The day before the first anniversary of the Pacific Gas & Electric pipeline blast in San Bruno, the CPUC Sept. 8 decided it only would allow the utility to increase its pipeline pressure through a public hearing process. In so doing, the commission turned down PG&E’s request for the commission to allow its executive director to make the decision without a public hearing. After the explosion that killed 8, injured 51, and leveled more than three dozen homes, gas pressure on pipes was lowered in many places. “It is important that PG&E justify to this commission and the public that the requested pressure restorations are safe,” stated commissioner Mike Florio. He said the CPUC expects to hear the first such request at a Sept. 19 hearing on whether to allow the utility to raise the pressure on a major natural gas pipeline running from the Arizona border into the San Francisco Bay area. Commissioners said they expect they’ll have to deal with additional requests to restore full pressure on the utility’s pipelines before the winter heating season, when customers use more gas. Under the procedure laid out in the CPUC’s decision, PG&E must have experts testify in a public hearing on why pressure should be restored and subject them to questions. Following such hearings, the CPUC promises to render decisions on an expedited basis. At the hearings, PG&E has to present test results and an engineering assessment showing its pipelines can safely withstand increased pressure, according to Florio. Commissioner Tim Simon said regulators’ decision is intended to promote “an industry-wide safety culture” and provide “transparency” for the public. The commission ordered PG&E to reduce gas pressure on pipelines similar to the one that failed in San Bruno, at least until pressure tests were conducted and their safety could be vetted. The state’s gas utilities are under a commission order to test aging pipelines, review safety records, and replace segments that could fail. In a filing with the commission shortly before its vote, PG&E voiced general support for the decision.
