UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172018

OR

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIESEXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to __________

Commission
File
Number


Commission
File
Number
_______________

Exact Name of
Registrant
as Specified
in its Charter
_______________


State or Other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
______________


IRS Employer
Identification
Number
___________

1-12609

PG&E Corporation

California94-3234914

1-12609

1-2348

PG&E Corporation

California

94-3234914

1-2348

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

California

94-0742640

PG&E Corporation
77 Beale Street
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, California 94177

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
77 Beale Street
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, California 94177

Address of principal executive offices, including zip code

PG&E Corporation
(415) 973-1000

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
(415) 973-7000

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Indicate by check mark whethertheregistrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) hasbeen subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

PG&E Corporation:

[X] Yes [  ] No

Pacific Gas and Electric Company:

[X] Yes [  ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

PG&E Corporation:

[X] Yes [  ] No

Pacific Gas and Electric Company:

[X] Yes [  ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, oran emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”,filer,” “accelerated filer”,filer,” “smaller reporting company”,company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

PG&E Corporation:

[X] Large accelerated filer

[  ] Accelerated filer

[  ] Non-accelerated filer  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

[  ] Smaller reporting company

[  ] Emerging growth company

Pacific Gas and Electric Company:

[  ] Large accelerated filer

[  ] Accelerated filer

[X] Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

[  ] Smaller reporting company

[  ] Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company,indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

PG&E Corporation:

[  ]

PacificGas and Electric Company:

[  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

PG&E Corporation:

[  ] Yes [X] No


Pacific Gas and Electric Company:

[  ] Yes [X] No

Indicate the numberof shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common stock outstanding as of October 24, 2017:

25, 2018:

PG&E Corporation:

514,422,806

518,674,276

PacificGas and Electric Company:

264,374,809




2



PG&E CORPORATION AND

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
FORM10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2017

2018


TABLEOF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 3: REGULATORY ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND BALANCING ACCOUNTS

NOTE 4: DEBT

NOTE 5: EQUITY

NOTE 6: EARNINGS PER SHARE

NOTE 7: DERIVATIVES

NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

NOTE 9: CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

NOTE 10: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

ENFORCEMENT AND LITIGATION MATTERS

REGULATORY MATTERS

FEDERAL INITIATIVES

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET ADOPTED

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

SIGNATURES


3



GLOSSARY


GLOSSARY

The following terms and abbreviations appearing in the text of this report have the meanings indicated below.

2016

2017 Form 10-K

PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company's combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016

2017

AFUDC

ALJ

allowance for funds used during construction

ALJ

administrative law judge

ARO

asset retirement obligation

ASU

accounting standard update issued by the FASB (see below)

CAISO

California Independent System Operator

Cal Fire

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

CARB

Cal PA

Public Advocates Office of the California Air Resources Board

Public Utilities Commission (formerly known as Office of Ratepayer Advocates or ORA)

CCA

Community Choice Aggregator

CEC

California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission

CO2

CEMA

carbon dioxide

CEMA

Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account

CP

CPUC

cathodic protection

CPUC

California Public Utilities Commission

CRRs

congestion revenue rights

DER

distributed energy resources

DIDF

Distribution Investment Deferral Framework

Diablo Canyon

Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant

DOGGR

Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources

of the California Department of Conservation

DOI

DTSC

U.S. Department of the Interior

DRP

electric distribution resources plan

DTSC

Department of Toxic Substances Control

EDA

EPS

equity distribution agreement

EPS

earnings per common share

EV

electric vehicle

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

GAAP

FHPMA

fire hazard prevention memorandum account

GAAPU.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

GHG

greenhouse gas

GRC

general rate case

GT&S

gas transmission and storage

IOU(s)

HSM

investor-owned utility(ies)

hazardous substance memorandum account

IRS

IOU(s)

Internal Revenue Service

investor-owned utility(ies)

MD&A

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Item 2 of this Form 10-Q

NAV

MGP(s)

manufactured gas plants

NAVnet asset value

NDCTP

Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceedings

NEIL

Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited

NERC

NRC

North American Electric Reliability Corporation

NRC

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

OES

State of California Office of Emergency Services

OII

order instituting investigation

OIR

order instituting rulemaking

ORA

PCIA

Office of Ratepayer Advocates

PCIA

Power Charge Indifference Adjustment

PD

proposed decision

PFM

petition for modification

PHMSA

RAMP

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Risk Assessment Mitigation Phase


ROE

return on equity

SEC

SB

Senate Bill



SECU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SED

Safety and Enforcement Division of the CPUC

TE

Tax Act

transportation electrification

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

TO

TE

transmission owner

transportation electrification

TURN

TO

transmission owner

TURNThe Utility Reform Network

Utility

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

VIE(s)

variable interest entity(ies)

WEMA

Wildfire Expense Memorandum Account

Westinghouse

Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC


5



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(in millions, except per share amounts)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric

$

3,648 

 

$

3,994 

 

$

10,036 

 

$

10,590 

Natural gas

 

869 

 

 

816 

 

 

2,999 

 

 

2,363 

Total operating revenues

 

4,517 

 

 

4,810 

 

 

13,035 

 

 

12,953 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of electricity

 

1,466 

 

 

1,613 

 

 

3,436 

 

 

3,719 

Cost of natural gas

 

78 

 

 

80 

 

 

524 

 

 

377 

Operating and maintenance

 

1,364 

 

 

1,783 

 

 

4,414 

 

 

5,631 

Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

 

710 

 

 

694 

 

 

2,134 

 

 

2,090 

Total operating expenses

 

3,618 

 

 

