SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. power lines caused a fire that killed 85 people — the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history, California fire officials said Wednesday. Cal Fire said the transmission lines owned and operated by the San Francisco-based utility sparked the Nov. 8...
With Big Storms Coming, Here Are 8 Ways to Stay Safe
They're getting closer. A series of storms expected to bring rain and gusty wind to the Valley floor and snow to the southern Sierra is on a path to arrive late Wednesday and ramp up through Thursday. Charged-up weather increases the likelihood of fallen limbs, downed power lines and electricity...
San Francisco Can Pursue Legal Fight With PG&E, Judge Rules
SAN FRANCISCO — A judge has allowed San Francisco to renew its stalled legal fight with Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. over power delivery costs. The city has been fighting with PG&E for years, arguing the utility requires it to install unnecessary and costly equipment in large projects like affordable...
Insurance Claims from Deadly California Wildfires Top $12B
SACRAMENTO — Insurance claims have topped $12 billion for the November wildfires in California, making them the most expensive in state history. The figure released Wednesday by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara covers the fire that largely destroyed the town of Paradise and two Southern California blazes. It's up about $600...
PG&E Offers $105M ‘Wildfire Assistance’ Plan
SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas & Electric says it will set up a $105 million fund to help survivors of recent California wildfires started by the utility's equipment. In a court filing Wednesday, PG&E says the wildfire assistance program will provide relief for people who lost property during huge blazes...
PG&E Compensation Plan for Wildfire Victims Still Unclear
SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas & Electric Corp.'s top financial executives said during a bankruptcy meeting Monday they still haven't determined when the utility can start compensating victims of recent wildfires started by the utility's equipment. Victims' lawyers questioned PG&E executives during the meeting in San Francisco between the utility...
California Regulators Approve $373M PG&E Rate Hike
SAN FRANCISCO — California regulators have approved a $373 million rate hike for Pacific Gas & Electric to pay costs related to a series of wildfires. KTVU-TV says the California Public Utilities Commission Thursday unanimously OK'd an increase that raises the average bill by $3.50 a month over 12 months. The station...
'Kai the Hitchhiker' Convicted of Killing Elderly Man
ELIZABETH, N.J. — A man who gained Internet fame as "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker" has been convicted of first-degree murder in the beating death of a New Jersey man almost six years ago. Jurors in Union County convicted 30-year-old Caleb "Kai" McGillvary on Wednesday in the May 2013 death of...
Troubled PG&E Names New Chief Executive, Board
SACRAMENTO — The troubled California utility Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. named a new chief executive and board members Wednesday amid a bankruptcy proceeding. The San Francisco-based utility chose Bill Johnson as its chief executive officer and president and named 10 new board members, including former U.S. ambassadors and members...
Gov. Newsom Criticizes PG&E’s Plan for New Board
SACRAMENTO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday that Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. plans to remake its board of directors with hedge fund financiers and people who have little experience in utility operations and safety, and he urged the utility's leader to change course. "With this move, PG&E would...