Pacific Gas and Electric Company to embark on five point safety programme

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced Pipeline 2020, a programme with five areas of focus to strengthen the utility's natural gas transmission system through a combination of targeted investments, research and development, improved processes and procedures, and tighter co-ordination with public agencies. Going well beyond regulatory requirements, Pipeline 2020 will augment a series of safety and reliability initiatives that PG&E began or expanded in the wake of last month's San Bruno tragedy.

"Pipeline 2020 will guide PG&E in fulfilling our pledge to customers and the public to ensure the safety and integrity of our gas transmission system," said Chris Johns, President, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

PG&E's Pipeline 2020 programme will focus the company's efforts on five major areas:

• Modernise critical pipeline infrastructure. PG&E will consult with regulators and engage industry experts on a multiyear modernisation initiative to upgrade key gas transmission pipeline segments located in heavily populated and other critical areas.
• Expand the use of automatic or remotely operated shut-off valves. PG&E also proposes to consult with regulators and industry experts about expanding the use of automatic or remotely operated shut-off valves on segments of its gas transmission pipelines located in heavily populated areas.
• Spur development of next generation inspection technologies. To help catalyse technological advances that will improve pipeline safety nationally, PG&E will establish an independent, non-profit entity dedicated to researching and developing next generation pipeline inspection and diagnostic tools.
• Develop industry leading best practices. PG&E will closely review its practices related to pipeline integrity, safety and training, as well as practices used elsewhere in the industry in order to develop industry leading standards of excellence in this area. For example, the company will ensure that it is using state-of-the-art risk assessment techniques for prioritising and planning work on its transmission pipelines.
• Enhance public safety partnerships. Building on its already extensive pipeline safety awareness and training programs, PG&E will work with local communities, public officials and first responders to forge model partnerships in support of pipeline safety.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/13102010/pacific-gas_and_electric_company_to_embark_on_five_point_safety_programme/