4,170 

 

 

10,508 

 

 

11,817 

Operating Income

 

899 

 

 

640 

 

 

2,527 

 

 

1,136 

Interest income

 

9 

 

 

8 

 

 

22 

 

 

17 

Interest expense

 

(220)

 

 

(211)

 

 

(663)

 

 

(621)

Other income, net

 

25 

 

 

24 

 

 

59 

 

 

74 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

713 

 

 

461 

 

 

1,945 

 

 

606 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

160 

 

 

70 

 

 

403 

 

 

(105)

Net Income

 

553 

 

 

391 

 

 

1,542 

 

 

711 

Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary

 

3 

 

 

3 

 

 

10 

 

 

10 

Income Available for Common Shareholders

$

550 

 

$

388 

 

$

1,532 

 

$

701 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic

 

513 

 

 

501 

 

 

511 

 

 

497 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted

 

516 

 

 

503 

 

 

514 

 

 

500 

Net Earnings Per Common Share, Basic

$

1.07 

 

$

0.77 

 

$

3.00 

 

$

1.41 

Net Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted

$

1.07 

 

$

0.77 

 

$

2.98 

 

$

1.40 

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

$

0.53 

 

$

0.49 

 

$

1.55 

 

$

1.44 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


6



 (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)2018 2017 2018 2017
Operating Revenues       
Electric$3,466
 $3,648
 $9,729
 $10,036
Natural gas915
 869
 2,942
 2,999
Total operating revenues4,381
 4,517
 12,671
 13,035
Operating Expenses       
Cost of electricity1,256
 1,466
 3,038
 3,436
Cost of natural gas69
 78
 437
 524
Operating and maintenance1,611
 1,324
 5,001
 4,453
Wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries(10) 53
 2,108
 
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning759
 710
 2,257
 2,134
Total operating expenses3,685
 3,631
 12,841
 10,547
Operating Income (Loss)696
 886
 (170) 2,488
Interest income14
 9
 35
 22
Interest expense(232) (220) (678) (663)
Other income, net104
 38
 318
 98
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes582
 713
 (495) 1,945
Income tax provision (benefit)15
 160
 (527) 403
Net Income567
 553
 32
 1,542
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary3
 3
 10
 10
Income Available for Common Shareholders$564
 $550
 $22
 $1,532
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic517
 513
 516
 511
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted517
 516
 517
 514
Net Earnings Per Common Share, Basic$1.09
 $1.07
 $0.04
 $3.00
Net Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted$1.09
 $1.07
 $0.04
 $2.98
        
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Net Income

$

553 

 

$

391 

 

$

1,542 

 

$

711 

Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $0, $0, $0 and $0, at respective dates)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

1 

 

 

- 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

1 

 

 

- 

Comprehensive Income

 

553 

 

 

391 

 

 

1,543 

 

 

711 

Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary

 

3 

 

 

3 

 

 

10 

 

 

10 

Comprehensive Income Attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Shareholders

$

550 

 

$

388 

 

$

1,533 

 

$

701 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Net Income$567
 $553
 $32
 $1,542
Other Comprehensive Income       
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans obligations (net of taxes of $0, $0, $0, and $0, at respective dates)1
 
 1
 1
Total other comprehensive income1
 
 1
 1
Comprehensive Income568
 553
 33
 1,543
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary3
 3
 10
 10
Comprehensive Income Attributable to
Common Shareholders
$565
 $550
 $23
 $1,533
        
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


7




PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(Unaudited)

 

Balance At

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

191 

 

$

177 

Restricted cash

 

7 

 

 

7 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $58

 

 

 

 

 

at both periods)

 

1,368 

 

 

1,252 

Accrued unbilled revenue

 

972 

 

 

1,098 

Regulatory balancing accounts

 

1,478 

 

 

1,500 

Other

 

992 

 

 

801 

Regulatory assets

 

573 

 

 

423 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Gas stored underground and fuel oil

 

138 

 

 

117 

Materials and supplies

 

360 

 

 

346 

Income taxes receivable

 

25 

 

 

160 

Other

 

279 

 

 

283 

Total current assets

 

6,383 

 

 

6,164 

Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Electric

 

54,148 

 

 

52,556 

Gas

 

18,938 

 

 

17,853 

Construction work in progress

 

2,421 

 

 

2,184 

Other

 

2 

 

 

2 

Total property, plant, and equipment

 

75,509 

 

 

72,595 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(22,986)

 

 

(22,014)

Net property, plant, and equipment

 

52,523 

 

 

50,581 

Other Noncurrent Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

8,546 

 

 

7,951 

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

 

2,793 

 

 

2,606 

Income taxes receivable

 

52 

 

 

70 

Other

 

1,229 

 

 

1,226 

Total other noncurrent assets

 

12,620 

 

 

11,853 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

71,526 

 

$

68,598 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 (Unaudited)
 Balance At
(in millions)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
ASSETS 
  
Current Assets 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$430
 $449
Accounts receivable:   
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $58 and $64
at respective dates)
1,297
 1,243
Accrued unbilled revenue962
 946
Regulatory balancing accounts1,326
 1,222
Other902
 861
Regulatory assets229
 615
Inventories:   
Gas stored underground and fuel oil116
 115
Materials and supplies389
 366
Other698
 464
Total current assets6,349
 6,281
Property, Plant, and Equipment   
Electric56,860
 55,133
Gas20,798
 19,641
Construction work in progress2,855
 2,471
Other2
 3
Total property, plant, and equipment80,515
 77,248
Accumulated depreciation(24,310) (23,459)
Net property, plant, and equipment56,205
 53,789
Other Noncurrent Assets   
Regulatory assets4,429
 3,793
Nuclear decommissioning trusts2,917
 2,863
Income taxes receivable67
 65
Other1,418
 1,221
Total other noncurrent assets8,831
 7,942
TOTAL ASSETS$71,385
 $68,012
    
