CPUC To Probe If PG&E Broke Law In San Bruno Blast
SAN BRUNO (CBS / AP) -- California regulators are launching a formal legal proceeding to examine whether Pacific Gas & Electric Co. broke the law in the years leading up to a deadly gas pipeline explosion.
The California Public Utilities Commission has been investigating what caused the company's pipeline to explode on Sept. 9, 2010 in San Bruno. The blast killed eight people, injured dozens and destroyed 38 homes.
Commissioners unanimously approved the penalty consideration case at their meeting Thursday.
A CPUC administrative law judge is expected to hold a prehearing conference soon to set up a timetable for the case, which comes on the heels of two smaller legal probes. It could lead to a string of penalties if the judge finds the company violated the law.
PG&E President Chris Johns said the company will cooperate with the investigation.
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