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For Immediate Release: 03/20/2025 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080 25036/24-G-0483 March 20, 2025
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PSC Enforcement Case Regarding Central Hudson Gas Explosion Takes Next Step |
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Commission Reminds Utilities of the Importance of Ensuring System Safety and Reliability ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission), as part of its investigation into a natural gas explosion at 7 Brick Row, Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, in Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation's (Central Hudson) service territory, has concluded that Department of Public Service staff has presented credible and specific information as well as sufficiently viable legal theories, which have not been negated by the utility’s response, to justify this matter progressing on to an adjudicatory hearing overseen before an administrative law judge.
“It is our expectation that the administrative law judge will assemble and organize an evidentiary record consisting of exhibits and direct and cross examination testimony presented by the parties,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “At the conclusion of the evidentiary phase of the hearing, the parties shall submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law along with post hearing briefs for the administrative law judge’s consideration. Utilities need to be reminded of the importance of ensuring system safety and reliability.”
This case relates to a gas-related explosion that occurred at 7 Brick Row, Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County, on November 2, 2023. The explosion injured multiple adults and children. According to staff’s initial report, on November 2, 2023 Central Hudson was conducting natural gas distribution upgrades in the Wappingers Falls area as part of a distribution improvement project. These gas system upgrades included excavating gas facilities located under roadways and walkways to replace steel gas pipelines with new plastic pipelines, as well as installing new service lines to ratepayer residences. During operations, Central Hudson contractors struck an unmarked natural gas service line, causing a natural gas leak. Minutes later, the residence at 7 Brick Row exploded, severely injuring multiple individuals and destroying buildings.
Today, the Commission voted to commence an administrative adjudicatory enforcement proceeding and request the appointment of an administrative law judge to conduct an evidentiary hearing regarding Central Hudson's apparent violations in relation to the explosion. The Commission may assess a civil penalty for violations of the Public Service Law and applicable regulations. Any such penalties are not recoverable from ratepayers.
Staff investigated Central Hudson and its contractors to determine the cause of the explosion, including securing testimony from witnesses, acquiring a comprehensive document production, and conducting site visits at the incident location. Based on that investigation and staff's findings, staff claims that Central Hudson had knowledge of the relevant active natural gas service line prior to the explosion yet did not include this information in the project binder for its contractors.
Staff contends that Central Hudson failed to maintain accurate maps of its service lines in the relevant area and failed to maintain atmospheric corrosion survey records and leakage records for the relevant area in violation of Commission regulations. Central Hudson asserts that the utility did not violate the Public Service Law or Commission regulations.
Today’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 24-G-0483 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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