3. Primary Objectives of this Proceeding

Immediately after the tragic event in San Bruno, our staff began its work investigating the cause and ordering additional safety measures. To date, we have imposed operational limitations on PG&E's natural gas transmission lines, ordered PG&E to comply with NTSB directives, instituted an inquiry by the Independent Review Panel, and expanded our inspections of natural gas transmission pipelines.

We also expanded the scope of PG&E's gas transmission and storage rate case (Application (A.) 09-09-013) to include a "safety phase" focusing on PG&E's disaster and emergency plans, shut-off valve testing and monitoring, changes to capital project priorities, safety related protocols or procedures, and relationships with first responders.

In this proceeding, we consolidate and coordinate our efforts, obtain public input on this matter, and propose rule and policy changes as necessary. The primary objectives of this proceeding are listed below and are discussed further in the sections that follow.

A. Provide the Public with a means to make their views known to this Commission. (Section 4.)

B. Provide the Public with the Independent Review Panel's expert recommendations regarding the technical explanation for the explosion, assessment of likelihood that similar events may occur, and recommendations for preventive measures and other improvements. (Section 5.)

C. Develop and adopt safety-related changes to the Commission's regulation of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines, including requirements for construction, especially shut-off values, maintenance, inspections, operation, record retention, ratemaking, and the application of penalties. (Section 6.)

D. Consider ways that this Commission can undertake a comprehensive risk assessment for all natural gas pipelines regulated by this Commission, and possibly for other industries that the Commission regulates. (Section 7.)

E. Consider available options for the Commission to better align ratemaking policies, practices, and incentives to elevate safety considerations, and maintain utility management focus on the "nuts and bolts" details of prudent utility operations. (Section 8.)

F. Consider the appropriate balance between the Commission's obligation to conduct its proceedings in a manner open to the public with the legitimate public safety concerns that arise from unlimited availability of certain utility information. (Section 9.)

G. Consider if we need further rules or other protection for whistleblowers to inform the Commission of safety hazards. (Section 10.)

H. Expand our emergency and disaster planning coordination with local officials. (Section 11.)