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

8



PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

Balance At

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(in millions, except share amounts)

2017

 

2016

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

$

869 

 

$

1,516 

Long-term debt, classified as current

 

700 

 

 

700 

Accounts payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade creditors

 

1,419 

 

 

1,495 

Regulatory balancing accounts

 

1,328 

 

 

645 

Other

 

483 

 

 

433 

Disputed claims and customer refunds

 

240 

 

 

236 

Interest payable

 

163 

 

 

216 

Other

 

2,271 

 

 

2,323 

Total current liabilities

 

7,473 

 

 

7,564 

Noncurrent Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

16,619 

 

 

16,220 

Regulatory liabilities

 

7,265 

 

 

6,805 

Pension and other postretirement benefits

 

2,707 

 

 

2,641 

Asset retirement obligations

 

4,758 

 

 

4,684 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,085 

 

 

10,213 

Other

 

2,333 

 

 

2,279 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

44,767 

 

 

42,842 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares;

 

 

 

 

 

513,773,072 and 506,891,874 shares outstanding at respective dates

 

12,560 

 

 

12,198 

Reinvested earnings

 

6,482 

 

 

5,751 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(8)

 

 

(9)

Total shareholders' equity

 

19,034 

 

 

17,940 

Noncontrolling Interest - Preferred Stock of Subsidiary

 

252 

 

 

252 

Total equity

 

19,286 

 

 

18,192 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

71,526 

 

$

68,598 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
(Unaudited)
 Balance At
(in millions, except share amounts)September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 
  
Current Liabilities
 
  
Short-term borrowings$750
 $931
Long-term debt, classified as current193
 445
Accounts payable:   
Trade creditors1,699
 1,646
Regulatory balancing accounts1,230
 1,120
Other556
 517
Disputed claims and customer refunds217
 243
Interest payable151
 217
Wildfire-related claims2,794
 561
Other1,899
 1,449
Total current liabilities9,489
 7,129
Noncurrent Liabilities   
Long-term debt18,407
 17,753
Regulatory liabilities8,607
 8,679
Pension and other post-retirement benefits2,014
 2,128
Asset retirement obligations4,999
 4,899
Deferred income taxes5,822
 5,822
Other2,351
 2,130
Total noncurrent liabilities42,200
 41,411
Contingencies and Commitments (Note 9)

 

Equity   
Shareholders' Equity   
Common stock, no par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares;
517,102,983 and 514,755,845 shares outstanding at respective dates
12,833
 12,632
Reinvested earnings6,623
 6,596
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(12) (8)
Total shareholders' equity
19,444
 19,220
Noncontrolling Interest - Preferred Stock of Subsidiary252
 252
Total equity19,696
 19,472
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$71,385
 $68,012
    
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

9




PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Unaudited)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

1,542 

 

$

711 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

 

 

 

 

 

operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

 

2,134 

��

 

2,090 

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

(63)

 

 

(84)

Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net

 

848 

 

 

644 

Disallowed capital expenditures

 

47 

 

 

517 

Other

 

204 

 

 

293 

Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

     Accounts receivable

 

(58)

 

 

(283)

     Butte-related insurance receivable

 

(166)

 

 

(263)

     Inventories

 

(35)

 

 

(38)

     Accounts payable

 

76 

 

 

189 

     Butte-related third-party claims

 

12 

 

 

321 

     Income taxes receivable/payable

 

135 

 

 

(63)

     Other current assets and liabilities

 

23 

 

 

(32)

     Regulatory assets, liabilities, and balancing accounts, net

 

(30)

 

 

(634)

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

 

68 

 

 

(85)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

4,737 

 

 

3,283 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(3,938)

 

 

(4,128)

Decrease in restricted cash

 

- 

 

 

66 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of nuclear decommissioning

 

 

 

 

 

trust investments

 

1,043 

 

 

1,019 

Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments

 

(1,071)

 

 

(1,050)

Other

 

16 

 

 

10 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,950)

 

 

(4,083)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net issuances (repayments) of commercial paper, net of discount of

 

 

 

 

 

     $4 and $5 at respective dates

 

(652)

 

 

(128)

Short-term debt financing

 

250 

 

 

250 

Short-term debt matured

 

(250)

 

 

- 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and

 

 

 

 

 

     issuance costs of $11 and $6 at respective dates

 

734 

 

 

594 

Long-term debt matured or repurchased

 

(345)

 

 

- 

Common stock issued

 

345 

 

 

727 

Common stock dividends paid

 

(754)

 

 

(678)

Other

 

(101)

 

 

(17)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(773)

 

 

748 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

14 

 

 

(52)

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1

 

177 

 

 

123 

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30

$

191 

 

$

71 

10



Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash received (paid) for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

$

(644)

 

$

(611)

Income taxes, net

 

158 

 

 

154 

Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock dividends declared but not yet paid

$

272 

 

$

248 

Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable

 

301 

 

 

325 

Noncash common stock issuances

 

16 

 

 

15 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


11

 (Unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities   
Net income$32
 $1,542
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning2,257
 2,134
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(97) (63)
Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net10
 848
Disallowed capital expenditures(38)
47
Other231
 204
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable(201) (58)
Wildfire-related insurance receivable64
 (166)
Inventories(24) (35)
Accounts payable245
 76
Wildfire-related claims2,233
 12
Income taxes receivable/payable

