ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- National Grid Plc. is facing a nearly $1.7 million payment to settle an investigation by New York's inspector general that concluded the company paid for about $7,000 of golf games and meals for state utility regulators over eight years that were improper gifts.
The Public Service Commission will consider the settlement with National Grid on Aug. 16.
National Grid says the fine will be paid by the company, not its customers.
According to Acting Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott, two state Department of Public Service employees have resigned and disciplinary action is pending against a third.
Investigators say two department staff also improperly shared a confidential draft report on a 2008 natural gas explosion in Queens with a consultant for Consolidated Edison, a subject of the accident investigation.
