Press Release

PUC Finalizes Implementation of Pipeline Registry, Inspections, Assessments under Pipeline Safety Act

Published on 2/16/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized an Order as the first step in implementing the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act (Act 127).

The Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and facilities within the Commonwealth; provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline; and assesses entities for the costs.

The Order established the following:

• The registration fee is $250.
• The 2012 registration deadline is March 16, 2012.
• Assessment invoices for the Commission’s 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30, 2012, and due by April 30, 2012.
• Assessment invoices for the Commission’s 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012 with payment due within 30 days.

Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commission’s website. Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines for “pipeline operators” in the state. The Commission also is to track the development of pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells.

Act 127 expands the Commission’s authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to those pipelines and facilities. Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned natural gas distribution systems, non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and propane distribution pipeline systems.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2012-2282031

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722