PG&E is currently battling over 200 lawsuits after it was found that its equipment caused major fire damage during the North Bay blazes last fall that destroyed over 8,000 buildings and killed 45 people. Two bills are going to the state Capitol that, if passed, would share liability costs among the company’s customers.
In Assembly Bill 33, the company would get state-issued bonds to pay for damages. Senate Bill 1088 would absolve PG&E of liability in the event of future California fires, as long as they had a safety plan in place. State lawmakers are expected to vote on the two bills next month. We discuss the bills and what they mean for PG&E customers and the fire victims.
Guests:
Noreen Evans, attorney with Watts Guerra, LLP
David Baker, energy and clean tech reporter, San Francisco Chronicle