California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA ADVISORY

Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: R.11-02-019

CPUC TO HOLD EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON
HYDROSTATIC TESTING OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINES

SAN FRANCISCO, May 3, 2011 -- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today said it will hold an educational symposium on hydrostatic testing of natural gas pipelines in order to provide a practical understanding of the testing.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is conducting hydrostatic pressure tests on certain natural gas pipelines in its service area, beginning this month. A hydrostatic test involves pressurizing a section of pipe with water to a higher level than the pipe will ever operate with natural gas in order to test the validity of the safe operating pressure of the pipeline. Members of the public are invited to attend the symposium to learn more about the testing.

WHEN:          Friday, May 6, 2011, 10 a.m. - noon

WHERE:        CPUC Auditorium, 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco;
also available via video webcast (real time and archived) at: www.californiaadmin.com/cpuc.shtml


WHAT: Hear from industry experts about what can be learned from hydrostatic testing, receive an overview of PG&E's testing program, and learn what the public can expect when hydrostatic testing occurs in their neighborhood.

While a quorum of Commissioners from the CPUC may attend the symposium, no action will be taken. An agenda is below.

For more information on hydrostatic testing, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/events/hydrotesting.htm.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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Hydrostatic Testing Symposium

May 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Agenda

10 a.m.: Kick Off and Symposium Overview
Interim Deputy Executive Director Michelle Cooke

10:10 a.m.: Opening Comments by Commissioners

10:20 a.m.: What is a Hydrostatic Test? What Role Does Hydrostatic Testing Play in System Safety?
John Kiefner

10:40 a.m.: Questions from Commissioners

10:50 a.m.: Perspective on Hydrotesting from Office of State Fire Marshall
Bob Gorham, Division Chief, Pipeline Safety Division

11 a.m.: Details of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Hydrostatic
Testing Program
Ben Campbell, PG&E

11:15 a.m.: Analysis of PG&E's Hydrostatic Testing Program
Sunil Shori, Utilities Engineer, CPUC Consumer Protection and Safety Division

11:25 a.m.: Questions from Commissioners

11:35 a.m.: What can the Public Expect when Hydrotesting is Scheduled
in their Community?
Jess Brown, PG&E

11:50 a.m.: Questions from the Public for the Experts

Noon to 1 p.m.: PG&E's Open House Available in the Lobby