Review of Gas Service Line Component Installations Designed to Keep Consumers Safe

ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today initiated a new proceeding to provide a systemic means for gas utility companies to review, examine, and report on their use of a particular type of component in their distribution systems known as a ‘tapping tee.’ 

“The Commission seeks to ensure that public utilities maintain constant vigilance over their gas distribution systems, with public safety as a paramount concern,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian.  “The Commission holds public utilities responsible for the continuous maintenance and safety of their gas facilities. This order initiates a process to promptly identify and proactively address potential issues identified concerning installation of certain components.” 

In the course of a recent investigation concerning a February 2022 incident in the Village of Brewster, Putnam County, Department staff reviewed a federal report concerning tapping tees.  In mid-2018, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a Safety Recommendation Report regarding the installation of PermaLock Tapping Tees in various utility gas distribution systems.  The NTSB report was derived from the federal Board’s investigation of a fatal accident involving a leak, explosion, and fire in Millersville, Pennsylvania as well as other incidents in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. 

This new proceeding initiated today requires gas distribution companies in New York State to confirm their receipt of the NTSB Report, whether or not the companies currently use the PermaLock Tapping Tees in their gas systems, and, if so, the extent of such use.  Thereafter, the Department and Commission will evaluate each company’s response to determine appropriate follow-up steps.  

Specifically, as an initial step, each gas distribution utility — Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Corning Natural Gas Corporation, The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY, Keyspan East Corporation, d/b/a National Grid, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, d/b/a National Grid, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., Liberty Utilities, Valley Energy, Inc., Bath Electric, Gas & Water Systems, Fillmore Gas Company, Inc., Reserve Gas Company, Inc., Chautauqua Utilities Incorporated, N.E.A. Cross of N.Y., Inc., Village of Hamilton Municipal Utilities, and Woodhull Municipal Gas Company — shall within 30 days of the issuance of the Commission’s order -  confirm its awareness of the National Transportation Safety Board report and confirm whether or not it currently uses PermaLock Tapping Tees in its gas distribution systems. 

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 23-G-0083 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.