The fine is in reaction to an investigation of a Philadelphia gas company that turned off gas supply to two customers who were later found dead of hypothermia. Utility shutoffs jumped by seventy-one thousand in the first seven months this year.

The law passed last year says that companies can legally cut off services at any time during the year.

Our area has been hit with several deaths related to these shutoffs. Four people were killed in a Hastings fire started by a candle and a state college woman was killed from carbon monoxide due to a generator.

State Senator John Wozniak says that bill targets deadbeats who can afford their payments but don't. He says that there are many programs set up to help individuals pay. The senator says fail safes are placed in the law to protect the frailest of society.

A local gas company agrees with the senator.

We do not want to terminate any gas service. We want to provide service to our customers so if a customer receives a letter, they should immediately take that seriously and call us immediately, says Elmore Lockley of Dominion Peoples.

If you need help with Dominion Peoples the number is there 1-800-764-0111.

Senator Wozniak says that the P.U.C. is currently investigating claims of wrongful shutoffs. He says if guilty, the utility companies deserve whatever fines they get.

Rich Klindworth, Channel 6 News.