Press Release

PUC Pipeline Safety Programs Earn Top Marks from Federal Evaluators

Published on 6/18/2025

Filed under: Gas

PUC Recognized for Strong Inspections, Risk Reduction, and Pipeline Modernization Efforts

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today recognized the continued excellence of the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division following another year of top scores in an annual evaluation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

PHMSA’s 2025 assessment, covering calendar year 2024, awarded the PUC’s Gas Pipeline Safety Program a perfect 100 out of 100 points, while the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Program received 96 out of 96 points in the Program Evaluation Review. Both programs also received perfect 50 out of 50 scores in PHMSA’s Progress Report Review.

“These outstanding scores reflect the hard work, professionalism, and commitment of our Pipeline Safety Division,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “The team’s daily efforts — from inspecting and monitoring pipelines to working with operators and first responders — help protect millions of Pennsylvanians and safeguard our communities.”

Pennsylvania is home to more than 88,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure, which is regulated by the PUC. That includes oversight of pipelines used to deliver natural gas and hazardous liquids, as well as collaboration with utilities and other partners to prevent digging-related damage and modernize aging pipeline systems.

PHMSA’s evaluation also highlighted significant progress in the removal of high-risk pipeline materials, including over 100 miles of cast and wrought iron and 330 miles of bare steel removed by operators in 2024. These improvements support a safer and more resilient energy infrastructure.

Additionally, PHMSA emphasized growing concerns about older first-generation plastic pipeline materials, which are more prone to brittle-like cracking. In response, the PUC launched a proactive initiative to examine the accelerated identification, removal, and replacement of these older plastic components.

“The safe and reliable delivery of energy depends on strong oversight and continuous improvement,” said Chairman DeFrank. “We are proud to see our state pipeline programs repeatedly recognized as national leaders — and we remain focused on advancing safety, accountability, and innovation.”

The PUC’s strong performance and national recognition underscore Pennsylvania’s leadership in utility safety — a role further reflected in Chairman DeFrank’s position as Chair of the Committee on Gas for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), where he helps guide national conversations on natural gas regulation, pipeline safety, and the future of energy infrastructure.

PHMSA annually evaluates state pipeline safety programs using a scoring system that reviews performance in areas such as inspection quality, incident investigation, enforcement, training, and damage prevention. For more information, visit: Data and Statistics Overview | PHMSA

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