NEW : The fine is largest ever for safety violations by a utility in California history . The fine against PG & E is larger than a recommended $ 38 million . Pacific Gas & Electric committed safety violations in December 24 , 2008 explosion in California . `` 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 $ 26 million . PG & E committed safety violations in 2008 explosion in Rancho Cordova . `` This decision sends a signal , '' commissioner says .