BARNSTABLE – National Grid could be facing a record fine for issues with the company’s gas line on the Cape.
State regulators say they found numerous safety problems with the 21-mile line and are looking at a $1.25 million fine for the company.
“All utilities doing business in the Commonwealth have a responsibility to operate and maintain a safe natural gas pipeline system. The actions taken by the Department of Public Utilities reflect the seriousness of the violations and the Administration’s commitment to public safety. National Grid will not only pay a significant penalty, but it must also take specific actions to correct the defects identified in this order, which will be closely monitored by the DPU,” said Peter Lorenz, spokesman for the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
National Grid put a moratorium on new gas line hookups last year, and lowered the operating pressure of their infrastructure. The hookup moratorium is expected to last through 2019.
“We continuously work to ensure the safety and reliability of our national gas infrastructure throughout our service territory,” said National Grid Spokesman Jake Navarro. “Our natural gas system on eastern Cape Cod is operating safely and we will continue to work closely with local communities on Cape Cod, government agencies and other stakeholders to complete this project as quickly as possible.”
National Grid serves 100,000 homes and businesses in Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, and Eastham.
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