Media Release

For more information contact: Jesse Borjon, 785-271-3269

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

KCC Opens Investigation into Kansas Gas Service, Inc. Regarding Natural Gas Incident in Topeka

Topeka, KS - Today, the Kansas Corporation Commission (Commission) issued an order opening a general investigation into the January 30, 2012, incident that occurred at 1905 Navajo in Topeka, Kansas. The incident destroyed the single family residence at this location and injured the occupant.

Under the authority of K.S.A. 66-1,150, the Commission has established rules and regulations governing the operation of intrastate natural gas pipelines. Under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) certifies the Commission's pipeline safety program. As part of this certification, PHMSA requires the Commission to investigate natural gas incidents that have resulted in personal injury requiring hospitalization, a fatality, property damage, and other incidents considered significant by the state agency.

Findings will be entered into Docket No. 12-GIMG-584-GIP, the official investigation docket.