National Grid has reached a settlement agreement with the state of New York in response to violations over their natural gas lines in Northport and Commack, Long Island.
The utility company will have to pay $21 million after an investigation found repeated violations of safety regulations designed to prevent the corrosion of underground gas pipelines.
The company was also found to have failed to inspect gas infrastructure in another investigation by the state Public Service Commission.
Governor Andrew Cuomo says the settlement was a win for New Yorkers and put the utility services on notice that there will be penalties for potentially putting lives at risk.
National Grid serves 600,000 Long Islanders. The company recognized issues with the safety regulations but said measures are in place to prevent future problems.