3. Procedural Background

On July 11, 2011, PG&E moved for a Commission order delegating authority to the Executive Director to review and approve requests to restore operating pressure on lines where pressure tests had been completed. In Decision (D.) 11-09-006, the Commission denied PG&E's request for a delegation of authority and established an expedited process by which the Commission would review such requests.

On October 10, 2011, PG&E filed its motion proposing an expedited schedule for Commission review of PG&E's proposed pressure increase in Line 101, and two cross-ties, Lines 132A and 147. PG&E agreed that it would provide the Supporting Information required in Ordering Paragraph 4 of D.11-09-006, and the summary table adopted at the September 19, 2011, hearing, to justify the safety of its requested pressure restorations. PG&E, however, stated that the information would be provided in two portions, with the bulk of the information available on October 31, 2011. PG&E proposed to provide the remainder of the information required by D.11-09-006, as well as one pressure test and the results of three non-destructive examinations, no later than November 15, 2011. PG&E also agreed to make confidential information available for inspection by the parties soon after the filings. PG&E explained that an expedited schedule was necessary for restoring pressure on Line 101 to meet winter gas heating needs and avoid possible gas service curtailments to customers.

On October 28, 2011, the assigned Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), in consultation with the assigned Commissioner, issued a ruling granting PG&E's requested procedural schedule.

As specified in the adopted schedule, PG&E filed and served its supporting information on October 31, 2011, and November 15, 2011.