PG&E seeking residential rate increase to support pipeline, storage upgrades in 2019

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposed investments in its 6,600 miles of gas transmission pipelines on Friday that will result in rate increases of $1.11 per month for the typical residential customer, and $6.65 for the typical small business customer, in 2019.

PG&E outlined its proposal in a 2019-2021 Gas Transmission and Storage (GT&S) rate request submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Friday. PG&E seeks $1.59 billion in revenues in 2019, $1.725 billion in 2020, and $1.905 billion in 2021 in the proposal.

The proposal would support investments in new gas safety technology, advanced robotics to inspect pipe interiors and upgrades to gas storage facilities required by new state standards.

“We are focused on making the right investments to achieve greater gas safety and reliability today while working hard to achieve customer savings in the future,” Nick Stavropoulos, the president and chief operating officer of PG&E, said.“This rate request prioritizes infrastructure and technology investments, such as automated valves and advanced in-line inspection robotic tools that will continue to enhance our ability to provide safe and reliable service. As we continue to prioritize safety, we are also embracing our responsibility to continually improve our work and minimize impacts to customer bills.”

The proposal calls for installation of 80 automated and remote-operated shut-off valves, the upgrade of more than 1,100 miles of existing pipeline and inspections of in-the-pipe pigging of more than 2,100 miles of pipeline. The proposal would also support the testing of 240 miles of transmission pipelines and public awareness campaigns about damage prevention would be supported.

“This infrastructure investment plan supports thousands of skilled, well-paying jobs,” Tom Dalzell, the business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245, said. “When this plan is executed by highly trained workers across Northern and Central California, it will enhance safety and improve reliability for PG&E’s customers. This plan is a win for both California’s economy and clean energy future.”