Pennsylvania Code Title 52 - PUBLIC UTILITIES
📘 Structure of Title 52
Title 52 is organized into several parts, each addressing different aspects of public utility regulation:
Part I – Public Utility Commission
Chapters 1 to 5: Administrative procedures and general provisions.
Chapters 21 to 41: Regulations for passenger and property carriers.
Chapters 51 to 77: Rules for fixed service utilities.
Chapters 91 to 93: Consumer affairs and dispute resolution.
Chapters 101 to 102: Security planning and readiness.
Chapter 111: Competitive markets.
Chapter 121: Distribution system improvement charge.
Part II – Philadelphia Parking Authority
Subparts A to C: Regulations specific to the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
âš–ï¸ Key Regulations and Case Law
Emergency Load Control and Energy Conservation (52 Pa. Code § 57.52)
This regulation requires electric utilities to include provisions in their tariffs for emergency load control and energy conservation. In situations where demand exceeds supply or system instability threatens, utilities must take reasonable steps to control load and prevent outages. The PUC coordinates with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency during such emergencies.
Applicability of Tariff Changes (52 Pa. Code § 53.52)
When a public utility files a tariff, revision, or supplement affecting service terms, it must submit detailed information to the PUC. This includes reasons for changes, customer impact assessments, and financial analyses. If a proposed change increases customer bills by more than 3% or affects 5% of customers, additional documentation is required.
Disclosure of Eminent Domain Power (52 Pa. Code § 57.91)
Utilities must notify property owners at least 15 days before negotiating for transmission line rights-of-way. This ensures transparency and allows property owners to be informed before discussions commence.
🧾 Enforcement and Compliance
The PUC enforces Title 52 regulations through various mechanisms:
Tariff Filings: Utilities must submit tariff changes for PUC review and approval.
Consumer Complaints: The PUC investigates consumer complaints and can impose penalties for violations.
Audits and Inspections: Regular audits ensure utilities comply with financial and operational standards.
Public Hearings: The PUC holds hearings to gather information and make informed decisions on regulatory matters.
ðŸ›ï¸ Case Law Illustrations
While specific case law directly interpreting Title 52 is limited, several legal precedents have influenced utility regulations in Pennsylvania:
ACLU v. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: This case addressed issues related to the conditions of confinement and the treatment of inmates, leading to reforms in solitary confinement practices.
Pennsylvania Center for Justice v. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: This litigation resulted in changes to the use of solitary confinement, including limitations on its duration and requirements for medical and psychiatric evaluations before placement.
These cases underscore the ongoing efforts to ensure that utility practices comply with constitutional standards and human rights principles.
📌 Conclusion
Title 52 of the Pennsylvania Code serves as a comprehensive framework for regulating public utilities in the state. Through its detailed provisions, it aims to balance the interests of utilities, consumers, and the public, ensuring reliable and fair utility services. The PUC plays a crucial role in enforcing these regulations and addressing issues that arise within the utility sector.
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