Press Release

PUC Approves Settlement with PECO in 2013 Natural Gas Explosion at Rosemont College; Includes New Safety Enhancements & Civil Penalties

Published on 4/20/2017

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement with PECO Energy Company (PECO) that includes new gas safety enhancements and a $15,000 civil penalty.  The settlement stems from an investigation into an Aug. 7, 2013, natural gas explosion at Rosemont College on Philadelphia’s Main Line when a subcontractor struck a college gas main, causing a fire in a drill rig and injuring two workers.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the settlement between PECO and the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E).  I&E initiated a complaint against PECO for allegedly violating the Public Utility Code, state and federal regulations regarding the safety of its natural gas distribution operations, including the company’s failure to make the required PA One Call request for the specific location where the explosion occurred.  In Pennsylvania, homeowners and contractors are required to contact PA One Call at least three business days before beginning any digging or excavation project.

In addition to the civil penalty, which cannot be recovered from ratepayers and is paid to the state’s general fund, the settlement includes several enhancements to PECO’s internal practices and procedures in order to prevent similar conduct in the future, including:

• Modifications to PECO’s gas damage prevention procedures, to include the retraining of personnel to follow the modified procedures;
• Implementation of a one-year pilot program to address “No One Call” Ticket situations;
• Implementation of a proactive communication and educational process directing third parties to use the PA One Call process; and
• A company investigation into prioritizing its existing gas mapping plan to focus on areas with the highest hit-rates first.

According to the complaint filed by I&E, the explosion occurred when a subcontractor installing a light pole at the Rosemont College athletic fields struck a four inch gas main owned and operated by the college, causing a fire in the drill rig and injuring two workers. After the subcontractor struck the gas main, the gas vented upward and was ignited by the drill rig, causing a fire that damaged the drill rig and injured two workers.

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.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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 Docket No.:  C-2015-2514773

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov