October 2011 Bill Inserts

• Print Page
• Email Page

Each month, PG&E offers important information on rebates, saving energy and safety in printed inserts that accompany your bill. Now, access this information online whenever you wish.

• Natural gas safety: Important things to know
  There’s safety in knowledge. Natural gas is one of the most efficient, reliable and affordable sources of energy. Delivering it safely is PG&E’s highest responsibility.
  
  Before digging on your property, know what’s below. Call 811 at least 2 days prior to starting work.
  Visit www.pge.com/pipelinesafety, call us at 1-888-743-7431 or keep reading for more information.
  
  Gas pipeline locations
  
  PG&E offers a comprehensive online map at www.pge.com/pipelinelocations. You can view any location in our service area—your home, place of work or any other areas of interest— to see which transmission pipelines run nearby. Also, the National Pipeline Mapping System, www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/, shows the location of liquid fuel and natural gas pipelines across the country, viewable by county.
  
  Spot the signs of trouble
  
  PG&E regularly inspects all of our pipelines to check for possible leaks or other signs of damage. As an additional safety precaution, we also add a sulfur-like odor to natural gas. If you smell this distinctive “rotten egg” odor, move to a safe location and immediately call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
  
  But don’t rely on your nose alone. Other signs of a possible gas leak can include dirt spraying into the air, continual bubbling in a pond or creek and dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area. And always pay attention to hissing, whistling or roaring sounds coming from underground.
  
  In case of emergency
  
  If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately and move to a safe location. Then call 911 to notify local police and fire and contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. Warn others nearby to stay away from the area. Until you are a safe distance away, do not light a match or operate any device that might create a spark, including electric switches, doorbells, radios, televisions and garage door openers.
  
  Before you dig, know what’s below
  
  Damage from excavation is a common cause of pipeline accidents. That’s why you must always call 811 at least two working days before you dig—even in your own yard. Underground Service Alert (USA) is a free service that will notify underground utility operators in the area of your planned work. PG&E will then locate and mark our underground gas and electric facilities.
  
  Always be aware of pipeline markers that indicate the need for extra care around a high-volume transmission line. These markers specify the approximate location, but not all pipelines follow a straight path between markers. If you or your contractor accidently digs into a gas pipeline, do not attempt to stop the flowing gas or extinguish any fire.
  
  Safety is PG&E’s highest responsibility
  
  We monitor our gas pipeline operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we conduct regular inspections and surveys on pipelines.
  
  To find out more about our comprehensive safety and monitoring program, visit www.pge.com/pipelinesafety.
  
  If you have additional questions, or would like more information, please contact us at the numbers below:
  
  For assistance in English please call 1-888-743-7431
  Para ayuda en español por favor llame al 1-800-660-6789
  Chinese 1-800-893-9555
  Kung kailangang makipag-usap sa nakakasalita ng Tagalog, tumawag sa 1-888-743-7431
  

• New CARE Electric Rate
  On November 1, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will introduce a new California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) electric rate. As a result, CARE customers who use higher amounts of electricity may see an increase in their bills.
  PG&E’s residential electric customers are billed based on a tiered rate system to encourage energy conservation. A higher rate is charged the more electricity you use over the course of a month. Currently, CARE customers are billed at two tiers—8.3 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh) for use up to a certain baseline amount and 9.6¢/kWh for use above this amount. As of November 1, customers who use more electricity beyond the second tier will be billed at a third tier rate of 12.5¢/kWh. As a CARE customer, you will continue to receive a substantial rate discount in comparison to rates paid by customers not enrolled in the program, as shown in the chart below.
  
  
  
  PG&E can help you manage your electricity use and lower your energy bill*:
  
  Energy Savings Assistance Program provides income-qualified renters and homeowners with easy, free solutions to help you reduce your energy use and save money on your monthly energy bill. To sign up, please visit www.pge.com/energysavings or call 1-800-313-8047.
  
  Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) is a one-time energy assistance program sponsored by PG&E and administered by the Salvation Army. REACH helps income-qualified customers who experience severe or unplanned hardships and are unable to pay for their energy needs. For further information, please visit www.pge.com/reach or call 1-800-933-9677.
  
