NEW : The fine is largest ever for safety violations by a utility in California history . The fine against Pacific Gas & Electric is larger than a recommended $ 100 million . PG & E cited safety violations in 2008 explosion in Rancho Cordova . The penalty is the largest safety violation fine for a utility in California history , said Andrew Kotch , spokesman for the California Public Utilities Commission . ` ` This decision sends a signal , '' commissioner says .
NEW : The fine is largest ever for safety violations by a utility in California history . The fine against Pacific Gas & Electric is larger than a recommended $ 100 million . PG & E cited safety violations in 2008 explosion in Rancho Cordova . ` ` This decision sends a signal , '' commissioner says .