbia Gas Systems in Fayetteville, Franklin County and Rimersburg, Clarion County

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today moved to reject a proposed settlement related to events that resulted in the over-pressurization of Columbia Gas distribution systems in Fayetteville, Franklin County and Rimersburg, Clarion County.

The Commission voted 3-0 today to deny a joint petition for settlement in the case – which would have required Columbia Gas to pay a $535,000 civil penalty and make a series of procedural and training improvements – and instead directed that the matter be returned to the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E).

The case concerns alleged over-pressurization events the occurred in January 2018, involving the Columbia Gas natural gas distribution system in Fayetteville, and events in May and June of 2018, involving the distribution system in Rimersburg.

Today’s action by the Commission to deny the proposed settlement of this case follows a public comment period on the initial settlement that was proposed by Columbia Gas and I&E.  The Commission determined that further information is required to thoroughly consider the issues involved in this case.

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

# # #

Docket No.: M-2021-3005572

Contact:

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