Information on Natural Gas Pipeline Safety
On September 9, 2010, a 30-inch Pacific Gas and Electric Company
(PG&E) natural gas transmission pipeline in San Bruno ruptured,
claiming the lives of eight residents, injuring numerous others, and
destroying many homes.
As the state agency charged with overseeing the operation of the
state’s utilities, the CPUC is taking numerous steps to ensure public
safety in the immediate and longer-term.
Below you will find information on three pipeline safety proceedings
the CPUC has underway and additional resources on pipeline safety. At
right, see the most recent updates on the proceedings and related
pipeline safety matters.
March 13, 2015: CPUC President Proposes $1.6 Billion in Remedies in PG&E Pipeline Cases, Increasing Penalty Amount by $200 Million and Directing $850 Million to Shareholder-Funded Safety Improvements
June 5, 2013: Safety and Enforcement Division Reply Brief
September 24, 2014: Ex Parte rules expanded in PG&E pipeline penalty consideration cases
June 3, 2013: CPUC Letter to NTSB on Progress Made in Addressing Safety Recommendations
May 7, 2012: Gas Pipeline Safety Update
Feb. 13, 2012: Gas Pipeline Safety Update
Jan. 2012: Overview of CPUC Actions in Response to NTSB and Independent Review Panel Recommendations
Detailed Implementation Status
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.