Reminder For Pennsylvania Pipeline Operators
March 3, 2015
Just a reminder, those operating pipelines in Pennsylvania should check on whether they meet the definition of a “pipeline operator” under Act 127. Each year, pipeline operators are required to register and file a report with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”) by March 31, 2015.
The definition of pipeline operator is broad. A pipeline operator is defined in Act 127 as “a person that owns or operates equipment or facilities in this Commonwealth for the transportation of gas or hazardous liquids by pipeline or pipeline facility regulated under Federal pipeline safety laws.” 58 P.S. § 801.102.
That definition includes gathering companies; midstream companies; pipeline companies; gas distribution systems certain public utilities (cooperatives, municipalities, and municipal authorities); master metered systems that provide service to property owned by third parties; and propane distribution systems subject to the Federal pipeline safety laws. There are, however, exclusions from that definition. For example, the definition specifically excludes public utilities regulated by the PUC or an ultimate consumer who owns a service line on his real property.
Pipeline operators are required to pay a registration fee of $250 and to report: (1) intrastate and interstate mileage of hazardous liquids pipelines by high consequence area or non-high consequence area in operation as of December 31, 2014; (2) intrastate miles of gas pipelines in operation as of December 31, 2014; and, (3) the country of manufacture and mileage data for all tubular steel products installed in 2014. Mileage is to be reported by classification, county and per one tenth of a mile of individual pipe. Make sure to timely and accurately submit your company’s registration form, as failure to do so could result in enforcement proceedings by the Commission’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement and civil penalties. A link to the registration form is here. That form can be used for renewals or for initial registrations.
If you need assistance in determining your reporting obligations or in preparing the registration form, please contact Carl Shultz at (717) 255-3742; cshultz@eckertseamans.com or Sarah Stoner at (717)237-6026; sstoner@eckertseamans.com.
This Eckert Seamans Energy and Utilities Blog post is intended to keep readers current on matters affecting businesses and is not intended to be legal advice.