WEST READING, Pa. – UGI faces a complaint from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission over the chocolate factory explosion in West Reading that killed seven workers and injured 10 others.

PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) has filed a formal complaint against UGI Utilities, Inc. – Gas Division following a detailed investigation into the March 2023 natural gas explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory, according to a news release from the PUC.

The complaint filed Wednesday alleges multiple violations of the Public Utility Code, Commission regulations, and federal pipeline safety standards related to the design, operation, and oversight of UGI’s gas distribution facilities serving the factory, the PUC said.

I&E is seeking $2.5 million in civil penalties, the maximum amount permitted by law, according to the news release.

I&E is also asking for corrective actions aimed at strengthening pipeline safety oversight, addressing risks associated with aging plastic pipeline materials, and expanding advanced methane leak detection technologies, the PUC said.

Among the key corrective actions proposed in the complaint, I&E calls for UGI to:

Expand the deployment of smart remote methane detection systems, capable of identifying natural gas leaks and alerting operators or emergency officials through modern communications networks.

Establish new procedures for retiring aging Aldyl-A plastic service tees with Delrin inserts, which have been linked to failures in vintage plastic pipeline systems.

Increase leak survey frequency for older plastic pipelines, particularly in dense urban areas where underground leaks may quickly become hazardous.

Improve tracking, mapping, and risk analysis of vintage plastic pipeline assets installed prior to 1983.

Strengthen emergency response coordination procedures and integrity management programs designed to identify and mitigate risks affecting pipeline infrastructure.

UGI released a statement after the complaint was filed:

“UGI Utilities, Inc. (UGI) is carefully reviewing the formal complaint issued by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) regarding the March 24, 2023, explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company in West Reading.

“What occurred at R.M. Palmer was a heartbreaking tragedy, and our deepest sympathies remain with the victims’ families, the West Reading community, and all those affected. 

“As UGI reviews the complaint, the Company will continue to cooperate with the PUC’s investigation. UGI is committed to providing safe and reliable service to its customers and communities. Public awareness and education remain central to our mission. UGI will continue to share its safety message “Smell Gas? Act Fast!” to the public, including at UGI.com/safety. The clear guidance, if you smell natural gas, is to evacuate immediately and get at least the length of a football field away before calling UGI at 800-276-2722 or 911. “