8. Reduction of Comments Period

The proposed decision of the ALJ Maribeth A. Bushey in this matter was mailed to the parties on December 1, 2011, in accordance with the expedited schedule adopted in October 28, 2011 ruling. The expedited schedule called for parties to file and serve comments no later than noon, Friday, December 9, 2011. No comments were filed.

Findings of Fact

1. The Commission ordered PG&E to reduce operating pressure on several natural gas transmission pipelines, pending demonstration that the pipelines can be safely operated at a higher maximum operating pressure and PG&E voluntarily reduced pressure in Lines 101, 132A, and 147.

2. On October 31 and November 15, 2011, PG&E filed and served pipeline features list, maximum pressure analysis, and pressure test results for Lines 101, 132A, and 147 as part of its Supporting Information required by D.11-09-006.

3. PG&E's Vice President of Gas Transmission, Maintenance, and Construction, verified that PG&E has validated the engineering and construction of, and performed pressure tests in accordance with 49 CFR 192 Subpart J or the pressure test requirements then in effect, on all segments of Lines 101, 132A, and 147 that will be operating at or above 20% of specified minimum yield strength, and concluded that these pipelines could be safely operated at the increased maximum operating pressure of 365 psig.

4. CPSD reviewed PG&E's supporting information and concluded that the information presented was adequate to support the conclusion that pressure on the lines could be safely increased to 365 psig.

Conclusions of Law

1. PG&E has complied with the Supporting Information requirements of D.11-09-006.

2. PG&E has demonstrated that transmission pipe segments and components on Lines 101, 132A, and 147 operating at or above 20% of specified minimum yield strength have been successfully pressure tested in accordance with 49 CFR 192 Subpart J or the pressure test requirements in effect at the time of the test.

3. The maximum operating pressure on Lines 101, 132A, and 147 can safely be increased to 365 psig.

4. Prior to operating Line 101 short, GCUST7013, at 365 psig, PG&E should file and serve a compliance statement verifying that this short has been replaced and pressure tested.

5. The public necessity as defined in Rule 14.6(c)(9) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure requires a reduction of the 30-day period for public comment and review of the Commission's proposed decision on the whether to lift the operating pressure limitation on Lines 101, 132A, and 147.

6. This decision should be effective immediately.

ORDER

Therefore, IT IS ORDERED that:

1. Pacific Gas and Electric Company may operate natural gas transmission Lines 101, 132A, and 147, with associated shorts, with a maximum operating pressure of 365 pounds per square inch gauge.

2. Pacific Gas and Electric Company must operate Lines 101, 132A, and 147 in accord with applicable state and federal law and regulations.

3. Prior to operating Line 101 short, GCUST7013, at 365 pounds per square inch gauge, Pacific Gas and Electric Company must file and serve on all parties to this docket a compliance statement verifying that this short has been replaced and pressure tested.

4. Rulemaking 11-02-019 remains open.

This order is effective today.

Dated December 15, 2011, at San Francisco, California.

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