Family Lucky To Be Alive After House Explosion

Has Washington Gas's cost cutting measures gone too far? Public officials should take notice that members of their communities are at risk due to haphazard cuts within the gas utility's operational units. Too bad the support side of the business is now feeling the pain. When will Washington Gas learn that their customers and employees' safety are more important than excessive executive pay and shareholder return!

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. But, neighbors said they called the Washington Gas company to report the smell of gas in the area shortly before the explosion.

News4 reported that a neighbor called to report the smell at about 8:37 p.m. on Saturday. At about 9:40 p.m., a technician arrived to the area but found nothing and left after about 18 minutes. The house exploded about 20 to 30 minutes later, officials said.

"I think the Washington Gas, when a neighbor called, they should have came out to check. I think they should have gone into every single house to see where the smell was coming from," said Brenda Pannebecker, the woman whose house was destroyed in the blast.

"The guy could have stayed here. He could have called for backup. They could have shut the gas off. They could have prevented this all from happening," said neighbor Randy Sull.

Washington Gas to Issue Va. Refunds

Washington Gas Light is set to issue refunds to its residential and commercial gas customers in Virginia after agreeing to lower the rates it has been charging since February, the company said last week.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission, which oversees utility rates in the state, said the average refund for residential customers would be $16.50. Washington Gas Light would not confirm that figure.

I actually called the Virginia State Corporation Commission earlier this year asking how Washington Gas can charge customers a new rate before they're actually approved by the state commission. The state commission forwarded me to my state representative who forwarded my question to Washington Gas. I would've been shocked if I actually received a response from the gas company.

It's good to see a monopoly held to task for fleecing its customers.