135
Other current assets and liabilities(154) 23
Regulatory assets, liabilities, and balancing accounts, net(128) (30)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities(194) 68
Net cash provided by operating activities4,236
 4,737
Cash Flows from Investing Activities 
  
Capital expenditures(4,592) (3,938)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of nuclear decommissioning trust investments1,121
 1,043
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments(1,165) (1,071)
Other19
 16
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,617) (3,950)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities 
  
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities775
 
Repayments under revolving credit facilities(775) 
Net issuances (repayments) of commercial paper, net of discount of $1 and $4 at respective dates(182) (652)
Short-term debt financing250
 250
Short-term debt matured(250) (250)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs of $7 and $11 at respective dates1,143
 734
Long-term debt matured or repurchased(750) (345)
Common stock issued137
 345
Common stock dividends paid
 (754)
Other14
 (101)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities362
 (773)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(19) 14
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1449
 177
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30$430
 $191


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information 
  
Cash received (paid) for: 
  
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$(650) $(644)
Income taxes, net(49) 158
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities
   
Common stock dividends declared but not yet paid$
 $272
Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable348
 301
Noncash common stock issuances
 16
Terminated capital leases161
 
    
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Operating Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric

$

3,647 

 

$

3,993 

 

$

10,038 

 

$

10,590 

Natural gas

 

869 

 

 

816 

 

 

2,999 

 

 

2,363 

Total operating revenues

 

4,516 

 

 

4,809 

 

 

13,037 

 

 

12,953 

Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of electricity

 

1,466 

 

 

1,613 

 

 

3,436 

 

 

3,719 

Cost of natural gas

 

78 

 

 

80 

 

 

524 

 

 

377 

Operating and maintenance

 

1,428 

 

 

1,782 

 

 

4,477 

 

 

5,630 

Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

 

710 

 

 

694 

 

 

2,134 

 

 

2,090 

Total operating expenses

 

3,682 

 

 

4,169 

 

 

10,571 

 

 

11,816 

Operating Income

 

834 

 

 

640 

 

 

2,466 

 

 

1,137 

Interest income

 

10 

 

 

8 

 

 

22 

 

 

16 

Interest expense

 

(217)

 

 

(209)

 

 

(655)

 

 

(614)

Other income, net

 

24 

 

 

23 

 

 

52 

 

 

68 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

651 

 

 

462 

 

 

1,885 

 

 

607 

Income tax provision (benefit)

 

138 

 

 

73 

 

 

394 

 

 

(99)

Net Income

 

513 

 

 

389 

 

 

1,491 

 

 

706 

Preferred stock dividend requirement

 

3 

 

 

3 

 

 

10 

 

 

10 

Income Available for Common Stock

$

510 

 

$

386 

 

$

1,481 

 

$

696 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


12

 (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Operating Revenues 
  
    
Electric$3,467
 $3,647
 $9,730
 $10,038
Natural gas915
 869
 2,942
 2,999
Total operating revenues4,382
 4,516
 12,672
 13,037
Operating Expenses       
Cost of electricity1,256
 1,466
 3,038
 3,436
Cost of natural gas69
 78
 437
 524
Operating and maintenance1,611
 1,389
 5,002
 4,518
Wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries(10) 53
 2,108
 
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning759
 710
 2,257
 2,134
Total operating expenses3,685
 3,696
 12,842
 10,612
Operating Income (Loss)697
 820
 (170) 2,425
Interest income14
 10
 34
 22
Interest expense(229) (217) (668) (655)
Other income, net103
 38
 321
 93
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes585
 651
 (483) 1,885
Income tax provision (benefit)14
 138
 (530) 394
Net Income571
 513
 47
 1,491
Preferred stock dividend requirement3
 3
 10
 10
Income Available for Common Stock$568
 $510
 $37
 $1,481
        
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OFOF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

  

September 30,

 

(in millions)

 

2017

  

2016

  

2017

  

2016

 

Net Income

 

$

513

  

$

389

  

$

1,491

  

$

706

 

Other Comprehensive Income

                

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans obligations

                

(net of taxes of $0, $0, $0 and $0, at respective dates )

  

-

   

-

   

1

   

1

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

  

-

   

-

   

1

   

1

 

Comprehensive Income

 

$

513

  

$

389

  

$

1,492

  

$

707

 

 

                

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
                

 (Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Net Income$571
 $513
 $47
 $1,491
Other Comprehensive Income       
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans obligations (net of taxes of $0, $0, $0, and $0, at respective dates )
 
 1
 1
Total other comprehensive income
 
 1
 1
Comprehensive Income$571
 $513
 $48
 $1,492
        
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

13



PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(Unaudited)

 

Balance At

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

70 

 

$

71 

Restricted cash

 

7 

 

 

7 

Accounts receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $58

 

 

 

 

 

  at both periods)

 

1,368 

 

 

1,252 

Accrued unbilled revenue

 

972 

 

 

1,098 

Regulatory balancing accounts

 

1,478 

 

 

1,500 

Other

 

992 

 

 

801 

Regulatory assets

 

573 

 

 

423 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Gas stored underground and fuel oil

 

138 

 

 

117 

Materials and supplies

 

360 

 

 

346 

Income taxes receivable

 

24 

 

 

159 

Other

 

279 

 

 

282 

Total current assets

 

6,261 

 

 

6,056 

Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Electric

 

54,148 

 

 

52,556 

Gas

 

18,938 

 

 

17,853 

Construction work in progress

 

2,421 

 

 

