PUCO Fines Columbia Gas of Ohio Following Avon Home Fire

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Feb. 27, 2019) – Today the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) ordered Columbia Gas of Ohio to pay a fine of $400,000 to the State of Ohio. The penalty is based upon the PUCO’s investigation of an August 2017 home fire in Avon, Ohio that caused an estimated $83,000 property damage.

“The safe operation of utility systems should be the number one priority for Ohio’s regulated utilities,” stated PUCO Chairman Asim Z. Haque.

A PUCO staff investigation determined that an excavator struck an unidentified 2-inch natural gas service line while installing a new water service line to the home. Columbia records failed to identify the presence of one of two natural gas service lines supplying the property. When Columbia responded to the scene, they were unable to identify the natural gas service line that was feeding the fire.

PUCO staff concluded that Columbia Gas did not follow its operating procedures when abandoning the service line in 2012, and failed to disconnect it properly from the main line. On multiple occasions, Columbia did not investigate contradicting records regarding the existence of two service lines at the property. Columbia also failed to respond and shut off the flow of natural gas in a timely manner.

In its order, the Commission noted that Columbia has complied with PUCO staff’s directives to update company procedures regarding underground locating, service disconnections and emergency response.

The PUCO is committed to ensuring the safe, reliable and environmentally sound operation of Ohio’s natural gas pipeline systems. PUCO investigators inspect each natural gas pipeline system in the state at least once every two years and review records and procedures implemented by utilities. When violations are detected, the PUCO orders corrective action and may assess fines and other penalties to ensure that Ohio’s natural gas pipeline systems continue to deliver natural gas safely and reliably.

Today’s Commission order, the agreement filed by Columbia and PUCO staff, and a copy of the PUCO investigation are available in the case docket for case 19-452-GA-GPS.