Pennsylvania releases pipeline safety report, gets full marks

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) received perfect scores on three federal pipeline safety reviews for the 2024 year.

Each year the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reviews state Gas Pipeline Safety programs, Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety pipelines, and conducts an additional Progress Report Review.

The PUC received a perfect 100 out of 100, 96 out of 96 and 50 out of 50 on each review respectively.

According to PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, "These outstanding scores reflect the hard work, professionalism, and commitment of our Pipeline Safety Division. The team's daily efforts... help protect millions of Pennsylvanians and safeguard our communities."

The PUC regulates over 88,000 miles of pipes within Pennsylvania and collaborates with other agencies to maintain their infrastructure.

In 2024 the PUC worked to remove over 430 miles of high-risk pipeline materials including wrought iron and bare steel. 

They also emphasized the inspection and potential removal of first-generation plastic pipelines materials as growing concerns are emerging about their tendency to crack. 

"The safe and reliable delivery of energy depends on strong oversight and continuous improvement," says DeFrank.