DUBLIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) unveiled its new Center for Gas Safety and Innovation in Dublin today, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to provide customers with safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy.

The new state-of-the-art 25,000-square-foot facility consists of workspace and lab space that will be home to three groups within PG&E’s Gas Operations that utilize some of the industry’s most advanced tools, testing capabilities and lab resources to ensure the safe operation of PG&E’s gas system.

The grand opening also coincides with National Safe Digging day, when the importance of calling 811 two business days before any digging project, large or small, is recognized across the nation.

"We strive to be at the leading edge of developing new methods and technologies that combine to enhance safety and reliability of our gas infrastructure. This new facility is mission critical to these goals. For the first time, three key work groups will be working in close proximity with expanded lab space that will enable them to take their testing and evaluation to the next level," said Sumeet Singh, PG&E vice president of Gas Portfolio Management and Engineering.

The Center for Gas Safety and Innovation is the second of three new state-of-the-art facilities developed by PG&E to support its commitment to operating the safest, most reliable, affordable and clean gas system in the country. The company’s Gas Control Center located in San Ramon was the first to open in 2013. The highly anticipated Gas Safety Academy located in Winters is expected to open in late September 2017.

“We’re pleased PG&E selected Dublin as their headquarters for this important work. Dublin has become a hub for innovation, and today’s grand opening reinforces our commitment to support businesses that not only enhance the community of Dublin but reach consumers throughout the state and country,” said City of Dublin Vice Mayor Don Biddle.

The three groups housed in the center each have their own role and objective:

Methods and Procedures (M&P)

This group of engineers and specialists are responsible for creating and revising PG&E’s gas guidance documents, tools and equipment to ensure that the operations of the gas system meet or exceed regulatory requirements. This team works with manufacturers to find and test new products and processes, including benchmarking with other gas companies.

Measurement and Control Test Lab (MCTL)

This group oversees the testing, evaluation and implementation of measurement and control device systems used on the PG&E gas pipeline system. Their findings provide guidance and support for gas control technicians and engineers working on the gas system. The team also provides technical support for project and operational needs.

Non-destructive examination (NDE)

This group evaluates the structural integrity of PG&E’s pipeline facilities by conducting inspections, calibrations, testing and training. This helps ensure asset integrity on both gas distribution and transmission facilities throughout PG&E’s gas service territory.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and pge.com/news.

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Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company