By Marina Villeneuve, The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Maine - A Maine natural gas company that faced a $250,000 fine this year following a potentially "catastrophic'' gas leak is asking the state to dissolve an affiliate.
On Friday, Summit Natural Gas of Maine asked the state Public Utilities Commission to dissolve Natural Gas Conversion Company, which helps Mainers convert home heating systems to burn natural gas at a time of high demand.
Summit said the conversion company is "no longer consistent'' with its Colorado-based parent company's "business objectives.'' It said the move wouldn't impact ratepayers and investors.
The request comes at a time of low crude oil prices, company-wide layoffs and regulator scrutiny.
In March, the PUC investigated a gas leak near an Augusta Applebee's restaurant and found "extremely serious'' violations that could have caused "multiple fatalities.''