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PG&E Appoints New Exec. For Gas Operations

SAN BRUNO (CBS / AP) -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has appointed a new vice president to realign the company's natural gas operations in the wake of the pipeline explosion in San Bruno that killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes.

The San Francisco-based energy company said in a statement Thursday that Nick Stavropoulos will assume the position of executive vice president for gas operations June 13.

Photo Gallery: San Bruno Pipeline Explosion

The Sept. 9 blast in San Bruno ignited a fire that raged for an hour and 40 minutes and injured dozens. The National Transportation Safety Board has yet to determine a cause.

Stavropoulos previously was a senior executive at National Grid, a major utility in the Northeast. California Public Utilities Commissioner President Michael Peevey said the move elevates the importance of natural gas safety at PG&E.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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