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For Immediate Release: 12/19/2024 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
24108/24-G-0592 December 19, 2024
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National Grid Agrees to $1 Million Settlement to Resolve Regulatory Violations in Natural Gas Explosion Case |
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PSC Accepts Terms of Settlement Regarding 2023 Gas Incident ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today adopted the terms and conditions of a $1 million settlement agreement that would resolve all alleged violations committed by National Grid relating to a natural gas incident at 532 W. Elm St., Oneida, in Madison County on September 9, 2023, within the utility’s service territory. The Commission’s decision is based on staff’s investigation into the incident.
“The Commission takes very seriously its role of ensuring the public’s safety,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “This gas explosion demonstrates that we will hold utility shareholders’ fully accountable for violations through enforcement actions to protect the public.”
Early on September 9, 2023, an individual rammed a stolen vehicle into a residential home located at 532 West Elm Street, Oneida, Madison County. The vehicle struck the residence's outside gas meter, completely severing the shut-off valve at the gas meter. The damage to the gas meter produced an above-ground natural gas leak. Emergency 911 dispatchers contacted National Grid for a field response to the incident. Multiple adjacent homes were evacuated by responding law enforcement and fire departments.
A responding National Grid employee made the determination that they could not stop the blowing gas into the residence, therefore, they called National Grid dispatch for a specialized gas operations unit. This employee did not, however, call for an electric operations crew to turn off the power to the residence, nor did they take action to cut the power with available tools. After approximately three hours had elapsed while National Grid crews were readying their equipment and personnel, the residence violently exploded, completely destroying the structure. Luckily, no one was injured in the explosion.
Staff’s investigation determined that the dispatched National Grid employee, as a first responder, took no affirmative act to shut off electrical service to the residence, and therefore apparently failed to remove potential sources of ignition. The National Grid employee further apparently failed to call for additional assistance to shut off electrical power to a residence that was filling with combustible natural gas for approximately three hours.
The investigation also found that National Grid policies and procedures apparently do not contain sufficiently detailed protocols for disconnecting electrical service during a natural gas emergency. Staff interviewed the National Grid dispatch supervisor, discovering that he apparently did not report the explosion incident to the Department of Public Service in a timely fashion. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, National Grid shareholders will pay $1 million for enhanced safety measures and training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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-0592 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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