Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Bay Planning Coalition Statement on PG&E’s Importance to the
Community and Economy
The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is currently deliberating the appropriate penalties to be levied against Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Company in response to the 2010 San Bruno incident. Bay Planning Coalition urges the PUC to take into account PG&E’s history of providing necessary utilities infrastructure and services and its major role in the economic vitality of the greater San Francisco Bay Area Region. We trust that PUC will keep the big picture in mind and prioritize the importance of the future safety of PG&E’s infrastructure – for the good of the public, the ratepayers, and the economy.
Since the San Bruno incident, PG&E has provided over $100 million to the City of San Bruno, and has settled nearly all lawsuits filed by the affected parties. PG&E has inspected and tested miles of pipeline, and invested more than $2 billion improving the gas system at shareholders’ – not ratepayers’ – expense. PG&E is committed to preventing future incidents and making its operations the safest and most reliable in the country. PG&E has long been an important and responsible California corporate citizen serving the energy needs of residents and businesses throughout the Bay Area and much of California. In serving this mission, PG&E is a major job provider and one of the top tax-paying and philanthropic organizations in the region.
Bay Planning Coalition understands that there are passionate proponents of a strong penalty. However we urge the California PUC to act in a way that prioritizes safety and jobs, and reflects consideration of the potential impacts of its decision on ratepayers and the economy of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bay Planning Coalition works through a broad coalition to advocate for sustainable commerce, industry, infrastructure, recreation and the natural environment connected to the San Francisco Bay and its watershed.
We aim to provide visionary leadership for San Francisco Bay stakeholders as an effective coalition that vigorously advances solutions for a thriving economy, environment and community.
