PG&E Fined $1.4 Billion for San Bruno Explosion

It is the largest fine in the history of the California PUC.

  • Sep 02, 2014

The California Public Utilities Commission lowered the boom on Pacific Gas and Electric on Sept. 2 for the San Bruno pipeline explosion, issuing four decisions by two administrative law judges and penalizing the company $1.4 billion. It is the largest safety-related penalty ever levied by the agency.

The ALJs issued three decisions establishing the number of violations. In the fourth decision, the judges imposed a penalty based on the total number of violations. They found that PG&E committed 3,798 violations of state and federal laws, rules, standards, or regulations in connection with the operations and practices of its gas transmission system pipeline. "Many of these violations continued for several years, resulting in a total of 18,447,803 days in violation. The $1.4 billion penalty, when combined with the amount that the CPUC previously ruled must come from shareholders for expenditures to improve the safe operation of natural gas pipelines (R.11-02-019), exceeds $2 billion," according to the agency's news release.

From the penalty, $950 million will be paid to California's General Fund, $400 million in pipeline improvements that cannot be recovered from customers, and approximately $50 million to be used to implement more than 75 remedies to enhance pipeline safety, including $30 million for the CPUC's Safety and Enforcement Division to hire independent auditors to audit PG&E's Pressure Validation project and Project Mariner implementation, training for emergencies, establishing a centralized database to track location and use of salvaged pipe in PG&E's gas transmission pipeline system, and to pay litigation expenses of intervenors.

Product Showcase

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. 3

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. 3

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. 3

Featured

Most   Popular