Press Release

PUC Issues Management and Operations Audit for Pike County Light & Power and Leatherstocking Gas Company

Published on 7/10/2025

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has released the findings of a Focused Management and Operations Audit of Pike County Light & Power (PCLP) and Leatherstocking Gas Company (Leatherstocking), outlining 25 actionable recommendations for operational improvements.

PCLP provides electric and/or natural gas distribution service to approximately 5,350 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Pike County, Pennsylvania, and Leatherstocking serves approximately 500 residential and commercial natural gas customers in parts of Susquehanna and Bradford counties.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to approve the audit report and its recommendations, as well as to release the implementation plan submitted by PCLP and Leatherstocking detailing their approach to addressing the audit findings.

In a statement during today’s PUC public meeting, Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank praised the work of the Commission’s Bureau of Audits for their continued efforts to ensure that public utilities are operated in an economic and efficient manner, noting that “the Commission’s auditing arm is one of the most important mechanisms used under our economic regulatory jurisdiction.”

Audit Report and Key Recommendations

The audit identifies opportunities for the utilities to improve operational efficiency, system security, and customer service. Key recommendations include:

• Expand staffing levels at PCLP to support safe and efficient electric operations.
• Update storm response plans annually or after major weather events.
• Enhance emergency response plans to address both storm-related and non-weather emergencies.
• Conduct regular physical security assessments of utility facilities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive damage prevention manual.
• Create a system to track and analyze excavation damage incidents to guide prevention efforts.
• Strengthen public education efforts about safe digging responsibilities under Pennsylvania’s One Call Law.
• Expand payment options and update customer-facing materials to improve the overall customer experience.
• Clearly document customer service policies and procedures to ensure consistent support.
• Improve succession planning to ensure continuity of leadership and institutional knowledge.
• Establish stronger internal controls over transactions between affiliated companies.

The implementation plan submitted by PCLP and Leatherstocking indicate full acceptance of 23 recommendations, partial acceptance of one recommendation and the rejection of one recommendation.

Next Steps

PCLP and Leatherstocking will submit implementation progress reports annually, by July 1st for the next three years and staff from the PUC’s Bureau of Audits will monitor the company’s progress as part of a future Management Efficiency Investigation.

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, 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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Docket No.: D-2024-3050338

Contact:

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