July 16, 2013
By Dylan Goforth
OOLOGAH — A lightning strike is believed to have led to fires that resulted in the evacuation of a four-block area of Oologah on Tuesday evening.
Lightning hit a power pole that then fell onto a gas meter, igniting fires along a natural gas line in residential back yards about 5:30 p.m.
The fires were extinguished about 8 p.m., Northwest Rogers County Fire Chief David Puckett said....
Weather today in Oologah, Oklahoma is 90.3 degrees Fahrenheit with scatter clouds and no wind.
July 16, 2013, 5:03 p.m.
California regulators (click here) have proposed that Pacific Gas & Electric Co. pay a record $2.25-billion penalty for its role in causing a fatal 2010 natural gas explosion in San Bruno, a San Francisco suburb.
The total includes a $300-million fine to be paid to the California treasury and $1.95 billion for safety upgrades to the company's gas distribution system. About $1.5 billion would be paid by shareholders and the balance would be returned as a credit to PG&E for already completed distribution system repairs and safeguards.
The proposed financial penalty comes almost three years after the
Sept. 9, 2010, explosion of a transmission line that killed eight people
and destroyed 38 homes in a neighborhood near the San Francisco
International Airport....Of course, the industry is objecting to the figure and even believed $300 million penalty was too high. They think after killing a few folks, some pets, destroying homes and property they should be allowed to keep the money and improve on pipeline safety. Imagine that? No remorse than more demands to be allowed to do the same thing all over again in the name of "PIPELINE SAFETY."
...Consumer advocates praised the proposed penalty that is expected to go before the five-member California Public Utilities Commission in the fall....
I agree with the consumers. Considering the damage their should be a significant fine as well as alternative energy sources for that neighborhood all compliments of the petroleum industry.Those pretty shingles on this home are photovoltaic cells. They are roof shingles that deliver solar power to the home.
