Jurisdiction: All investor-owned utilities.
Regulations: Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 190, 191, 192, 193, and 199. CPUC General Order No. 112-E (PDF file).
The USRB enforces Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations through its natural gas safety program. The USRB administers its natural gas safety program by auditing the facilities of investor-owned natural gas utilities in California for compliance with the applicable codes. The audit consists of reviewing operation and maintenance records, evaluating emergency procedures, and performing random field inspections of the natural gas facilities. Investor-owned utilities are generally audited once every two years; however, the utility may be audited more frequently depending on the results of the audit.
In addition to these audits, the USRB conducts accident investigations, responds to safety related complaints, inspects new construction, and ensures that the safety regulations reflect state of the art changes in materials, equipment, and technology.
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NOTICE TO ALL PROPANE PIPELINE SYSTEM OWNERS/OPERATORS
The Utilities Safety and Reliability Branch (USRB) of the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) has prepared a resolution for authority to cite and fine propane operators who are non-compliant with the Commission’s Propane Safety Program.
The proposed resolution will grant authority to USRB inspectors to issue citations to non-compliant operators.
Operators are invited to provide comments on the proposed resolution by sending e-mail to sca@cpuc.ca.gov. All comments are due by June 20, 2008.
In addition, the Commission will hold a public workshop in Stockton to present the proposed citation program and to address concerns and questions from interested parties. The workshop will be held on June 12th at:
Auditorium at 31 E. Channel St. Stockton, CA 95202.
This all day workshop will start at 9:30 AM. If you would like to attend the workshop, or have any questions about this notice, please call Steve Artus at 415-703-2898 or e-mail to sca@cpuc.ca.gov