Press Release

PUC Announces PA One Call Disciplinary Actions Against Facility Owners, Excavators and Project Owners Involved in Cases Across PA

Published on 1/3/2019

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced that the PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) this month filed disciplinary action against 42 facility owners, excavators and project owners during its second meeting in Harrisburg.

A comprehensive list of summaries and actions is available on the PUC’s website. Fines are payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The creation of the committee was authorized by Act 50 of 2017, which enhances Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Act – also known as the “One Call Law.” Modeled after successful programs in other states, the focus of the committee is a reduction in the number of “hits” on underground utilities. The DPC meets regularly to review alleged violations of the Act and makes determinations as to the appropriate response including, but not limited to, the issuance of warning letters or administrative penalties. 

The committee holds public meetings in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg. Each meeting will be livestreamed. To view the livestream, visit the PUC’s website.

The PUC is currently accepting nominations for individuals to serve on the DPC. More information and the nomination form are available on the PUC’s website. The PUC will accept nominations until Jan. 18, 2019, for DPC representatives from each of the following industries:

1. Non-municipally owned or affiliated facility owner industries – including telephone and cable television – nominated by facility owners or affiliated organizations (two positions); and
2. Excavators – nominated by excavators or affiliated organizations (one position).

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 www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on 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:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov