PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

utility reconnection issue
by out in the cold Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 at 11:45 AM

obstacles to reconnecting gas- question

Dominion Peoples Gas told me there is a "new rule" that before you can be reconnected after a shutoff, your service line (the part from your house to the street) has to pass a 90 lb pressure test, and if it doesn't, the line has to be fixed by an "OC" certified plumber. So after paying up all the overdue money I owed, I got told that my "line" failed and I couldn't get gas till I shelled out what the DP folks said would probably be $600-800 to fix the line. The plumbers I've talked to about getting an estimate for this work assure me that they have the proper certifications, but have not heard of "OC". This sort of work doesn't seem to fall under any of the financial assistance programs for low-income customers.

I always get a little concerned when I hear "there is a new rule". Everything I found online says pay what you owe, and they need to reconnect you within 24 hours.

Anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks-

Advice
by covington law Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 at 7:35 PM

I suggest you call the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission to get further information. I imagine that Neighborhood Legal Services (on Penn Ave. downtown) has also dealt with this issue, and you can also try the PA Utility Law Project:

http://www.palegalservices.org/Specialty/utility_law_project.htm

If not, perhaps someone else can give you advice on more direct ways to deal with the situation.