California Gas Utility Fined for Record Failures

Burning Pipe Flange

The Public Utilities Commission in California has fined the Pacific Gas & Electric Company more that $25 million dollars for the company’s failure to keep proper investigative records of gas leaks and other safety problems. A house on the central California coast was destroyed by a gas explosion in one episode that was not adequately investigated or reported by the gas company. Although there was no loss of life or catastrophic injury involved in the house explosion, the Commission’s action demonstrates the continuing failures of major corporations to properly investigate and report on situations in which people and property are placed at risk.