PUC Finalizes Order to Accelerate Replacement of At-Risk Plastic Pipe in PA Gas Systems
- Oak Tree Group
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Published: September 11, 2025
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued a Final Order that marks a significant step forward in addressing aging infrastructure in natural gas distribution systems. This order applies only to public utilities within Pennsylvania with natural gas systems and not to other types of gas operators. It mandates a focused effort to identify and replace older plastic pipe materials—particularly those installed before 1982—that have been linked to brittle-like cracking and sudden failures.
Why This Matters
Older plastic piping, including Aldyl-A and other materials identified in federal advisory bulletins, has been associated with serious safety risks. The tragic explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading in 2023, caused by a leaking Aldyl-A service tee, underscores the urgency of this issue.
Key Requirements for Gas Operators
Under the Final Order, all regulated natural gas distribution public utilities (NGPUs) must:
Respond to a data request from the Bureau of Technical Utility Services (TUS) with detailed inventories of plastic pipe and components.
Submit a plan if unable to provide accurate data, outlining how they will identify and catalog older, at-risk plastic materials.
Explain how they differentiate older plastic from newer materials in their Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plans (LTIIPs) and Distribution Integrity Management Plans (DIMPs).
Expect enforcement action if prior data requests (October 2023 and August 2024) were ignored.
Context and Industry Feedback
The Commission’s action follows decades of federal advisories from the DOT and NTSB, which identified specific plastic materials prone to failure. While the Commission initially proposed mandatory amendments to LTIIPs, feedback from stakeholders—including the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP), UGI, Columbia, PECO, and others—highlighted the need for flexibility.
Most utilities supported a risk-based approach using existing DIMP processes rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate. The Commission agreed, emphasizing that each utility faces unique circumstances and should retain discretion in prioritizing replacements.
DSIC Waivers and Cost Recovery
The Commission clarified that DSIC waivers to exceed the 5% cap will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Utilities like UGI and Columbia have already begun targeting older plastic pipe in their LTIIPs, and the Commission encourages continued proactive efforts while balancing cost impacts on ratepayers.
What’s Next
Gas operators should:
Review and update their inventories of plastic pipe and components.
Ensure their DIMP and LTIIP processes reflect the risks posed by older plastic materials.
Prepare for ongoing data requests and potential audits.
Collaborate with the Commission’s Safety Division to align mitigation strategies with regulatory expectations.
Final Thoughts
This Final Order reinforces the PUC’s commitment to public safety and infrastructure reliability. By requiring transparency, accountability, and targeted action, the Commission aims to prevent future incidents and ensure Pennsylvania’s gas systems remain safe and resilient.
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