Pacific Gas and Electric Company Warns Customers to Be Aware of Dangerous and Irresponsible Stunt on 'Fear Factor'

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Warns Customers to Be Aware of Dangerous and Irresponsible Stunt on 'Fear Factor'

Utility Asks NBC, Affiliates Not to Air Episode, or at Least Warn Viewers in Strongest Terms Not to Replicate This Stunt

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company today urged NBC and its affiliates not to air tonight's episode of the reality show, Fear Factor Couples. According to NBC promotional materials, the show will feature a stunt where participants stand at a high-voltage electrical substation and receive electric shocks.

"It is important for viewers to realize that getting close to electrified lines -- especially high-voltage lines -- is dangerous and potentially lethal," said David Powell, Pacific Gas and Electric Company's public safety program manager. "In reality, a stunt like this could result in either severe burns or even death. It is unfortunate that this reality show has chosen to depict a very dangerous activity in such a lighthearted manner."

A substation is a crucial part of the electrical system containing high voltage and should not be used as a prop or backdrop for a reality TV show. If this stunt does air, it may cause viewers to fail to appreciate the seriousness and potential dangers surrounding electric facilities. It may even encourage unsuspecting children and young adults to attempt a copycat prank.

If the network or local affiliates will not pull the episode, PG&E asks that they consider editing the show to remove or modify this segment, and include a strong warning to viewers not to try this stunt on their own.

PG&E is very committed to the safety of its customers and employees, and seeks to continuously provide safety-related messages and information to the public and its employees. For example, there is a wide variety of information about safety around both electricity and natural gas on PG&E's website, at www.pge.com/safety. One of the primary public safety messages the utility employs is to stay away from power lines. The utility's public safety program also includes the following key messages:

* Keep at least 10 feet away from any overhead or energized power line.
* Never climb a power pole or other electrical equipment.


* Assume all power lines are "hot" or energized -- particularly if they have fallen on the ground.

* Keep out of electric substations, as the equipment carries high voltage and you can easily be injured or killed.

* Check trees for overhead wires running near or through limbs and branches before climbing. If lines are present, do not climb the tree for any reason.

* Kites, balloon, model airplanes, and other toys should never be flown near power lines. Should a toy get caught in a power line, leave it alone and call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

PG&E encourages parents to be aware of what their children are watching on television, and to reinforce safe habits through discussion and education.

For more information about Pacific Gas and Electric Company and additional safety tips, please visit our website at www.pge.com/safety


Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

CONTACT: PG&E News Department, +1-415-973-5930

Web site: http://www.pge.com/


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