CBS San Francisco reported Pacific Gas and Electric allegedly offered $550 million to settle it case with state regulatory charges in connection with the San Bruno gas pipeline explosion in September of 2010.
State regulators turned down the offer, which was opposed by San Bruno city leaders and other groups.
The blast killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes.
PG&E apparently offered money as a settlement without admitting it failed to maintain a safe gas system.
A percentage of the money would go to the state’s general fund with the caveat PG&E need not admit violating a state law. PG&E says admitting that wrong doing would, possibly, expose the company to criminal charges.
Mindy Spatt with TURN, The Utility Reform Network, said the company needs to be held accountable for what happened.
“That’s what customers can get out of this process," Spatt told CBS San Francisco. "Some assurance that the laxity and mismanagement of the past is not going to happen again.”
PG&E spokesperson Brittany Chord declined to talk to CBS San Francisco about the specifics of the negotiations, but said the company continues to look for a solution.
“PG&E has been and continues to be a party to this process that is led by the CPUC," Chord said. "We’ll continue to negotiate in good faith and we hope to come to a resolution that is fair for all parties.”
The case could possibly go to trial should a settlement not be reached by January 7.
