Setting New Rules for Safe, Reliable Operation of State's Natural Gas Pipelines
On February 24, 2011, the CPUC announced it will set new rules for the safe and reliable operation of natural gas pipelines in California. Proceeding R.11-02-019 encompasses this rulemaking.
Penalty Consideration Regarding CPUC Staff Report Alleging PG&E's Violation of Laws and Regulations Led to Pipeline Rupture
The CPUC issued a staff report alleging that PG&E violated state law and various federal and state pipeline safety regulations and accepted industry standards, leading to the September 9, 2010, pipeline rupture. The CPUC’s Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 12, 2012, to immediately open a penalty consideration (I.12-01-007) case to examine the report and, as appropriate, consider proper penalties and remedies for such violations.
Penalty Consideration Regarding PG&E Gas Pipeline Recordkeeping
The CPUC has started a penalty consideration phase into whether PG&E's gas transmission pipeline recordkeeping was unsafe, whether it violated the law, and if so whether deficient PG&E recordkeeping caused or contributed to the pipeline rupture in San Bruno on Sept. 9, 2010. Proceeding I.11-02-016 encompasses this investigation.
Penalty Consideration Regarding Pipeline Classification
Nov. 10, 2011: CPUC Begins Penalty Consideration Case Regarding Alleged PG&E Pipeline Classification Violations (I.11-11-009).
System Safety and Security in Ratemaking
The CPUC is working on multiple fronts to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review Panel and the National Transportation Safety Board. As part of this effort, the CPUC is establishing a stakeholder process to solicit ideas and proposals to reform the way safety is considered in the CPUC’s ratemaking procedures.
Additional Resources