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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 2§ 315 Public Utility Accident Investigations

§ 315 Public Utility Accident Investigations

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 315 Public Utility Accident Investigations

Key Takeaways

  • •If there's a bad accident involving a public utility (like a power company or water service), the government will look into what happened.
  • •The government can tell the utility company what to do to fix the problem or make things safer.
  • •The reports or orders from the government can't be used in court if someone sues for money because of the accident.
  • •The utility company must tell the government about certain accidents, following the government's rules.

Example

A big power line falls during a storm and hurts someone.

The government will check why the power line fell and might tell the power company to fix their poles or wires. But if the hurt person sues the power company, the government's report can't be used in court.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 315 Public Utility Accident Investigations

The commission shall investigate the cause of all accidents occurring within this State upon the property of any public utility or directly or indirectly arising from or connected with its maintenance or operation, resulting in loss of life or injury to person or property and requiring, in the judgment of the commission, investigation by it, and may make such order or recommendation with respect thereto as in its judgment seems just and reasonable. Neither the order or recommendation of the commission nor any accident report filed with the commission shall be admitted as evidence in any action for damages based on or arising out of such loss of life, or injury to person or property. Every public utility shall file with the commission, under such rules as the commission prescribes, a report of each accident so occurring of such kinds or classes as the commission from time to time designates. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

judgmentcommissiondamagespropertyaccidentportinjurydeath

Related Statutes

  • § 5391 Charter Carrier Liability Insurance
  • § 24350 Insurance Bond Requirements
  • § 7952 Utility Facility Damage Liability
  • § 8386.1 Electrical Corporation Compliance Penalties
  • § 321 Public Advisor Appointment Duties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 315.
View Official Source