Press Release

PUC Reaches Settlement with Equitable Gas over 2003 Explosion

Published on 4/21/2005

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Public Utility Commission (PUC) today tentatively approved a settlement with Equitable Gas Company over a 2003 explosion and fire that damaged part of an apartment building in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, injuring six people.

            On Jan. 17, 2003, the utility was investigating reports of gas odor at an apartment in the Three Rivers Manor complex in Spring Hill, when a building directly across the street exploded.

            PUC attorneys alleged that Equitable violated several gas safety regulations, including failing to inspect adjacent buildings when the gas leak was discovered and failing to eliminate a possible “ignition” source by not shutting off electricity to the building across the street. They also allege that Equitable did not have accurate pipeline and valve maps onsite, which impeded the progress of work crews.

            Equitable disputes some of the allegations, but asked the PUC to approve the settlement in order to resolve the informal investigation and avoid potentially costly litigation.

            Under the settlement, the utility will provide additional training for employees in emergency response procedures, hazardous leak investigations, and pipeline shutdown procedures. It also will update its distribution pipeline maps to identify valves that no longer exist, and it will develop a plan to evaluate cast iron valves for corrosion and to remove ones which are found to be unsafe. The company must begin to implement the changes within 60 days after the settlement is finalized.

            In addition, Equitable must spend $55,000 to train smaller utility companies on damage prevention and gas leak management and safety. The training must be completed within 18 months after the settlement is finalized. The company also agreed to pay a $5,000 fine, which will be paid to the Commonwealth’s General Fund.

            The company cannot recoup the training costs or fine in future rate cases, according to the settlement.

            Parties to the case have 20 days after today’s order is entered to file objections to the settlement. If no objections are filed, the settlement becomes final.

            The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

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Docket No. M-00041863

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