Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has said that it has identified about 300 manual gas valves that may need to be replaced with speedier remotely controlled or automatic shut-off technology, at a potential cost of up to USD 450 million. U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, has been calling for PG&E to replace its system of aging, manual shutoff valves and said she was pleased to hear the company is considering modernizing its technology. She recently hosted a meeting for PG&E officials to explain to mayors from across the Bay Area more about natural gas main shutoff valves and other pipeline details. PG&E has advised that the cost of replacing a manual valve with one that automatically closes after a drop in pressure from a pipe rupture, or one that can be remotely controlled by a human operator, varies from USD 100,000 to USD 1.5 million, depending on how accessible the valve is for retrofitting. Of the 300 or so valves that PG&E is considering upgrading, 90 are scattered around the San Francisco Bay Area in cities that include San Jose, Redwood City, San Leandro and Livermore. Valves were selected for possible replacement based on the pipe’s location in urban areas, as well as the pipe’s condition and proximity to earthquake faults and areas of potential land movement. The report did not say who would pay for the new valves, but that is a cost typically borne by PG&E customers.
