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Public Service Commission seeks additional pipeline safety inspector and small budget true-ups
Summary
The Public Service Commission told the committee it needs another pipeline safety inspector (state share about $78,000) to meet federal inspection expectations and requested small appropriations to cover shortfalls in insurance/rental increases and federal reimbursement changes.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) told the House subcommittee it is seeking funding to add another pipeline safety inspector — the state share of the annualized salary is about $78,000 — to meet federal inspection expectations and avoid future reductions in federal reimbursement.
The PSC explained that pipeline safety inspections are federally audited. The PSC said it previously requested two inspectors and received funding for one; the additional inspector request this year would restore the staffing level the agency believes is necessary to meet inspection targets and maintain federal reimbursement levels. The agency reported that federal reimbursement rates have shifted in recent years (previously around 60% reimbursement; more recently closer to 40%), creating a shortfall in state share for positions the PSC already received funding to support.
Other items: The PSC also asked for a small true‑up to cover a $24,781 shortfall tied to the federal reimbursement rate change for the inspector position funded last year, plus about $19,560 for increased Department of Administrative Services premiums and rental costs in FY2025.
Future water regulation: The PSC noted House Bill 449 (filed recently in the House) would expand the commission’s role regarding private water systems under a rate‑increase trigger and could require new personnel and consultant support if enacted; the agency said a water unit could require additional funds, depending on the final bill language and case volume.
Ending: The PSC emphasized recruitment and retention of experienced inspectors and attorneys is time‑consuming and costly; committee members discussed turnover and training timelines for specialized staff. No formal action was taken during the hearing.
