Vermont Public Utility Commission Imposes Civil Penalty on Consolidated Communications

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC) has issued an order on June 21, 2023, imposing a civil penalty on Consolidated Communications of Vermont Company, LLC for allegedly violating the Underground Utility Damage Prevention System statute. The incident occurred on March 5, 2020, at a location in Alburgh, Vermont, where a damage report was filed by Vermont Electric Cooperative Inc. (VEC) after finding that Consolidated Communications was not aware of the damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vermont Public Utility Commission issued a Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) to Consolidated Communications of Vermont Company, LLC on January 31, 2022, for alleged violation of SS3.805(c).
  • The incident occurred on March 5, 2020, at 689 US Route 2, Alburgh, VT, and was reported by VEC.
  • Consolidated Communications agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500.00.
  • The PUC's recommended remedial action was imposed, requiring Consolidated Communications to pay the civil penalty within 30 days of the order.
  • The Respondent had previously agreed to pay the civil penalty on May 30, 2023.
  • This is the eighth NOPV issued by the Department of Public Service to Consolidated Communications of Vermont Company, LLC in the 12 months preceding this incident.

Statistics:

  • Date of Order: June 21, 2023
  • Incident Date: March 5, 2020
  • Number of NOPVs issued to Consolidated Communications of Vermont Company, LLC in 12 months preceding this incident: 8
  • Civil penalty imposed: $2,500.00
  • Timeframe for payment: Within 30 days of the order date

Sources:

  • State of Vermont Public Utility Commission,

Case No. 22-0317-DSN

Order: STATE OF VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION Case No. 22-0317-DSN

  • Vermont Electric Cooperative Inc.,

42 Wescom Road, Johnson, VT 05656

  • Vermont Department of Public Service,

(No specified date)