This report examines the safety record of the natural gas distribution system over the period 1985 – 2003, with special emphasis on the incidents reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) for the years 1999 through 2003. OPS contracted with Allegro Energy Consulting to undertake this work as part of the agency's multi-faceted initiative to improve the safety record of these systems. Gas distribution systems are involved in far more fatalities and injuries than the other types of pipelines that the agency regulates (gas transmission and hazardous liquid), and often are in the news because of incidents involving explosions and evacuations, a fact that has focused the attention of regulators, the Congress, industry and the public.