San Bruno criticizes state regulators for failing to pursue PG&E gas pipeline investigation

Source: Oakland Tribune

SAN BRUNO -- The state Public Utilities Commission has abruptly halted an investigation into faulty records for PG&E's natural gas system -- a move that caused city officials in San Bruno, site of a fatal gas explosion, to suggest on Saturday that the probe's end resulted from a "possible backroom deal" between the utility and its regulators.

"We are extremely disappointed that the PUC did not follow through with the action they had started to pursue," said Connie Jackson, San Bruno's city manager. "This is yet another example of the too-cozy relationship between the utility and its regulator."

The end of the investigation came amid protracted PUC proceedings over the extent and nature of fines and punishments to be levied against PG&E for its negligence that caused the September 2010 explosion, killing eight, injuring 66 and destroying 38 homes.

San Francisco-based PG&E faces fines of up to $2 billion. Separately, federal prosecutors have filed criminal charges that are due to be amended in July.

Read more: http://www.insidebayarea.com/business/ci_25920108/san-bruno-criticizes-state-regulators-failing-pursue-pg