PG&E Asks for Public's Help to Support Theft Investigation at Metcalf Substation

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Aug 27, 2014, 07:15 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is asking for the public's assistance in providing any information that could help lead to the apprehension of the individuals who stole construction equipment from its Metcalf Substation south of San Jose. The company is working closely with law enforcement on a full investigation of the incident, and asks the public to contact the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department's 24 hour crime tip hotline at 408-808-4431 with any information that can support the investigation.

PG&E takes the security of its facilities and the electric grid very seriously and is taking appropriate action to address this security breach. Although this incident is still under investigation, the preliminary review suggests human error as the apparent cause of the security breach as fence detection alarms received in security operations were not appropriately addressed. There was no impact to the electrical grid, no equipment damage and no customers lost service. While the intruders were able to access the site, no attempt was made to disrupt the grid as this would have activated other onsite security measures which did not occur.

The Metcalf Substation was the site of a sniper attack in April 2013. As a result of that attack, PG&E is spending $100 million over three years to enhance the security of its critical substations. The improvements being implemented include improved security cameras, enhanced intruder detection systems and a solid wall around the Metcalf substation and other critical stations to replace existing chain-link style fencing.

Trespassing on PG&E property is a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Unauthorized access to a substation can also be extremely dangerous, given the potential risk of electrocution.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company