CPUC Sets Public Workshop To Discuss Independent Report on SoCalGas and Sempra Safety Culture

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today said it will hold a remote access public workshop to discuss an independently conducted report that was prepared as part of the CPUC’s ongoing investigation into the safety culture of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and its parent company, Sempra Energy, as follows:

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Remote access via WebEx or phone, as follows:

• WebEx link: https://cpuc.webex.com/cpuc/j.php?MTID=m4fcd12a992849073ca491e314d210d3f
  • WebEx event number: 2482 125 8351
  • WebEx event password: ZChfPhxD638 (92437493 from phones)
• Phone: 1-855-282-6330 Toll Free, passcode: 248 212 58351

WHAT: An informational remote public workshop to discuss an independently conducted report by Evolving Energy Consortium on the safety culture of SoCalGas and Sempra at which the authors of the report will discuss their work, including main observations and recommendations, followed by an opportunity for parties to ask questions and discuss specific issues of interest. There will also be an opportunity for public comment. An agenda and more information about the workshop, including updated time and remote access information, if applicable, will be released closer to the workshop date and will be available at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/about-cpuc/divisions/safety-policy-division/safety-culture-and-governance.

The independently conducted Safety Culture Assessment Report released today is part of the CPUC’s investigation to determine whether SoCalGas and Sempra have an organizational culture and governance that prioritizes safety, adequately directs resources to promote accountability and achieve safety goals and standards, and how SoCalGas reacts as an organization when a significant safety event occurs. The CPUC’s investigation was initiated following the gas leak incident at SoCalGas’ Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility and the explosion of SoCalGas’ natural gas Line 235-2, which were followed by prolonged outages of Lines 235 and 4000. These major events affected critical energy infrastructure relied on by millions of Californians and raised questions about whether the leadership, organizational culture, and governance at SoCalGas and its parent company Sempra Energy prioritize safety.

The independent assessment identifies positive observations and several areas of concern for SoCalGas and Sempra, highlighted by four general themes:

1. Safety is most often narrowly perceived as personnel safety, rather than the broader perception that includes public safety, psychological safety, process safety, and security in addition to personnel safety.
2. Safety and risk management are perceived as achieved by meeting compliance.
3. Resources are needed to promote a healthy safety culture.
4. Learning and safety improvement require an integrated management system.

The assessment also forms the basis for parties to develop a consistent understanding of what constitutes a safety culture and why such a culture is fundamental to safe utility operations.

The report is available at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/about-cpuc/divisions/safety-policy-division/safety-culture-and-governance. Members of the public can comment on the proceeding on the Docket Card at https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:56:0::NO:RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:I1906014. In addition to the opportunity to comment at the January 26th public workshop, party comments on the report will be posted to the Docket Card.

The release of the consultant report completes the first phase of this investigation ordered pursuant to the proceeding. The second phase of the investigation will be set after the completion of the January 26 workshop. Enforcement actions resulting from the Aliso Canyon leak are not a part of this proceeding and are being pursued via separate CPUC actions.  More information is available in the Ruling issuing the consultant’s report.

In response to Governor Newsom’s directive concerning restrictions on public gatherings to protect customers and community members during COVID-19, the January 26 workshop will not have in-person attendance.

Members of the public can make their voice heard in this proceeding, and read the comments of others, on our online Docket Card comment section at https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/I1906014.

While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend the January 26 workshop, no official action will be taken on this matter. If specialized accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or sign language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll-free at 866-849-8390 at least three business days in advance of the workshop.

To receive electronic updates on CPUC proceedings, sign-up for the CPUC’s free subscription service at http://subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov.

The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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Press Release