  Energy Alerts, made possible by SmartMeter™ technology, will let you know when you are moving into Tier Three so you can manage your energy use. When you sign up for Energy Alerts, you’ll get your notification choice of a phone call, text message, or email. To sign up, please visit www.pge.com/energyalerts.
  
  For information on how to save money on your PG&E bill, please visit www.pge.com/breatheeasysolutions.
  Please call us if you have any questions about this new rate at 1-800-743-6617.
  
  *These offerings are for residential single family customers.
  
  
  

• Proposition 65—Public Warning
  The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65, requires the governor to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State of California” to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. It also requires California businesses to warn the public quarterly of potential exposures to these chemicals that result from their operations.
  
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) uses chemicals in its operations that are “known to the State of California” to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
  
  For example, PG&E uses natural gas and petroleum products in its operations. PG&E also delivers natural gas to its customers. Petroleum products, natural gas and their combustion by-products contain chemicals “known to the State of California” to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
  
  Spot the signs of trouble
  
  PG&E regularly inspects all of our pipelines to check for possible leaks or other signs of damage. As an additional safety precaution, we also add a sulfur-like odor to natural gas. If you smell this distinctive “rotten egg” odor, move to a safe location and immediately call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
  
  But don’t rely on your nose alone. Other signs of a possible gas leak can include dirt spraying into the air, continual bubbling in a pond or creek and dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area. And always pay attention to hissing, whistling or roaring sounds coming from underground.
  
  For more gas safety information, visit www.pge.com/safety.
  
  For additional information on this Proposition 65 warning, write to:
  
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  Proposition 65 Coordinator
  77 Beale Street, Mail Code B23H
  PO Box 770000
  San Francisco, CA 94177

• Notification of Filing of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Gas Transmission Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan
  What is the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan Filing?
  
  On June 9, 2011, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued its Decision Determining Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure Methodology and Requiring Filing of Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Replacement or Testing Implementation Plans (D.11-06-017). D.11-06-017 requires all California natural gas transmission operators to develop and file an Implementation Plan setting forth criteria for segments of natural gas pipelines that have not been strength tested, lack sufficient details related to the performance of any such test or are identified for strength testing or replacement. D.11-06-017 also states that the Implementation Plan must include interim safety enhancement measures that will enhance public safety during the implementation period and that the Implementation Plan must consider retrofitting pipelines to allow for in-line inspection tools and, where appropriate, automated shut-off valves.
  
  Detailed information about this filing:
  
  On August 26, 2011, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) filed its proposed, two-phase, Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan (or Implementation Plan) with the CPUC in compliance with D.11-06-017, requesting changes to its Gas Transmission and Storage (GT&S) rates effective January 1, 2012. Phase 1 of the plan—to run from 2011-2014—targets pipeline segments that are in highly populated urban areas, have vintage seam welds that do not meet modern standards, or are "grandfathered" under current regulations and have not been strength tested. Phase 2 of the plan—to begin in 2015—focuses on pipeline segments that have been previously strength tested or are in rural areas.
  
  In this filing, PG&E seeks approval of the work scope proposed for both phases of the Implementation Plan, and proposes a three-year adjustment to rates for 2012 through 2014 for work completed in Phase 1. Cost recovery for Phase 2 will be addressed in a subsequent filing with the Commission. PG&E also presents how the costs to operate its transmission and storage business will be assigned to each customer class.
  
  The Implementation Plan focuses on the following key areas:
  
  Pipeline Modernization Program
  During Phase 1, PG&E proposes to strength test 783 miles, replace 186 miles, upgrade 199 miles of pipe to allow for in-line inspection and in-line inspect 234 miles.
  
  Valve Automation Program
  During Phase 1, PG&E proposes to automate 228 valves, which includes remote-controlled valves in urban areas and automatic shut-off valves in populated areas that cross earthquake faults. In addition, PG&E will enhance its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to provide operators additional information, tools and training to allow for early detection and quick response to pipeline rupture events. PG&E will also conduct a study to evaluate potential SCADA expansion and improvement.
  
