Thursday, October 2, 2025

Central Hudson Has 30 Days to Answer for Dutchess County Explosion

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utilities charged with neglecting safety procedures in alleged explosion that injured several

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has ordered Central Hudson Gas & Electric (CH) to explain why it shouldn’t be penalized for a November 2023 explosion in Dutchess County that injured several adults and children. The explosion, which occurred on Brick Row in Wappinger’s Falls, started fires, forced residents to evacuate the area, and destroyed two homes.

According to the PSC report, CH allegedly knew about an active gas service line in the area but failed to inform contractors working on gas line upgrades about its existence. The report also states that CH did not maintain accurate maps of the gas lines in the area, which led to the contractors unknowingly striking the active line, causing the explosion.

The PSC has given CH until November 15 to respond to the order and justify why a civil enforcement proceeding should not commence and why civil penalties or other remedies should not be imposed. The company has 30 days to review the report and provide a comprehensive response to the allegations.

PSC Chair Rory Christian said: "Utilities are required to provide safe and reliable service, and when they fail to provide this most basic protection, the Department [of Public Service] and [PSC] will investigate and, where appropriate, take action. [PSC] will start a process to receive the company’s position, review the evidence, and determine whether or not any penalties or other remedies against Central Hudson are warranted."

CH’s Response

In a statement, Joe Jenkins, Director of Media Relations at CH, said: "The safety and well-being of our customers and communities will always be Central Hudson’s top priority. We take our responsibility to provide safe and reliable service to our customers very seriously and have fully cooperated with the Department of Public Service as it conducted its investigation into the event in Wappingers Falls last year. We will continue to do so."

Conclusion

The PSC’s investigation and subsequent order have raised questions about CH’s safety procedures and whether the company has failed to provide a safe and reliable service to its customers. The response from CH will determine the next steps in the process. As the investigation continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected by the explosion and to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cause of the alleged explosion in Wappinger’s Falls?
A: According to the PSC report, the explosion was caused by CH contractors unknowingly striking an active gas line while working on gas line upgrades.

Q: Did CH know about the active gas line in the area?
A: Yes, the report states that CH knew about the active gas line but failed to inform contractors about its existence.

Q: What is the status of the PSC’s investigation?
A: The PSC has given CH until November 15 to respond to the order, and the company has 30 days to review the report and provide a comprehensive response to the allegations.

Q: What are the consequences if CH is found guilty of negligence?
A: The PSC may impose civil penalties or other remedies, including fines and penalties, if it is determined that CH failed to provide a safe and reliable service to its customers.

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