Dear Members and Friends of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce:
As you may be aware, the third anniversary of the pipeline explosion in San Bruno is approaching, and we cannot forget the loss of life and property from that tragic incident. Many people were impacted by this devastation.
As a result of the explosion, PG&E has paid over $100 million dollars to the City of San Bruno and has settled almost all of the lawsuits filed by the affected victims and their families. As well, PG&E has invested over $2 billion dollars to improve the gas system.
Despite the overwhelming costs absorbed by PG&E due to their responsibility of the explosion, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering levying heavy penalties on PG&E. While the imposition of penalties is expected, making sure the penalties are fair and just are of primary concern.
PG&E is a major entity in San Ramon, not only as a corporation who provides for the energy needs of businesses and residents, but also as a major taxpayer and notable source of jobs. As a major philanthropic organization, PG&E has donated nearly $50 million dollars toward education and its employees have volunteered over 41,000 hours at company-supported events.
In 2012, PG&E signed a forty- year lease within the City of San Ramon and expanded its presence to include a state-of-the-art gas-controlled facility. This center will monitor and adjust gas distribution and transmission pipelines 24 hours a day, ensuring public and staff safety while improving reliability and operational performance.
It is our hope that the CPUC takes into consideration the many contributions PG&E has made to our community and the progress they’ve made improving the gas infrastructure when deciding the penalties to impose on them.
Sincerely,
Stewart L. Bambino
President/CEO
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce
2410 Camino Ramon, Suite 125
San Ramon, CA 94583
P (925) 242-0600
F (925) 242-0603
stewart.bambino@sanramon.org
www.SanRamon.org