Puget Sound Energy Could Pay $90,000 Fine in Explosion Case

By Merylee Robbins

Published on September 26, 2005

Although independent investigators have revealed that the improperly wired rectifier beneath Schmitz's house had little if no impact on the natural gas leak or explosion, regulators have found it reasonable to request that PSE pay the fine as a penalty for the period of time that the rectifier was cross wired. In an effort to prevent future incidents potentially involving faulty rectifier wiring, PGE has agreed to inspect approximately 150,000 coated steel service lines which will cost the utility an estimated $250,000.

The explosion, which occurred on September 2, 2004, destroyed Schmitz's home and caused her subsequent death three weeks later. The original settlement figure was set at $125,000, $25,000 for each day that the rectifier was considered defective. This week a hearing will be held to determine if the revised amount of the penalty is suitable.

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