PG&E Launches Strategic Review to Build a Better, More Affordable Energy Future for California Customers

PG&E will defer $2B in 2027 spending, reducing its capital plan to $11.4B, as it conducts a strategic review due to wildfire liability concerns. The company faces uncertainty over liability costs after a Senate bill amendment failed to address long-term solvency issues. CEO Patti Poppe stated the current framework creates financing risks and higher costs. The review aims to reduce customer costs and debt financing needs by $2B.

California lawmakers adjourned without passing a wildfire bill, which utility companies and Gov. Newsom deemed insufficient. PG&E (PCG) and Edison International (EIX) shares rose 6% and 8.9% respectively, rebounding from Monday's declines. The bill aimed to address wildfire costs and liability but lacked key provisions sought by utilities and insurers.

California's Senate Bill 492, which aimed to expedite compensation for wildfire victims, failed to pass after utilities opposed it. The bill's defeat led to stock price recoveries for Edison International (up 9%) and Pacific Gas & Electric (up 6%). Utilities sought more protection from wildfire costs, while critics argued they should prevent fires rather than seek bailouts. Investigators linked Edison's equipment to the 2024 Eaton fire, yet the company's profits surged over 200% in 2025.

California lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have limited utility companies' liability for wildfire damages. Governor Newsom had negotiated a compromise, but the Assembly did not vote on it. Utility stocks, including PG&E and Edison, fell as investors reacted to the news. The bill's failure was seen as a victory for fire survivors, consumer groups, and insurers.

California's wildfire liability plan, SB 492, failed to pass in the Assembly. Edison International and PG&E opposed the bill, citing potential higher rates and lawsuits. Their shares rebounded after the bill's defeat, with Edison gaining 7.3%. The companies had lost over $20 billion in value earlier. The bill's failure was attributed to the utilities' unwillingness to compromise.

Joy Chen and Jamie Court criticized the failure of SB 492, a utility bailout bill, citing its rejection by legislators. They attributed recent stock price declines of PG&E (20%) and Edison International (23%) to Wall Street's lack of confidence in their wildfire risk management. The statement highlighted the companies' role in costly wildfires and their substantial profits, urging them to focus on prevention rather than seeking bailouts.