2,184 

Total property, plant, and equipment

 

75,507 

 

 

72,593 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(22,984)

 

 

(22,012)

Net property, plant, and equipment

 

52,523 

 

 

50,581 

Other Noncurrent Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

8,546 

 

 

7,951 

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

 

2,793 

 

 

2,606 

Income taxes receivable

 

52 

 

 

70 

Other

 

1,104 

 

 

1,110 

Total other noncurrent assets

 

12,495 

 

 

11,737 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

71,279 

 

$

68,374 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 (Unaudited)
 Balance At
 September 30,
2018
 December 31, 2017
(in millions) 
ASSETS 
  
Current Assets 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$371
 $447
Accounts receivable:   
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $58 and $64
at respective dates)
1,297
 1,243
Accrued unbilled revenue962
 946
Regulatory balancing accounts1,326
 1,222
Other902
 862
Regulatory assets229
 615
Inventories:   
Gas stored underground and fuel oil116
 115
Materials and supplies389
 366
Other698
 465
Total current assets6,290
 6,281
Property, Plant, and Equipment   
Electric56,860
 55,133
Gas20,798
 19,641
Construction work in progress2,855
 2,471
Total property, plant, and equipment80,513
 77,245
Accumulated depreciation(24,308) (23,456)
Net property, plant, and equipment56,205
 53,789
Other Noncurrent Assets   
Regulatory assets4,429
 3,793
Nuclear decommissioning trusts2,917
 2,863
Income taxes receivable66
 64
Other1,289
 1,094
Total other noncurrent assets8,701
 7,814
TOTAL ASSETS$71,196
 $67,884
    
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(Unaudited)

 

Balance At

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(in millions, except share amounts)

2017

 

2016

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

$

869 

 

$

1,516 

Long-term debt, classified as current

 

700 

 

 

700 

Accounts payable:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade creditors

 

1,419 

 

 

1,494 

Regulatory balancing accounts

 

1,328 

 

 

645 

Other

 

502 

 

 

453 

Disputed claims and customer refunds

 

240 

 

 

236 

Interest payable

 

163 

 

 

214 

Other

 

1,999 

 

 

2,072 

Total current liabilities

 

7,220 

 

 

7,330 

Noncurrent Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

16,270 

 

 

15,872 

Regulatory liabilities

 

7,265 

 

 

6,805 

Pension and other postretirement benefits

 

2,612 

 

 

2,548 

Asset retirement obligations

 

4,758 

 

 

4,684 

Deferred income taxes

 

11,377 

 

 

10,510 

Other

 

2,279 

 

 

2,230 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

44,561 

 

 

42,649 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

258 

 

 

258 

Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares;

 

 

 

 

 

264,374,809 shares outstanding at respective dates

 

1,322 

 

 

1,322 

Additional paid-in capital

 

8,455 

 

 

8,050 

Reinvested earnings

 

9,460 

 

 

8,763 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

3 

 

 

2 

Total shareholders' equity

 

19,498 

 

 

18,395 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

71,279 

 

$

68,374 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 (Unaudited)
 Balance At
 September 30,
2018
 December 31, 2017
(in millions. except share amounts) 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
Current Liabilities 
  
Short-term borrowings$750
 $799
Long-term debt, classified as current193
 445
Accounts payable:   
Trade creditors1,699
 1,644
Regulatory balancing accounts1,230
 1,120
Other575
 538
Disputed claims and customer refunds217
 243
Interest payable149
 214
Wildfire-related claims2,794
 561
Other1,904
 1,457
Total current liabilities9,511
 7,021
Noncurrent Liabilities   
Long-term debt18,057
 17,403
Regulatory liabilities8,607
 8,679
Pension and other post-retirement benefits1,910
 2,026
Asset retirement obligations4,999
 4,899
Deferred income taxes5,960
 5,963
Other2,367
 2,146
Total noncurrent liabilities41,900
 41,116
Contingencies and Commitments (Note 9)

 

Shareholders' Equity   
Preferred stock258
 258
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares; 264,374,809 shares outstanding at respective dates1,322
 1,322
Additional paid-in capital8,505
 8,505
Reinvested earnings9,695
 9,656
Accumulated other comprehensive income5
 6
Total shareholders' equity19,785
 19,747
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$71,196
 $67,884
    
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(Unaudited)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

1,491 

 

$

706 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

 

 

 

 

 

operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

 

2,134 

 

 

2,090 

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

(63)

 

 

(84)

Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net

 

848 

 

 

648 

    Disallowed capital expenditures

 

47 

 

 

517 

    Other

 

196 

 

 

234 

Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(58)

 

 

(283)

Butte-related insurance receivable

 

(166)

 

 

(263)

Inventories

 

(35)

 

 

(38)

Accounts payable

 

76 

 

 

194 

Butte-related third-party claims

 

12 

 

 

321 

Income taxes receivable/payable

 

135 

 

 

(64)

Other current assets and liabilities

 

36 

 

 

(28)

Regulatory assets, liabilities, and balancing accounts, net

 

(30)

 

 

(634)

    Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

 

69 

 

 

(75)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

4,692 

 

 

3,241 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(3,938)

 

 

(4,128)

Decrease in restricted cash

 

- 

 

 

66 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of nuclear decommissioning

 

 

 

 

 

trust investments

 

1,043 

 

 

1,019 

Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments

 

(1,071)

 

 

(1,050)

Other

 

16 

 

 

10 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,950)

 

 

(4,083)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net issuances (repayments) of commercial paper, net of discount of

 

 

 

 

 

     $4 and $5 at respective dates

 

(652)

 

