08/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/01/2024 13:35
Published on 8/1/2024
Proposal Targets Older At-Risk Plastic Piping for Accelerated Replacement
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today moved to accelerate the process for identifying, removing, and replacing older plastic piping and components in Pennsylvania's natural gas distribution systems.
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank which is patterned after the state's successful ongoing efforts to eliminate other at-risk materials from natural gas utility systems.
In his motion today, Chairman DeFrank noted the substantial progress that has been made across Pennsylvania removing at-risk gas pipe materials - especially older cast iron and unprotected steel. Those efforts have accelerated as natural gas companies were authorized to use a Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) to fund quicker replacement, reducing the amount of at-risk piping to a fraction of what it was a decade ago. This latest PUC initiative seeks to use the DSIC and other tools to address new concerns about older plastic materials.
"Significant progress has been made in the removal of cast iron and bare steel pipe in Pennsylvania's natural gas distribution systems. In fact, 81% of cast iron pipe has been removed from non-municipally owned systems," stated Chairman DeFrank. "While I understand that cast iron and bare steel have not been fully eliminated, it is important to simultaneously focus on the replacement of older plastic pipe."
Key Plastic Pipe Issues
The PUC's plastic pipe replacement initiative includes three key components related to older plastic materials - installed between the 1960s and 1980s - which are susceptible to brittle-like cracking:
Public Comment
Based on today's motion, the Commission will issue a Tentative Order which will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Interested parties will have 30 days from the publication date to submit comments, and 45 days to offer any reply comments.
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.
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Docket No.: M-2024-3050313