Press Release

PUC Considers $80,000 Settlement with National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp.

Published on 3/13/2008

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued for public comment a settlement with National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. (NFG) that ends an informal investigation into a gas explosion that resulted in two fatalities in Sandy Township, Clearfield County.

The settlement agreement, reached between the PUC’s prosecutory staff and NFG, followed an informal investigation of an Aug. 21, 2004, gas explosion at 48 Woodland Lane in Sandy Township.  The explosion destroyed the home, resulting in the deaths of two residents.  The cause of the explosion resulted from a leak in the gas line. 

Under the settlement, NFG agreed to address recommendations and ensure the overall safety and reliability of its distribution system by modifying its operating procedures and accelerating the plastic pipe leakage survey of its Pennsylvania system.  The company has also re-trained and tested its plastic fusion work crewmembers.  As part of the settlement, NFG agrees to pay a $50,000 fine and is responsible for funding an additional $30,000 of safety related activities for its system.  Under this settlement, NFG has committed to undertake system improvements that exceed $1.8 million.

Interested parties have 20 days to comment.  The Commission will issue a final determination on the settlement at an upcoming public meeting.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2008-2013013

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov