The City of Drakesboro’s natural gas distribution system is being investigated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission after a recent inspection found 35 violations of natural gas standards.
In an order issued Thursday, a release says the PSC gave Drakesboro until Friday, March 1, to either contract with a qualified third party to operate the system party or to shut down the system. PSC officials say a third has been operating the system in recent weeks, but Drakesboro has not contracted with it for continued services.
The PSC inspection was conducted from February 18 to February 21 and found violations including, failure to introduce odorant into the gas, allowing unqualified personnel, possibly including jail inmates, to operate or service the system, improper repairs to damaged gas main, and failure to follow emergency procedures in response to reported leaks, to name a few.
If Drakesboro, located in Muhlenberg County, is found to have committed all of the violations cited in the inspection report, PSC officials say the city could be subject to penalties of more than $7 million. They note the amount of penalties is based on federal law under which the PSC operates Kentucky’s natural gas safety program.
The PSC has ordered Drakesboro officials to appear at a hearing at the PSC offices in Frankfort on March 8. The hearing may be postponed if Drakesboro either contracts with a qualified third-party operator or shuts down the system.
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,100 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky.
