PUC Approves Safety Settlement in Case Involving 2022 Natural Gas House Explosion in Harrisburg

PUC Approves Safety Settlement in Case Involving 2022 Natural Gas House Explosion in Harrisburg

Published on 1/15/2026

Filed under: Gas

Commission action resolves enforcement case against Pronto Plumbing and requires penalty, training, and safety reforms

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted 5-0 to approve a settlement resolving an enforcement complaint related to a December 2022 natural gas explosion and fire at a residence in Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

The Commission's action approves, without modification, a settlement between the PUC's independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) and Pronto Plumbing & Drain Inc., doing business as Pronto Plumbing Heating Air Drains.

The settlement addresses alleged violations of Pennsylvania's Underground Utility Line Protection Law (the "One Call Law") stemming from excavation work that damaged a natural gas service line. The Commission adopted the Recommended Decision issued by Administrative Law Judge Charece Z. Collins, which found that the settlement is supported by substantial evidence and is in the public interest.

Background

The enforcement case arose from a gas explosion and fire that occurred on December 13, 2022, at 3204 Crest Road in Harrisburg. During excavation to repair a sewer line, Pronto Plumbing struck and damaged a natural gas service line, resulting in a gas leak. Escaping natural gas accumulated inside the residence and later ignited, causing an explosion and secondary fire that destroyed the home, damaged three neighboring residences, and injured two people.

I&E's investigation concluded that the incident involved alleged violations of the One Call Law, including failure to use prudent excavation techniques, failure to exercise due care when excavating in an unmarked area, failure to immediately notify the facility owner of damage to a gas line, and failure to properly renotify the Pennsylvania One Call System.

The damaged natural gas service line was operated by UGI Utilities Inc. Separate enforcement actions related to UGI remain pending before the Commission and are not resolved by today's action.

Settlement Terms

Under the approved settlement, Pronto Plumbing will:

• Pay an administrative penalty of $35,000, payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  
  
• Complete additional Pennsylvania One Call System compliance training for current excavation employees, including successful completion of required testing.
  
  
• Participate in in-person excavation safety and tolerance-zone training offered by Pennsylvania One Call.
  
  
• Update internal corporate policies to ensure new employees involved in excavation activities receive required One Call training.
  
  
• Meet with a regional Pennsylvania One Call liaison to review best practices and damage-prevention responsibilities.
  
  
• File annual compliance reports with the Commission for three years detailing employee training and safety initiatives.

The settlement resolves I&E's formal complaint against Pronto Plumbing and avoids further litigation, while requiring corrective measures intended to reduce the risk of future damage to underground utility facilities and enhance public safety.

Enforcement and Safety Oversight

The PUC's Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement is responsible for enforcing Pennsylvania's One Call Law and pipeline safety requirements, working to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and reduce the risk of serious incidents involving natural gas and other utility services.

More information about excavator requirements and safe practices is available at on the Pennsylvania One Call website at https://www.pa1call.org.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: C-2025-3055920

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  [email protected]