PG&E Fined $24.3 Million For Bad Record Keeping On Gas Pipelines

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - State regulators are seeking $24.3 million in penalties from California's largest utility for failing to maintain accurate records of its natural gas distribution system.

The California Public Utilities Commission said Wednesday that it has already fined Pacific Gas and Electric Company $10.8 million for a 2014 natural gas explosion that destroyed a cottage in Carmel.

The explosion prompted regulators to authorize a probe into PG&E record-keeping of its gas distribution system.

The commission says an administrative judge recommended the additional $24.3 million in fines after determining the company relied on inaccurate records of underground gas lines, which led to pipelines being damaged by excavators, interrupted gas service and the explosion in Carmel.

Company spokesman Greg Snapper tells the San Francisco Chronicle the utility is reviewing they judge's decision.

He says the company has made improvements to its distribution records "to promote safety, reduce risk and enhance reliability."