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Natural Gas Provider Scrambling to Conduct Pipe Inspections

AUGUSTA, Maine - A Maine natural gas provider is mobilizing "all available resources'' to inspect and potentially replace pipe fittings that may have been incorrectly installed on gas lines in seven communities.

The Morning Sentinel reports a commission order from earlier this month is requiring Summit Natural Gas of Maine to check more than 600 electrofusion couplings in cities along their transmission line.

Improperly installed couplings could heighten the chance of gas leaks.

Matthew Kaply, Summit's director of regulatory affairs, says the company will focus its efforts on Augusta and Waterville along with prioritizing areas that have a large concentration of customers.

Maine Public Utilities Commission officials believe the faulty equipment was installed by three subcontractors during the 2013-2014 building season.

The company's deadline is Dec. 21, except for Gardiner and Randolph.