Pennsylvania regulators hope new rule will accelerate replacement of old plastic natural gas lines

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a plan Thursday they hope will accelerate the replacement of older plastic natural gas lines.

The commission voted 5-0 on a final order that institutes a mandatory, granular review of system piping.

“Safety is the foundation of our work as regulators and today’s action underscores the Commission’s commitment to addressing risks wherever they may be found – including in older plastic materials that have been linked to failures across the country,” PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank said. “This Final Order ensures that Pennsylvania’s natural gas utilities take the necessary steps to identify and address these concerns, advancing our broader mission of protecting communities and maintaining safe and reliable service.”

The PUC said the order directs natural gas utilities to catalog their older plastic materials, especially materials identified by safety authorities as being prone to cracking.