 

(293)

Short-term debt financing

 

250 

 

 

250 

Short-term debt matured

 

(250)

 

 

- 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and

 

 

 

 

 

     issuance costs of $11 and $6 at respective dates

 

734 

 

 

594 

Long-term debt matured or repurchased

 

(345)

 

 

- 

Preferred stock dividends paid

 

(10)

 

 

(10)

Common stock dividends paid

 

(784)

 

 

(423)

Equity contribution from PG&E Corporation

 

405 

 

 

740 

Other

 

(91)

 

 

(7)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(743)

 

 

851 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

(1)

 

 

9 

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1

 

71 

 

 

59 

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30

$ 

70 

 

$ 

68 

16


 (Unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities 
  
Net income$47
 $1,491
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning2,257
 2,134
Allowance for equity funds used during construction(97) (63)
Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net5
 848
Disallowed capital expenditures(38)
47
Other170
 196
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable(200) (58)
Wildfire-related insurance receivable64
 (166)
Inventories(24) (35)
Accounts payable245
 76
Wildfire-related claims2,233
 12
Income taxes receivable/payable

135
Other current assets and liabilities(156) 36
Regulatory assets, liabilities, and balancing accounts, net(128) (30)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities(194) 69
Net cash provided by operating activities4,184
 4,692
Cash Flows from Investing Activities   
Capital expenditures(4,592) (3,938)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of nuclear decommissioning trust investments1,121
 1,043
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments(1,165) (1,071)
Other19
 16
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,617) (3,950)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities   
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities650


Repayments under revolving credit facilities(650) 
Net issuances (repayments) of commercial paper, net of discount of $0 and $4 at respective dates(50) (652)
Short-term debt financing250
 250
Short-term debt matured(250) (250)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs of $7 and $11 at respective dates793
 734
Long-term debt matured or repurchased(400) (345)
Preferred stock dividends paid
 (10)
Common stock dividends paid
 (784)
Equity contribution from PG&E Corporation
 405
Other14
 (91)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities357
 (743)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(76) (1)
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1
447
 71
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30$371
 $70

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash received (paid) for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

$

(636)

 

$

(602)

Income taxes, net

 

158 

 

 

151 

Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock dividends declared but not yet paid

$

- 

 

$

244 

Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable

 

301 

 

 

325 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information   
Cash received (paid) for:   
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$(640) $(636)
Income taxes, net(59)
158
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities   
Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable$348
 $301
Terminated capital leases161
 
    
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

17



NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION


PG&E Corporation is a holding company whose primary operating subsidiary is Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a public utility serving northern and central California.  The Utility generates revenues mainly through the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers.  The Utility is primarily regulated by the CPUC and the FERC.  In addition, the NRC oversees the licensing, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the Utility’s nuclear generation facilities.


This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and other wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries.  The Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Utility and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility assess financial performance and allocate resources on a consolidated basis (i.e., the companies operate in one segment).


The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and in accordance with the interim period reporting requirements of Form 10-Q and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that management believes are necessary for the fair presentation of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.  The information at December 31, 20162017 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in this quarterly report was derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheets in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.  This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the 20162017 Form 10-K. 


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions relate to the Utility’s regulatory assets and liabilities, legal and regulatory contingencies, insurance recoveries, environmental remediation liabilities, AROs, and pension and other postretirementpost-retirement benefit plans obligations.  Management believes that its estimates and assumptions reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are appropriate and reasonable.  A change in management’s estimates or assumptions could result in an adjustment that would have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations during the period in which such change occurred.


Beginning on October 8, 2017, multiple wildfires spread through Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Lake, Nevada, and Yuba Counties, as well as in the area surrounding Yuba City (the “Northern California wildfires”).  According to the Cal Fire California Statewide Fire Summary dated October 30, 2017, at the peak of the wildfires, there were 21 major wildfires in Northern California that, in total, burned over 245,000 acres resulted in 43 fatalities, and destroyed an estimated 8,900 structures. The wildfires resulted in 44 fatalities.

Cal Fire issued its determination on the causes of 17 of the Northern California wildfires, and alleged that each of these fires are being investigated byinvolved the Utility's equipment. The remaining wildfires remain under Cal Fire and the CPUC,Fire’s investigation, including the possible role of the Utility’s power lines and other facilities. Additionally, the Northern California wildfires are under investigation by the CPUC’s SED. See “Northern California Wildfires” in Note 109 below.


NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The


For a summary of the significant accounting policies used by PG&E Corporation and the Utility, are discussed insee Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.


Variable Interest Entities


A VIE is an entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or whose equity investors lack any characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  An enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is a primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE. 

