BISMARCK, N.D (Prairie Public Radio) – Xcel Energy will pay a $12,000 fine for a natural gas leak that led to an explosion and fire at a Fargo senior living complex.
That fire happened January 4, 2019 at Riverview Place. It damaged four of the 24 apartments. No one was hurt but the building was evacuated for several hours.
North Dakota Public Service Commission chairman Brian Kroshus said gas was leaking and wasn’t vented properly. It leaked into a mechanical room and caused an explosion. He said it could have been an “incredibly serious situation.”
In addition, Kroshus said some of the natural gas pipes were not adequately protected from corrosion.
He says the utility has acknowledged the problem and has installed updates.
