PG&E Names Industry Veteran as Chief Nuclear Officer

Ed Halpin Will Oversee Operations at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

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Feb 22, 2012, 10:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced the appointment of Edward D. Halpin as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer. Halpin will be responsible for the continued safe, efficient, and reliable operations of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant (DCPP) and the decommissioning of Humboldt Bay Power Plant. He will also serve as the utility's lead contact with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Halpin is a veteran of the nuclear power industry, with almost 30 years of experience gained at STP Nuclear Operating Company (STP) in Bay City, Texas and with the U.S Navy's nuclear submarine service.

"Ed Halpin is an exceptional industry leader who has amassed an impressive safety and performance record in leading nuclear operations," said Chris Johns, President of Pacific Gas and Electric Company. "His drive for excellence will serve PG&E and its customers well as he takes on his responsibilities as our Chief Nuclear Officer."

Halpin is assuming the role from John Conway, who in addition to overseeing nuclear generation at PG&E as the Chief Nuclear Officer, has been leading all energy procurement and hydro, fossil and renewables generation functions as Senior Vice President of Energy Supply. Halpin will be based full time at DCPP concentrating solely on leading the utility's nuclear program. He will report to Conway when he joins the utility in early April.

Conway added, "Ed is a talented leader and will be a great asset to our team. He brings a wealth of experience to his new role and I am confident that under his leadership we will continue Diablo Canyon's strong record of providing safe and reliable energy to our customers in Northern and Central California."

Halpin comes to PG&E from his current position as the President, CEO, and Chief Nuclear Officer at STP. He previously served in a variety of positions at the South Texas-based company, from Startup Engineer to Site Vice President.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to join an outstanding organization at PG&E," said Halpin. "PG&E has a strong history of customer service and performance, and a great culture of collaboration. I look forward to joining the team and to the opportunities ahead."

Halpin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and Master of Science degrees from Seton Hall University and Fielding Graduate University. He is also a graduate of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations Senior Nuclear Plant Manager course. He served for five years in the U.S. Navy.

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 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/ and www.pgecurrents.com.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company