PG&E Bankruptcy
On this webpage you will find information about Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.
Updates
On May 28, 2020 the CPUC approved PG&E’s proposed bankruptcy reorganization plan with certain conditions and modifications:
- Watch our Voting Meeting Discussion (YouTube video)
- CPUC Approves PG&E’s Reorganization Plan, Requiring Governance and Oversight Changes (CPUC Press Release)
- Decision
On July 1, 2020 PG&E emerged from bankruptcy.
March 15, 2021: CPUC Seeks Comment on Proposal for PG&E Independent Safety Monitor (CPUC Press Release)
June 11, 2021: CPUC Issues Proposal Establishing Independent Safety Monitor Over PG&E (CPUC Press Release)
August 05, 2021: CPUC Sets Scope for PG&E Independent Safety Monitor (CPUC Press Release)
October 10, 2022: CPUC Releases First PG&E Independent Safety Monitor Report (CPUC Press Release)
Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement of PG&E
On April 15, 2021, the CPUC placed PG&E into the first step of an Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement Process. The CPUC’s action was based on PG&E’s failure to sufficiently prioritize clearing vegetation on its highest-risk power lines as part of its wildfire mitigation work in 2020. Follow the progress of this process here.
Background
On Jan. 29, 2019, PG&E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
On Sept. 26, 2019, the CPUC opened a formal proceeding to consider the ratemaking and other implications of proposed plan of reorganization for resolution of the voluntary case filed by PG&E. The CPUC’s role as a regulator is to ensure PG&E’s responsibilities are being discharged so that its customers receive safe and reliable service at reasonable rates consistent with achieving California’s climate goals. The CPUC will consider the impacts on ratepayers of PG&E’s proposed plan. The CPUC must also make other findings, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1054 passed in July 2019, in order to ensure that PG&E’s proposed plan and other documents resolving PG&E’s insolvency proceedings meet California’s climate goals, are neutral on average to ratepayers, and that the resulting governance structure of the reorganized utility are acceptable in light of PG&E’s safety history criminal probation, and recent financial condition.
PG&E served testimony on Jan. 31, 2020 in support of its Plan.
On Feb. 18, 2020, the CPUC issued President Batjer's statement on PG&E's proposed bankruptcy plan and ruling setting forth additional proposals on which the Commissioner seeks to ensure development of a robust record. Evidentiary hearings begin on Feb. 25, 2020.
On July 1, 2020 PG&E emerged from bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy Court information is available here.
Timeline
On April 20, 2020, the CPUC issued for public comment a proposal that would approve with conditions PG&E’s proposed reorganization plan pursuant to the requirements of Assembly Bill 1054 and under the CPUC’s regular authority. The proposal will be on the CPUC’s May 28, 2020 Voting Meeting agenda.
On Friday, May 15, 2020 at 10 a.m., the CPUC held a virtual Ratesetting Deliberative Meeting (RDM) on I.19-09-016: Reorganization Plan of Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Per Rule 8.2(c)(4), please note that both oral and written ex parte communications are prohibited on Agenda ID Number 18340 beginning the day of the RDM (5/15/20) through the conclusion of the CPUC Business Meeting (5/21/20), at which a vote on the Proposed Decision was scheduled. The May 21, 2020 Voting Meeting agenda is here.
May 20, 2020: Administrative Law Judge Email Ruling to Service List in PG&E Bankruptcy Proceeding (I.19-09-016) re: Prohibited Ex Parte Communication (Abrams) [see below]
May 21, 2020: Default Ex Parte Quiet Time Period for PG&E Bankruptcy Proceeding I.19-09-16 – May 22, 2020 - May 28, 2020
May 22, 2020: CPUC Considers Adding Item to May 28, 2020 Voting Meeting (CPUC Press Release)
On July 15, 2020 the Administrative Law Judge issued a Ruling seeking party comment regarding, among other items, whether proceeding I.19-09-016 be closed or remain open.
On September 17, 2020 the Administrative Law Judge issued a Proposed Decision closing proceeding I.19-09-016.
On October 26, 2020 the Commission issued a Decision closing proceeding I.19-09-016.
May 20, 2020 Administrative Law Judge Email Ruling to Service List in PG&E Bankruptcy Proceeding (I.19-09-016) re: Prohibited Ex Parte Communication (Abrams)
To William B. Abrams and All Parties:
On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, William B. Abrams (Abrams) sent an e-mail with attachments to the service list of this proceeding. In the body of the e-mail Abrams stated: "This is to notice the Commission and parties of this proceeding regarding my objections and those of the TCC filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (Case #19-30088-DM)." The May 19, 2020 e-mail from Abrams is an ex parte communication under the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.
On May 15 and May 18, 2020, the Commission held a Ratesetting Deliberative Meeting in this proceeding. Notice of the Ratesetting Deliberative Meeting was sent to the service list of this proceeding.
The April 20, 2020 cover letter to the proposed decision in this proceeding stated:
"The Commission may hold a Ratesetting Deliberative Meeting to consider this item in closed session in advance of the Business Meeting at which the item will be heard. In such event, notice of the Ratesetting Deliberative Meeting will appear in the Daily Calendar, which is posted on the Commission’s website. If a Ratesetting Deliberative Meeting is scheduled, ex parte communications are prohibited pursuant to Rule 8.2(c)(4)(B)."
Accordingly, Abrams' ex parte communication was prohibited, and Abrams is ordered to file with the Commission no later than 5:00 pm today a notice of prohibited ex parte communication pursuant to Commission Rules 8.2 and 8.4.
The decision in this proceeding will be held until the Commission Meeting scheduled for May 28, 2020.
Other parties may respond to Abrams' ex parte communication only on Thursday, May 21, 2020 after the close of the Commission Meeting.
All ex parte communications (in any form) in this proceeding are prohibited beginning on Friday, May 22, 2020 through the close of the May 28, 2020 Commission Meeting.
All parties should note that the Commission may impose penalties and sanctions for a violation of Rule 8.2.