For Immediate Release:	Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 10/5/2018	609-984-9707

TRENTON—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is proactively reviewing pipeline maintenance and proper safety protocols with utilities within the state. The importance of the effort, part of the NJBPU’s regulatory oversight over the state’s gas utilities, is heightened in light of last month’s tragedy in Massachusetts that resulted in more than 60 pipeline-related gas fires and explosions, leaving thousands without power and one person dead.

 

Preliminary findings of the Massachusetts investigations indicate that the fires were a result of gas leaks caused by an increase in pipeline pressure.

 

NJBPU staff is meeting directly with the state’s gas utilities to examine preliminary lessons learned from the Massachusetts event and to review safety protocols related to gas system pressurization and emergency protocols.

 

“We have made this agency available to provide guidance and other supports as Massachusetts works to prevent this from ever happening again,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso.

 

NJBPU’s Division of Reliability and Security is in regular contact with the Massachusetts Pipeline Safety Division and with the federal government to track updates and to implement any new pipeline safety protocols that stem from the investigation. The Division’s Bureau of Pipeline Safety handles safety inspections, incident investigations, enforcement and rulemaking, and coordinates the continuing education of gas facility operators, emergency responders, and other stakeholders. It also provides consultation on gas infrastructure issues.

 

 “We will continue to do everything in our power to plan ahead and be prepared to ensure the safety of the residents of New Jersey,” President Fiordaliso said. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with our utilities to strengthen our infrastructure and hone our practices.”

 

About the Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)
The NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by the NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents.
To find out more about the NJBPU, visit our web site at www.nj.gov/bpu.

 

About the Division of Reliability and Security
The Division of Reliability and Security is charged with the reliability and security of all lifeline utility services and critical infrastructure for the State of New Jersey: electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications.  This includes responsibility for consequence management of any petroleum shortages as well as cyber security.

The Division focuses on the mission critical operational and safety areas required by statute, regulation, federal compacts and partnership protocols.  Certain Cabinet Official responsibilities are performed by the Division on the President’s behalf, along with requirements of the State's Emergency Management Plans.