NEW : Regulators could impose the recommended fine in late 2018 . The San Bruno , California , explosion killed three people . The blast damaged dozens of homes in the San Francisco suburb . California regulators recommended a record $ 2.25 billion fine for the state 's largest utility Monday in the gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people in a San Francisco suburb . A $ 2.25 billion fine would be largest state penalty , regulator said .
NEW : Regulators could impose the recommended fine in late 2018 . The San Bruno , California , explosion killed three people . The blast damaged dozens of homes in the San Francisco suburb . A $ 2.25 billion fine would be largest state penalty , regulator said .