APRIL 9, 2015
A PG&E gas pipeline exploded in San Bruno on Sept. 9,
2010. The explosion killed eight people, injured dozens and destroyed or
damaged about 100 homes.
The California Public Utilities Commission voted today to
fine Pacific, Gas & Electric Co. $1.6 billion in penalties for its role in
the September 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people,
injured dozens and destroyed or damaged about 100 homes.
The new penalty is $200 million more than an earlier
internal recommendation by the San Francisco-based agency's administrative law
judges assigned to the case. Along with earlier penalties related to the San
Bruno incident, the total fines imposed on PG&E now exceed $2.2 billion.
CPUC President Michael Picker, who took office in late
December, replacing disgraced former President Michael Peevey, described the
penalty as one of the largest ever levied on a utility company nationally.
PSE&G, watch out.