Union asks regulators to impose bigger fine on Public Service Co. of New Mexico for gas leak

Union wants greater fine for PNM natural gas leak

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The union representing some Public Service Company of New Mexico employees believes a proposed $66,000 penalty for a natural gas leak is too lenient and has asked the state’s utility commission to impose a stiffer fine.

The leak — considered hazardous and requiring immediate attention — was discovered in an underground utility room vault near a busy Albuquerque intersection on May 19, 2008, according to a copyright story Tuesday by the Albuquerque Journal.

A check didn’t immediately turn up the source, and Public Service Company of New Mexico, known as PNM, didn’t repair the leak for more than two months, even though officials acknowledged the gas level posed a danger of igniting. PNM has admitted making a mistake and not following procedures, and it agreed to pay a $66,000 fine proposed by regulators.

However, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers filed a complaint with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission over the amount.

The PRC took testimony Monday on the stipulation between the PRC’s Pipeline Safety Bureau, PNM and the New Mexico Gas Co., which acquired the gas utility from PNM last year.

IBEW officials filed documents with the PRC contending there was no evidence PNM tested to determine the extent of gas migration from the vault. The union says PNM was aware of problems in the area years earlier and it wants the investigation to continue.

The PRC finished taking testimony, and briefs will be submitted.

A decision is expected next month.

Information from: Albuquerque Journal, www.abqjournal.com