Mission
To conduct effective oversight of the safety and reliability of California's electric, telecommunications and gas infrastructure.
Responsibilities
The Commission's Utilities Safety and Reliability Branch (USRB) of the Consumer Protection and Safety Division was established to oversee the safety of electric, communications, natural gas, and propane gas systems. The Branch enforces Commission rules and regulations, investigates and recommends ways to reduce utility related accidents, and advises the Commission on related matters. Since utility safety concerns sometimes transcend state boundaries, the Safety and Reliability Branch may also participate in various national safety oriented organizations.
Office Locations
The Utilities Safety and Reliability Branch has main offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and a field office in Sacramento. The branch is divided into three units assigned to different parts of the State and staff in each unit is responsible for overseeing natural gas, electric, and propane safety in the assigned counties.
Functions
Commission Publications, General Orders, and News Bulletins
Copies of safety related General Orders (GO128, GO95, GO165, & GO112E), can be obtained on line. Hard copies of these documents and others can be ordered from our central files office.
A major cause of accidents and interruptions of gas and electric service is damage due to underground pipes and conduits during excavation. You can now call 811 for a service that will mark the location of underground pipes. State law requires excavators to notify this service two days before starting excavation.
Copies of the USRB annual reports can be downloaded from the Files Download area in PDF format.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) publishes guidance manuals for operators of small natural gas and propane systems.
Current Events sponsored by USRB
Important Links