  Pipeline Records Integration Program
  This program consists of two work efforts: (1) collecting and verifying all pipeline strength tests and pipeline features data necessary to calculate the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of all gas transmission pipelines and associated components; and (2) transitioning away from relying on traditional paper records by consolidating data into integrated, core data management systems and building materials traceability for gas transmission pipeline components from receipt, through installation, to retirement from service.
  
  Interim Safety Enhancement Measures
  PG&E's Implementation Plan includes the following interim safety enhancement measures: (1) validate the MAOP for all gas transmission pipelines in the system; (2) interim pressure reductions; and (3) increased leak surveys and patrols.
  
  This filing does not address distribution (gas lines handling reduced pressure) rates or the commodity costs of gas. Rates for PG&E's gas distribution services, and the rates PG&E charges for natural gas itself, are set in separate CPUC proceedings.
  
  Will rates increase as a result of this filing?
  Yes, if approved by the CPUC, gas rates and bills will increase, effective
  January 1, 2012. The average rates for bundled residential gas customers (customers who receive gas distribution and natural gas procurement services from PG&E) will increase by 4.26 percent, and average bundled small and large commercial gas rates will increase by 5.35 percent and 6.80 percent, respectively.
  
  For 2012, PG&E is seeking to collect a total of $247.3 million. PG&E also requests Implementation Plan revenue requirements for 2013 and 2014 of $220.8 million and $300.6 million, respectively. This money will be used to implement the work scope indicated in the Implementation Plan related to pipeline modernization, all in a safe and reliable manner: valve automation, pipeline records integration and interim safety enhancement measures.
  
  The requested $247.3 million increase in gas revenue for 2012 would be collected from customers as described in the table below:
  
  
  
  If the CPUC approves PG&E's request, a typical residential customer using 37 therms per month would see an average monthly gas bill increase of $1.93, from $45.23 to $47.16. A typical small business customer using 287 therms per month would see an average monthly gas bill increase of $14.95, from $279.80 to $294.75. Individual customers' bills may differ.
  
  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
  To request a copy of the filing and exhibits or for more details, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. For TDD/TTY (speech-hearing impaired), call 1-800-652-4712.
  
  You may request a copy of the filing and exhibits by writing to:
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  Gas Transmission Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan
  P.O. Box 7442, San Francisco, CA 94120
  
  THE CPUC PROCESS
  The CPUC's Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) will review this filing.
  
  The DRA is an independent arm of the CPUC, created by the Legislature to represent the interests of all utility customers throughout the state and obtain the lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels.
  
  The DRA has a multi-disciplinary staff with expertise in economics, finance, accounting and engineering. The DRA's views do not necessarily reflect those of the CPUC. Other parties of record may also participate.
  
  The CPUC may hold evidentiary hearings where parties of record present their proposals in testimony and are subject to cross-examination before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). These hearings are open to the public, but only those who are parties of record may present evidence or cross-examine witnesses during evidentiary hearings. Members of the public may attend, but not participate in, these hearings.
  
  After considering all proposals and evidence presented during the hearing process, the ALJ will issue a draft decision. When the CPUC acts on this filing, it may adopt all or part of PG&E's request, amend or modify it, or deny the filing.
  
  The CPUC's final decision may be different from PG&E's filing. If you would like to learn how you can participate in this proceeding or if you have comments or questions, you may contact the CPUC's Public Advisor as follows:
  
  Public Advisor's Office
  505 Van Ness Avenue
  Room 2103
  San Francisco, CA 94102
  
  1-415-703-2074 or 1-866-849-8390 (toll free)
  TTY 1-415-703-5282 or TTY 1-866-836-7825 (toll free)
  E-mail to public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
  
  If you are writing a letter to the Public Advisor’s Office, please include the number of the filing (R.11-02-019) to which you are referring. All comments will be circulated to the Commissioners, the assigned Administrative Law Judge and the Energy Division staff.
  
