California Weighs Overhauling Utility Regulator After PG&E Bankruptcy

Evening power station

Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering overhauling California’s regulator of power and water companies as he and other state leaders race to prepare for another wildfire season. Mr. Newsom, a Democrat, discussed the idea at a meeting with legislative leaders and analysts from S&P Global Ratings in his office last week, according to people with knowledge… Continue reading California Weighs Overhauling Utility Regulator After PG&E Bankruptcy

PG&E Delayed Safety Work on Power Line That Is Prime Suspect in California Wildfire

Natural disasters and homeowners insurance

For five years, PG&E Corp. repeatedly delayed a safety overhaul of a century-old high-voltage transmission line that is a prime suspect behind the deadliest wildfire in California history. The company told federal regulators in 2013 it planned to replace many of the towers, wires and hardware pieces on the line, called the Caribou-Palermo, regulatory filings… Continue reading PG&E Delayed Safety Work on Power Line That Is Prime Suspect in California Wildfire

PG&E Bankruptcy Threatens California Wildfire Suits, Green-Power Contracts

Man and his wife owners, checking burned and ruined house and yard after fire, consequences of fire disaster accident. Ruins after fire disaster.

PG&E Corp.’s plan to file for bankruptcy protection has enormous repercussions for everyone from the homeowners suing the utility for California wildfire damages to the companies that furnish it with green energy. California’s largest utility said Monday it was preparing to file for Chapter 11 protection before the end of the month as it faces… Continue reading PG&E Bankruptcy Threatens California Wildfire Suits, Green-Power Contracts

PG&E Sparked at Least 1,500 California Fires, Now the Utility Faces Collapse

Ca property insurance reforms

PG&E Corp. equipment started more than one fire a day in California on average in recent years as a historic drought turned the region into a tinderbox. The utility’s unsuccessful efforts to prevent such blazes have put it in a state of crisis. The fires included one on Oct. 8, 2017, when nearly 50-mile-an-hour winds… Continue reading PG&E Sparked at Least 1,500 California Fires, Now the Utility Faces Collapse