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PSC grants 50% penalty reduction to W.R. Grace after equipment issues during interruption
Summary
Staff recommended and the commission granted a 50% reduction of a $69,582.43 interruption penalty for W.R. Grace after the company experienced boiler switching problems during a cold‑weather interruption; the revised penalty is $34,791.22 and commissioners approved unanimously.
Commission staff (Cameron Walton) summarized W.R. Grace's waiver request arising from equipment issues while switching a boiler from natural gas to fuel oil during a February 7–9 interruption. Staff found the company had partially satisfied good‑faith factors—performed preventive maintenance and troubleshooting—but that switching began only one hour before the interruption, leaving little margin to address unexpected problems. Staff recommended a 50% reduction in the interruption penalty, reducing it from $69,582.43 to $34,791.22.
A company representative, Aiden Ball, and maintenance manager Ben Krekeler described the repair timeline and said they plan to rent a boiler and pursue extensive repairs; Ball had no further comment beyond acknowledging the request. Commissioners discussed the risk of repeat noncompliance and utility tariff remedies. The commission approved the staff recommendation and adjourned.