  A copy of PG&E's Gas Transmission Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan and exhibits are also available for review at the California Public Utilities Commission,
  505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon, and on the CPUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc.

• Notification of PG&E's Application for Recovery of Natural Disaster-Related Costs in Electric Rates (A. 11-09-014)
  On September 21, 2011, Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E")filed Application No. 11-09-014 with the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC"), in which PG&E seeks authorization to recover costs recorded in its Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account ("CEMA") that are associated with the following seven natural disasters: August 2009 fires, October 2009 storm, January 2010 earthquake, January 2010 storms, November 2010 storm, December 2010 thru January 2011 storms and the March 2011 storms (collectively, the "CEMA Events").
  
  PG&E estimates that electric revenues to cover these costs will increase by $32.44 million over a 1-year period beginning January 1, 2013.
  
  What is CEMA and what does it do?
  CEMA stands for Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account. California state law allows public utilities to seek recovery of the incremental costs of:
  (1) restoring utility services to its customers; (2) repairing, replacing or restoring damaged utility facilities; and (3) complying with government agency orders resulting from declared disasters. The CPUC requires that costs recorded in a utility's CEMA may be recovered in rates only after a request by the affected utility, a demonstration of their reasonableness and approval by the CPUC.
  
  What types of costs are included in PG&E's Application?
  During the period from August 2009 through July 2011, PG&E incurred over $225 million in costs from the CEMA Events across its service territory. However, consistent with CPUC requirements, PG&E is seeking recovery for damages incurred only in those counties that were declared a state of emergency. In its Application, PG&E requests authorization to recover $32.44 million in revenue requirements associated with additional electric distribution, hydro generation and customer contact center operations costs incurred as a result of the CEMA Events.
  
  Does this mean rates will increase?
  Yes. If PG&E's application is approved, it would result in a change of less than one percent in PG&E's total annual revenue and a slight increase to electric rates for bundled service customers (customers who receive electric generation as well as transmission and distribution service from PG&E) and for customers who purchase electricity from other suppliers (direct access and community choice aggregation). The estimated system bundled average rate would increase by approximately 0.26% relative to current rates on January 1, 2013.
  
  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
  To request a copy of the application and exhibits or for more details, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. For TDD/TTY (speech-hearing impaired), call 1-800-652-4712.
  
  You may request a copy of the application and exhibits by writing to:
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  CEMA Application
  P.O. Box 7442, San Francisco, CA 94120
  
  THE CPUC PROCESS
  The CPUC's Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) will review this application.
  
  The DRA is an independent arm of the CPUC, created by the Legislature to represent the interests of all utility customers throughout the state and obtain the lowest possible rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels. The DRA has a multi-disciplinary staff with expertise in economics, finance, accounting and engineering. The DRA's views do not necessarily reflect those of the CPUC. Other parties of record may also participate.
  
  The CPUC may hold evidentiary hearings where parties of record present their proposals in testimony and are subject to cross-examination before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). These hearings are open to the public, but only those who are parties of record may present evidence or cross-examine witnesses during evidentiary hearings. Members of the public may attend, but not participate in, these hearings.
  
  After considering all proposals and evidence presented during the hearing process, the ALJ will issue a draft decision. When the CPUC acts on this application, it may adopt all or part of PG&E's request, amend or modify it, or deny the application. The CPUC's final decision may be different from PG&E's application.
  
  If you would like to learn how you can participate in this proceeding or if you have comments or questions, you may contact the CPUC's Public Advisor as follows:
  Public Advisor's Office
  505 Van Ness Avenue
  Room 2103
  San Francisco, CA 94102
  
  1-415-703-2074 or 1-866-849-8390 (toll free)
  TTY 1-415-703-5282 or 1-866-836-7825 (toll free)
  Email to public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
  
  If you are writing a letter to the Public Advisor's Office, please include the number of the application (11-09-014) to which you are referring. All comments will be circulated to the Commissioners, the assigned Administrative Law Judge and the Energy Division staff.
  
  A copy of PG&E's CEMA Application and exhibits are also available for review at the California Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–noon and on the CPUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc.