In a “Post Accident Process Improvements” report to the California Public Utilities Commission Feb. 17, Pacific Gas & Electric exposed what led up to the fatal Dec. 24, 2008, gas explosion in Rancho Cordova, and what it’s done to rectify procedures. According to PG&E, the errors that contributed to the explosion--killing one person--included a PG&E employee using an unauthorized plastic pipe replacement on the premises two years prior to the accident. That repair’s documents were not reviewed. On the day of the accident, PG&E crews did not make a “timely” response to the report of a gas leak. The utility noted it takes “full responsibility” for the accident. PG&E continues to dispute some commission allegations, such as its emergency plan was “inadequate.” The utility maintains its plan was “reasonable” and complied with federal and state law.
