PG&E Conducting Gas Safety Checks In Napa County: What To Know

NAPA COUNTY, CA — As part of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's comprehensive leak survey program that covers its 42,000-mile gas distribution pipeline system on a three-year cycle, this year the utility will survey 1.2 million customer service lines, customer gas meters and corresponding distribution pipelines, approximately 11,000 of which are in Napa County.

"Over the course of this year, our crews will cover thousands of miles as they carefully survey the system," said Joe Forline, senior vice president of PG&E Gas Operations. "They will be equipped with technologies that are so precise, we are able to detect even the smallest molecule of methane. This proactive assessment is part of our comprehensive commitment to operate a safe, reliable, and environmentally focused system that provides customers with natural gas 365 days a year."

PG&E will use two methods to conduct these inspections in Napa County: mobile patrols and traditional foot patrols.

Mobile patrols utilize the state-of-the-art, vehicle-mounted Picarro Surveyor ™, described as a highly sensitive leak detection technology that measures methane plumes in the air, maps the location, and prioritizes the leak by its grade within PG&E's system. To conduct inspections utilizing this method, a vehicle equipped with the methane sensors drives through a neighborhood measuring the air and methane in parts per billion, allowing the sensors to identify and pinpoint the exact location of the methane source, PG&E officials said Monday in a news release.

Traditional on-foot patrols conducted by PG&E personnel and contractors use advanced hand-held methane detection devices. This year, PG&E has deployed new hand-held leak detection devices that surveyors will use when they inspect service lines and customer meters, according to the news release. For gas meters that are in inaccessible areas, customers will be asked to provide access. Access to inspect all meters is critical to the safe operation of PG&E’s gas system, company officials said.

"When these inspections are being conducted, customers will see PG&E employees or contractors, and both will have company-issued identification badges which they will present upon customer request," said Deanna Contreras, PG&E's North Bay spokesperson. "PG&E contractors will not be operating PG&E-marked vehicles, and customers can ask to see identification to confirm their identity."

When leaks are identified on gas distribution systems, utilities including PG&E are assigned a grade based on a national scale. If leaks are assigned as "grade one," PG&E will make immediate repairs. As part of its ongoing efforts to curb emissions from its system, PG&E also prioritizes repairs for the highest emitting leaks, Contreras said.

Here's What Customers Should Know

• PG&E will conduct foot or mobile patrols in each area, or a combination of both.
• Foot patrols take place between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Picarro ™ mobile surveys take place between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. using PG&E-marked cars.
• PG&E employees or their contractors carry company-issued identification and are prepared to share it upon request.
• Customers may also call PG&E Customer Service at 800-743-5000 to confirm the identity of a PG&E gas representative.
• For grade one leaks, PG&E will dispatch construction crews to make immediate repairs. This work may occur during evening hours and result in minor service interruptions while repairs are completed and the area is made safe.
• Customers can find more information about leak surveys here and general gas safety information here.