18




Some of the counterparties to the Utility’s power purchase agreements are considered VIEs.  Each of these VIEs was designed to own a power plant that would generate electricity for sale to the Utility.  To determine whether the Utility has a controlling interest or was the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs at September 30, 2017,2018, the Utility assessed whether it absorbs any of the VIE’s expected losses or receives any portion of the VIE’s expected residual returns under the terms of the power purchase agreement, analyzed the variability in the VIE’s gross margin, and considered whether it had any decision-making rights associated with the activities that are most significant to the VIE’s performance, such as dispatch rights and operating and maintenance activities.  The Utility’s financial obligation is limited to the amount the Utility pays for delivered electricity and capacity.  The Utility did not have any decision-making rights associated with any of the activities that are most significant to the economic performance of any of these VIEs.  Since the Utility was not the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs at September 30, 2017,2018, it did not consolidate any of them.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Detailed studies of the cost to decommission the Utility’s nuclear generation facilities are conducted every three years in conjunction with the NDCTP.  On May 25, 2017, the CPUC issued a final decision in the 2015 NDCTP adopting a nuclear decommissioning cost estimate of $1.1 billion for Humboldt Bay, corresponding to the Utility’s request, and $2.4 billion for Diablo Canyon, compared to the Utility’s request of $3.8 billion, or 64 percent of its request.  On an aggregate basis, the final decision adopted a $3.5 billion total nuclear decommissioning cost estimate, compared to $4.8 billion requested by the Utility.  Compared to the Utility’s estimated cost to decommission Diablo Canyon, the final decision adopts assumptions which lower costs for large component removal, site security, decommissioning contractor staff, spent nuclear fuel storage, and waste disposal.  The Utility can seek recovery of these costs in the 2018 NDCTP.  The CPUC’s final decision resulted in a $66 million reduction to the ARO on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the assumed length of the wet cooling period of spent nuclear fuel after plant shut down. 

The estimated nuclear decommissioning cost is discounted for GAAP purposes and recognized as an ARO on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The total nuclear decommissioning obligation accrued in accordance with GAAP was $3.4 billion at September 30, 2017, and $3.5 billion at December 31, 2016.  These estimates are based on decommissioning cost studies, prepared in accordance with the CPUC requirements.  Changes in these estimates could materially affect the amount of the recorded ARO for these assets.


Pension and Other Post-retirementPost-Retirement Benefits


PG&E Corporation and the Utility sponsor a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan and cash balance plan.  Both plans are included in “Pension Benefits” below.  Post-retirement medical and life insurance plans are included in “Other Benefits” below.


The net periodic benefit costs reflected in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 20162017 were as follows:

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Service cost for benefits earned

$

118 

 

$ 

113 

 

$ 

14 

 

$ 

13 

Interest cost

 

178 

 

 

179 

 

 

20 

 

 

19 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(193)

 

 

(207)

 

 

(24)

 

 

(26)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(1)

 

 

2 

 

 

4 

 

 

3 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

6 

 

 

6 

 

 

1 

 

 

1 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

108 

 

 

93 

 

 

15 

 

 

10 

Regulatory account transfer (1)

 

(23)

 

 

(8)

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

Total

$ 

85 

 

$ 

85 

 

$ 

15 

 

$ 

10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pension Benefits Other Benefits
 Three Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost for benefits earned (1)
$128
 $118
 $16
 $14
Interest cost171
 178
 17
 20
Expected return on plan assets(255) (193) (33) (24)
Amortization of prior service cost(1) (1) 4
 4
Amortization of net actuarial loss1
 6
 (1) 1
Net periodic benefit cost44
 108
 3
 15
Regulatory account transfer (2)
41
 (23) 
 
Total$85
 $85
 $3
 $15
        
(1)A portion of service costs are capitalized pursuant to ASU 2017-07.
(2) The Utility recorded these amounts to a regulatory account since they are probable of recovery from, or refund to, customers in future rates.rates


 Pension Benefits Other Benefits
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost for benefits earned (1)
$385
 $354
 $49
 $44
Interest cost515
 535
 52
 58
Expected return on plan assets(766) (578) (98) (73)
Amortization of prior service cost(4) (5) 11
 12
Amortization of net actuarial loss4
 17
 (4) 3
Net periodic benefit cost134
 323
 10
 44
Regulatory account transfer (2)
118
 (69) 
 
Total$252
 $254
 $10
 $44
        


 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Benefits

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Service cost for benefits earned

$

354 

 

$ 

339 

 

$ 

44 

 

$ 

39 

Interest cost

 

535 

 

 

537 

 

 

58 

 

 

57 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(578)

 

 

(621)

 

 

(73)

 

 

(80)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(5)

 

 

6 

 

 

12 

 

 

11 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

17 

 

 

18 

 

 

3 

 

 

3 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

323 

 

 

279 

 

 

44 

 

 

30 

Regulatory account transfer (1)

 

(69)

 

 

(25)

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

Total

$ 

254 

 

$ 

254 

 

$ 

44 

 

$ 

30 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)A portion of service costs are capitalized pursuant to ASU 2017-07.

(2) The Utility recorded these amounts to a regulatory account since they are probable of recovery from, or refund to, customers in future rates.rates


Non-service costs are reflected in Other income, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Service costs are reflected in Operating and maintenance on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

There was no material difference between PG&E Corporation and the Utility for the information disclosed above.


20




Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)


The changes, net of income tax, in PG&E Corporation’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are summarized below:

 

Pension

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Benefits

 

Benefits

 

Total

(in millions, net of income tax)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Beginning balance

$

(25)

 

$

17 

 

$

(8)

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $0 and $2, respectively)

 

(1)

 

 

2 

 

 

1 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $2 and $0, respectively)

 

4 

 

 

1 

 

 

5 

Regulatory account transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $2 and $2, respectively)

 

(3)

 

 

(3)

 

 

(6)

Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

Ending balance

$ 

(25)

 

$ 

17 

 

$ 

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pension
Benefits
 Other
Benefits
 Total
(in millions, net of income tax)Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Beginning balance$(30) $17
 $(13)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income:     
Amortization of prior service cost (net of taxes of $0 and $1, respectively) (1)
(1) 3
 2
Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $0 and $0, respectively) (1)
1
 (1) 
Regulatory account transfer (net of taxes of $0 and $1, respectively) (1)
1
 (2) (1)
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)1
 
 1
Ending balance$(29) $17
 $(12)
      
(1)These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirementpost-retirement benefit costs.  (See the “Pension and Other PostretirementPost-Retirement Benefits” table above for additional details.)

