Pacific Gas & Electric says it's open to "a range of solutions" that will make its energy system safer after California regulators said they will consider drastic measures, including breaking up the utility.
The Northern California power company says its most important responsibility must be public and employee safety.
The Public Utilities Commission on Friday outlined options it could take against PG&E in the wake of a deadly 2010 gas pipeline explosion and more recent concerns that PG&E equipment may have sparked the recent Camp wildfire that killed at least 86 people and destroyed close to 15,000 homes.
Concerns about the utility's safety procedures prompted a review several years ago. The commission says it's looking at several measures, including replacing PG&E's board of directors or turning it into a public utility.
A spokesperson for PG&E issued the following statement in response to the CPUC proposals:
"We understand and recognize the CPUC’s serious concerns and acknowledge that while we have made progress, we have more work to do. We’re open to a range of solutions that will help make the energy system safer for the customers we serve.
Safety Culture
PG&E’s most important responsibility must always be public and employee safety and we are committed to working together with policymakers, regulators and all stakeholders to provide safe and reliable energy that our customers expect and deserve.
The company’s Board of Directors and senior management team have been actively exploring additional changes beyond the corrective actions and new programs we’ve implemented at the operational level. Our shared goal is to improve our culture and practices that will more fully reinforce our commitment to safety, integrity and risk reduction.
We are committed to taking the actions necessary to do our work safely and re-earn the trust of our customers, regulators and other stakeholders.
Wildfire Cost Recovery Methodology
With respect to the wildfire cost recovery methodology, we believe that all stakeholders can agree that there needs to be a timely resolution of the proceeding. All Californians would benefit from the CPUC accelerating this important work to support the wildfire victims."
________________________________________________________________
WATCH MORE
Jason Momoa teaches Mark S. Allen how to say his name, tells the truth about some internet rumors and talks stunts on Aquaman versus Justice League. Jason also talks about the excitement of SNL, what he thought of 'Aquaman' on the TV show 'Entourage,' and watching this movie with his family.