PGE Safety Concerns

Given the CPSI/tree program and exposed pipe issues, it appears PG&E's existing programs fail to identify and mitigate threats in a way that maximizes public safety,
PG&E says they evaluate risk based on risk to the company personnel and property. Communities see it differently and instead consider risk to homes, people, and the environment. Also, PG&E's primary focus on programs is insufficient for identifying and mitigating actual local risks such as leaning trees over pipelines and accessibility of manual valves.
PG&E has the worst safety record of its peers in the United States according to federal data.
PG&E spent $500 Million on tree removal above buried pipelines without any measurable benefit.
PG&E's emphasis on maintenance of their infrastructure (gas and electrical) over upgrading and replacing may be placing communities at greater risk.

“They have simply been caught red-handed over and over again, lying, manipulating or misleading the public,” Mr. Newsom said in an interview. “They cannot be trusted.”

Lafayette's Safety concerns:

Poorly maintained exposed pipelines
In-line inspections not performed on each aging pipeline
60% of pipelines not strength tested
Proven inadequate High Consequence Area identification
Insufficient number of automated shut-off valves
Prioritization of tree removal programs over testing & fixes
Aging pipelines (70+ yrs old), and unknown manufacturing conditions
Multiple CPUC violations issued in Lafayette
PG&E refuses to perform tree root & pipeline interaction study
Data issues with PG&E records regarding depth & location of pipeline in Lafayette
Increasing number of dig-in accidents on gas lines within Lafayette, more than one per month