PG&E Statement at Conclusion of NTSB Hearings

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Mar 03, 2011, 03:22 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today issued the following statement at the conclusion of the third and final day of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearings:

Today's panel of experts underscored the need for pipeline operators to have multiple inspection tools available so the method best suited to each pipeline can be applied. The discussions also reinforced the importance of developing new and better technologies to enhance safety.

This week's NTSB hearings did PG&E, its customers, and the entire pipeline industry a great service by exploring a wide range of issues, including inspection and testing methods, public awareness, emergency response, and regulatory oversight.

PG&E continues to cooperate with investigators and regulators as it works together to reach the shared goal of safe delivery of natural gas. The company also continues its intense efforts to review and validate its records, evaluate every aspect of its gas transmission operations, and seek independent expert assessment of its methods and procedures.

Through PG&E's Pipeline 2020 program, the company will accelerate the modernization of its system, support development of state-of-the-art technology, implement best-in-class practices and procedures, and strengthen communications with first responders, customers and community leaders. In these ways, PG&E is following through on its commitment to strengthening its natural gas system and contributing to industry-wide advances in pipeline safety.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company