Press Release

Pennsylvania's Pipeline Safety Programs Recognized for Exemplary Standards and Impact on Residents and Businesses

Published on 7/11/2024

Filed under: Consumer Education Pipeline

Latest Evaluation Reflects Efforts to Reduce the Amount of Vintage At-Risk Pipeline, Enforce Safety Standards, and Reduce Digging-Related Damage

HARRISBURG, PA - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today recognized the staff and leadership of the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division, which has received outstanding evaluations from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) – reflecting the PUC’s strong commitment to its safety mission.

“The PUC regulates over 88,000 miles of pipeline across Pennsylvania – enough to circle the Earth 3.5 times,” noted Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. “We are proud of the work of our Safety Division and the Commonwealth is fortunate to have such a dedicated team of experts who are continually working to enhance pipeline safety in our communities.”

The PUC's commitment to safety has a significant impact on residents and businesses across the Commonwealth. The removal of cast iron and bare steel pipelines, some of the riskiest assets, enhances the integrity of Pennsylvania’s pipeline infrastructure. The increased number of inspections allows for more interaction with pipeline operators, promoting adherence to safety protocols. Damage prevention efforts and collaboration with operators have led to a reduction in gas facility line hits. And continuous training – including mandatory federal and industry-provided courses – ensures that the pipeline staff is well-equipped to enforce new federal safety regulations and to stay abreast of new technology and changes in natural gas and pipeline industry regulations.

Safety Steps Across Pennsylvania

• Last year the PUC's Pipeline Safety Team worked with operators to remove more than 500 miles of vintage pipeline mains, significantly reducing potential risks.
  
  
• The Safety Division conducted 4,000 inspections in 2023, nearly 30% of which were construction-related, ensuring stringent safety standards across the state.
  
  
• The team dedicated 281 days to investigating pipeline incidents, demonstrating a robust commitment to safety and incident prevention.
  
  
• The PA PUC's pipeline staff undergoes rigorous training and professional development, including 25 week-long courses at the federal training center in Oklahoma City, ensuring high standards of expertise and preparedness.
  
  
• Operators under PUC jurisdiction provide natural gas service to approximately 3 million customers in Pennsylvania.

Safety Division Scorecard

The annual monitoring of state pipeline safety programs awarded the Pennsylvania PUC Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Program and the Gas Pipeline Safety Program perfect scores in multiple categories for Calendar Year 2023. In PHMSA's Progress Report Review, both the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Program and the Gas Pipeline Safety Program achieved a perfect score of 50 out of 50 points. Additionally, in PHMSA's Program Evaluation Review, the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Program received 96 out of a possible 96 points, and the Gas Pipeline Safety Program earned a flawless 100 out of 100 points.

“The PA PUC Pipeline Safety Division’s perfect scores in the 2023 PHMSA audit underscore the Commission’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “The team’s efforts ensure the safe delivery of natural gas and hazardous liquids across Pennsylvania, protecting residents and businesses alike.”

A state agency's program performance is based on PHMSA's annual Program Evaluation and Progress Report scoring, which includes records review, data analysis, training and qualifications, procedures, performance, and field observations.

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 X (formerly 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.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov