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PSC reduces Notre Dame of Maryland University interruption penalty to $8,498.95
Summary
The Public Service Commission granted a 60% reduction of an estimated $21,247.38 interruption penalty for Notre Dame of Maryland University after staff concluded the university made good‑faith preparations but failed to ensure adequate oversight of a staff changeover during an Arctic weather event; the commission approved the partial waiver 4‑0.
The Public Service Commission on July 15 approved a partial waiver that reduces Notre Dame of Maryland University's estimated distribution interruption penalty from about $21,247.38 to $8,498.95.
Lily Tisca of commission staff told commissioners that NDMU's violations stemmed from the university's failure to stop taking delivery of gas during a distribution system interruption event from Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, 2026. Staff said NDMU had invested in central‑plant improvements and took steps to prepare boilers and training but assigned a relatively new technician to perform the gas‑to‑oil changeover without adequate oversight.
"NDMU took appropriate precautions prior to the interruption, worked quickly to activate the gas to oil switch once facility staff were notified of noncompliance, and took the right steps to ensure future compliance," staff said, but recommended a partial waiver because the switch was not completed promptly.
Sean Delaney, who represented NDMU at the hearing, said the campus was managing 750,000 square feet and 60 acres amid what he called an "Arctic event," which created safety and staffing challenges. He said the university intends to assign two staff members for future switchovers and to perform deeper inspections and testing over the summer to prevent repeat issues.
After discussion, the commission approved staff's recommendation to reduce the penalty by 60% to $8,498.95; the motion carried with four ayes.
