Settlement includes $325,000 civil penalty, safety enhancements, and funding for methane detectors

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement with Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC (Peoples) related to a July 26, 2021, natural gas explosion in Tyrone Borough, Blair County, that resulted in one fatality, multiple injuries, and significant property damage.

The settlement, approved by a vote of 5-0, resolves an investigation and formal complaint filed by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E), which averred that gaps in the company’s emergency response and related procedures contributed to unsafe conditions.

According to the record, the incident occurred after a contractor struck a natural gas main during drilling operations. A natural gas explosion occurred at a residence along Pennsylvania Avenue, resulting in one death, injuries to multiple individuals – including a Peoples employee – and the destruction or severe damage of several homes.

I&E’s complaint alleged that Peoples failed to take adequate steps to minimize the hazards of released gas and did not use every reasonable effort to protect the pub…

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