Public utilities: safety reports.

Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations, as defined. Existing law requires the PUC to investigate the cause of all accidents occurring within this state upon the property of any public utility or directly or indirectly arising from or connected with the utility's maintenance or operation, resulting in loss of life or injury to person or property and requiring, in the judgment of the PUC, investigation by the PUC. Existing law also authorizes the PUC to make any order or recommendation with respect thereto as in the PUC's judgment seems just and reasonable. This bill would require an investor-owned utility that provides gas or electric service, or both, to annually report to the PUC on the disposition of all civil complaints against the utility where a matter of public safety that has substantial likelihood to jeopardize the lives or health of Californians is the gravamen of a claim in the complaint. Under existing law, a violation of the Public Utilities Act or any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the PUC is a crime. Because the provisions of this bill are within the act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.