Federal regulators are investigating Pacific Gas and Electric’s leak response and leak investigation procedures in the wake of a December natural gas-fueled explosion that sent six people to the hospital.
What happened: The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on Thursday into the Dec. 11 explosion that destroyed a Hayward, California, home. PG&E provided natural gas service to the home that exploded.
Why it matters: The report signals that federal officials are scrutinizing PG&E’s procedures in the wake of the high-profile incident, which came 15 years after a deadly natural gas explosion in nearby San Bruno that resulted in a $1.6 billion fine for the company.
PG&E declined to comment on the investigation or the agency’s preliminary findings. “NTSB rules restrict communications about the investigation while it is pending,” PG&E spokesperson Melissa Subbotin said in a statement. “The safety of the public, our customers and our coworkers is our highest responsibility.”
