Press Release

PUC Finalizes $96,000 Settlement with UGI Gas over Luzerne County Incident

Published on 4/23/2014

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized a settlement with UGI Utilities Inc. – Gas Division (UGI) that includes a $96,000 civil penalty, which stems from an investigation involving a gas ignition incident that occurred in Hazleton, Luzerne County.

 The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement that also required the company to revise its operating procedures to safeguard against a similar incident occurring in the future. Under the settlement the $96,000 civil penalty cannot be recovered from ratepayers.

The PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) investigation stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 5, 2012, when a UGI contractor working on a bare steel/cast iron main replacement project on West Holly Street in Hazleton, caused a spark that ignited natural gas. One crewmember received a minor flash-burn.  I&E alleged that UGI violated Federal and Commission regulations during this incident. UGI did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement.

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” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

# # #

Docket No. M-2013-2313375

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722