State-of-the-Art Technology Gives Detailed Look Inside Natural Gas Pipelines

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today showcased the state-of-the-art
technology the company is using to inspect the inside of its large natural gas
pipelines--the arteries of the system that heats and powers customers' homes
and businesses.

Rigorous pipeline inspections are among the ways PG&E is proactively ensuring
the safety and reliability of its gas system. Throughout Northern and Central
California, PG&E is also strength-testing and replacing pipelines, checking for
leaks on a strict schedule, and automating valves to stop the flow of gas faster
in an emergency.

At its Milpitas Gas Terminal today, PG&E highlighted plans to assess more of its
pipelines with "in-line inspection" tools called "smart pigs." Representatives
were on hand from PII Pipeline Solutions (a GE Oil & Gas and Al Shaheen joint
venture), which developed the SmartScan(TM) inspection technology being used
this week on a 15-mile stretch from Fremont to San Lorenzo.

The flexible, multi-diameter tool--measuring 14 feet long and weighing nearly
one ton--travels through the pipeline, using a combination of GPS data,
magnetic sensors and other technology to collect information that's then
analyzed to assess the condition of the pipe. It can identify corrosion or other
defects that may exist. PG&E uses this data to determine what maintenance is
required on the pipeline, including excavating to repair or replace pipeline
segments.

"Technology like SmartScan(TM) is a tremendous tool for inspecting our
pipelines," said Jesus Soto Jr., PG&E's senior vice president, Gas Transmission
Operations. "Having worked in the gas industry for 20 years, I can tell you that
this is the most advanced way to determine the overall condition of the pipeline.
It detects potential issues with the line, and that means we'll be able to
promptly address them."

"Our work with PG&E is based on using our technology and experience to gather
accurate and reliable data about the condition of their pipelines. PG&E's pipeline
engineers can then use that data to make informed decisions about how best to
keep their pipeline network safe," said Michael Bellamy, general manager--PII
Pipeline Solutions. "Our SmartScan(TM) technology has a proven track record in
the U.S., supporting the needs of operators all across the country to evaluate
the condition of their pipelines as part of their ongoing maintenance programs."

PG&E has ramped up its schedule of interior pipeline inspections. In 2012, PG&E
has eight "smart pig" projects inspecting up to a total of 206 miles. The utility
plans 25 more inspections of varying distances through 2014.

PG&E's additional pipeline safety efforts in 2012 include:

Replacing about 39 miles of transmission pipelines

Strength-testing about 170 miles of pipelines using high-pressure water

Automating 46 valves, allowing for remote control and, in some cases,
automatic shutoff

To date, PII has inspected over 2,200 miles of pipelines using the
SmartScan(TM) technology throughout the U.S. The SmartScan(TM) inspection
tool was developed by PII's global technology team: Its mechanical design was
developed in Toronto, Canada; the electronics in Karlsruhe, Germany;
magnetics and sensors in Cramlington, UK; and ancillary systems and testing in
Houston, Texas.