If gas and hazardous liquid pipelines underlying West Virginia were pulled into a straight line, they’d reach three-fourths of the way around the Earth. That’s a lot of underground lines to inspect.
But the Public Service Commission pipeline inspectors do just that. It’s the Commission’s duty to make sure those pipelines are safe.
In addition to state laws, we enforce federal law for all in-state pipelines. It’s a big job and grows larger each year. We’re confident our inspectors are up to the duties of keeping the public safe while ensuring gas keeps flowing.
Last year, our staff of five inspectors oversaw the safety of 18,554 miles of gas and hazardous liquid transmission and gathering lines, as well as gas distribution pipelines in the state.
Although most inspectors come with pipeline experience, each inspector must take a minimum of seven training classes to inspect the pipelines in West Virginia. They must understand regulations and what it takes to perform their duties. To be fully trained in all aspects of pipelines requires about 20 different classes. Additional classes are necessary as regulations are added or changed.
Just this past year, several new operators and more pipeline mileage were added to our system, upping what we have by more than 1,000 miles. This comes through additional transmission lines, pipeline extensions, as well as repairs and replacements, and other improvements to provide safer pipelines.
In 2025, our inspectors spent 680 days on inspections and performed 358 separate inspections. They visited every regulated pipeline operator in the state – a total of 65. Inspections include new construction, pipeline repairs and replacements, leak patrols, emergency response, and integrity management. The diligence of the gas pipeline inspectors keeps our pipelines safe.
Sixty percent of all residential fires in the United States are believed to be the result of gas leaks. And natural gas explosions occur in homes and offices across the nation. Approximately 80 percent of natural gas explosions are caused by pipeline leaks or ruptures.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s website shows there were 301 serious or significant gas pipeline events nationally last year.
These events caused 24 fatalities and 301 injuries, in addition to costing operators more than $279 million. The same website shows that the number of natural gas incidents has decreased over the last 20 years because of improved regulations and increased inspection activity.
We want you to be confident that when it comes to your safety, our pipeline inspectors are doing the job for you.
