5. Independent Review Panel

On September 23, 2010, the Commission created an Independent Review Panel of experts to conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of the September 9, 2010, explosion and fire. The Commission directed the Panel to make a technical assessment of the events, determine the root causes, and offer recommendations for action by the Commission to best ensure such an accident is not repeated elsewhere. The Commission encouraged the Panel to make such recommendations as necessary. Such recommendations could include changes to design, construction, operation, maintenance, and replacement of natural gas facilities, management practices at PG&E in the areas of pipeline integrity and public safety, regulatory changes by the Commission itself, and statutory changes to be recommended by the Commission. The Commission offered the following questions to guide the Panel:

· What happened on September 9, 2010?

· What are the root causes of the incident?

· Was the accident indicative of broader management challenges and problems at PG&E in discharging its obligations in the area of public safety?

· Are the Commission's current permitting, inspection, ratemaking, and enforcement procedures as applied to natural gas transmission lines adequate?

· What corrective actions should the Commission take immediately?

· What additional corrective actions should the Commission take?

· What is the public's right to information concerning the location of natural gas transmission and distribution facilities in populated areas?

The Independent Review Panel's final report is expected in May.