Press Release

PUC Modifies $500,000 Settlement with PGW over 2011 Explosion to Include Enhanced Leak Detection

Published on 7/16/2013

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today modified a $500,000 settlement reached as part of an investigation of a 2011 Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) explosion that killed a PGW employee to include increased leak detection measures.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a joint motion by PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson and Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. that requires PGW to file a pilot program designed to test enhanced leak detection measures.

The Commission also finalized the settlement which included a $400,000 civil settlement as well as a $100,000 contribution to the existing smoke alarm program operated by the Fire Prevention Division of the Philadelphia Fire Department. Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner also issued a statement. The total monetary settlement of $500,000 represents the maximum penalty allowed by law at the time of the explosion. The law has since been changed, raising the maximum penalty to $2 million.

Under the terms of the settlement, PGW has already implemented, or will implement in the future, 19 different modifications to its operating procedures. The modifications are designed to revise procedures and retrain employees to increase safety.

If either PGW or the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) object to the additional terms imposed by the Joint Motion, the matter will be remanded to the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge for further proceedings.

On Dec. 15, 2011, I&E filed a complaint against PGW regarding a natural gas explosion at a two-story row home located at 6932 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia.  I&E alleged that a gas explosion occurred when natural gas migrating from a ruptured 12-inch cast iron underground main near the intersection of Torresdale Avenue and Disston Street in Philadelphia came in contact with an ignition source in the basement of the row home. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

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Docket No. C-2011-2278312

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