CPUC Seeks Applications for Diablo Canyon Independent

SAN FRANCISCO, March 1, 2004 - The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today began soliciting applications for a nominee to the Diablo Canyon Independent Safety Committee.

The Committee assesses the safety of the operation of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and has authority to review quarterly reports and conduct on-site inspections. Only persons with knowledge, background, and experience in the field of nuclear power facilities are eligible for Committee membership.

The member selected will fill a three-year term that begins July 1, 2004, and ends on July 1, 2007. The search is being conducted according to the 1988 Diablo Canyon settlement approved by the Commission on Dec. 19, 1988. Although the settlement expired at the end of 1998, the Commission extended the operation of the three-member Committee.

The Committee reports its observations and recommendations annually, first to PG&E, and then along with PG&E's response, to the Governor, PUC, Attorney General, and the California Energy Commission.

The application is available on the PUC website at http://www.cpuc.ca.gov; by writing to Nominations, c/o Massis Galestan, California Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness Ave., Room 4007, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298; or by calling 415-703-1760. Applications should be sent to the above address before 4 p.m., April 2, 2004.

PUC President Michael R. Peevey, PG&E President Gordon R. Smith, and A. Richard Newton, Dean of Engineering of the University of California at Berkeley will jointly select and propose nominees to the State's Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who will make the final selection.