 

Pension

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Benefits

 

Benefits

 

Total

(in millions, net of income tax)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Beginning balance

$

(23)

 

$

16 

 

$

(7)

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $0 and $2, respectively)

 

2 

 

 

1 

 

 

3 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $3, and $0, respectively)

 

3 

 

 

1 

 

 

4 

Regulatory account transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $3 and $2, respectively)

 

(5)

 

 

(2)

 

 

(7)

Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

Ending balance

$

(23)

 

$ 

16 

 

$ 

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 Pension Benefits Other
Benefits
 Total
(in millions, net of income tax)Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Beginning balance$(25) $17
 $(8)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: (1)
     
Amortization of prior service cost (net of taxes of $0 and $2, respectively)(1) 2
 1
Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $2 and $0, respectively)4
 1
 5
Regulatory account transfer (net of taxes of $2 and $2, respectively)(3) (3) (6)
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)
 
 
Ending balance$(25) $17
 $(8)
      
(1)These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirementpost-retirement benefit costs.  (See the “Pension and Other PostretirementPost-Retirement Benefits” table above for additional details.)

21



 

Pension

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Benefits

 

Benefits

 

Total

(in millions, net of income tax)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Beginning balance

$

(25)

 

$

16 

 

$

(9)

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $2 and $5, respectively)

 

(3)

 

 

7 

 

 

4 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $7 and $1, respectively)

 

10 

 

 

2 

 

 

12 

Regulatory account transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $5 and $6, respectively)

 

(7)

 

 

(8)

 

 

(15)

Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)

 

- 

 

 

1 

 

 

1 

Ending balance

$

(25)

 

$

17 

 

$

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Total
(in millions, net of income tax)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Beginning balance$(25) $17
 $(8)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: 
     
Amortization of prior service cost (net of taxes of $1 and $3, respectively) (1)
(3) 8
 5
Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $1 and $1, respectively) (1)
3
 (3) 
Regulatory account transfer (net of taxes of $0 and $2, respectively) (1)
1
 (5) (4)
Reclassification of stranded income tax to retained earnings(5) 
 (5)
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)$(4) $
 $(4)
Ending balance(29) 17
 (12)
      
(1)These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirementpost-retirement benefit costs.  (See the “Pension and Other PostretirementPost-Retirement Benefits” table above for additional details.)

 

Pension

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Benefits

 

Benefits

 

Total

(in millions, net of income tax)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Beginning balance

$

(23)

 

$

16 

 

$

(7)

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $2 and $5, respectively)

 

4 

 

 

6 

 

 

10 

Amortization of net actuarial loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $7 and $1, respectively)

 

11 

 

 

2 

 

 

13 

Regulatory account transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(net of taxes of $9 and $6, respectively)

 

(15)

 

 

(8)

 

 

(23)

Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

Ending balance

$

(23)

 

$ 

16 

 

$

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Total
(in millions, net of income tax)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Beginning balance$(25) $16
 $(9)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income: (1)
     
Amortization of prior service cost (net of taxes of $2 and $5, respectively)(3) 7
 4
Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $7 and $1, respectively)10
 2
 12
Regulatory account transfer (net of taxes of $5 and $6, respectively)(7) (8) (15)
Net current period other comprehensive gain (loss)$
 $1
 $1
Ending balance(25) 17
 (8)
      
(1)These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirementpost-retirement benefit costs.  (See the “Pension and Other PostretirementPost-Retirement Benefits” table above for additional details.)


There was no material difference between PG&E Corporation and the Utility for the information disclosed above.

Recently

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Share-Based Payment AccountingStandards


Revenue Recognition Standard

In March 2016,May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09,2014-9, Compensation – Stock CompensationRevenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 718)606), which amends the existing guidance relatingprevious revenue recognition guidance.  The objective of the new standard is to the accountingprovide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for share-based payment awards issuedall contracts with customers to employees, including the income tax consequences, classificationimprove comparability across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets and to provide more useful information to users of awards as either equity or liabilities,financial statements through improved and classification on the statements of cash flows.expanded disclosure requirements.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility applied the requirements using the modified retrospective method when the ASU became effective on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have adopted this standarda material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of the fourth quarter of 2016. 

ASU 2016-09 requires, on a retrospective basis, that employee taxes paid for withheld shares be classified as cash flows from financing activities rather than as cash flows from operating activities.  As such, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for PG&E Corporation and the Utilityadoption date or for the prior periods presented were retrospectively adjusted.  This change resulted in an increase to cash flows from operating activitiesthree and a decrease to cash flows from financing activities of $35 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

2018. A majority of the Utility’s revenue from contracts with customers continues to be recognized on a monthly basis based on applicable tariffs and customers' monthly consumption. Such revenue is recognized using the invoice practical expedient which allows an entity to recognize revenue in the amount that directly corresponds to the value transferred to the customer.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Utility recognizes revenues when electricity and natural gas services are delivered.  The Utility records unbilled revenues for the estimated amount of energy delivered to customers but not yet billed at the end of the period.  Unbilled revenues are included in accounts receivable on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Rates charged to customers are based on CPUC and FERC authorized revenue requirements. Revenues can vary significantly from period to period because of seasonality, weather, and customer usage patterns.

The FERC authorizes the Utility’s revenue requirements in periodic TO rate cases.  The Utility’s ability to recover revenue requirements authorized by the FERC is dependent on the volume of the Utility’s electricity sales, and revenue is recognized only for amounts billed and unbilled, net of revenues subject to refund.



Regulatory Balancing Account Revenue

The CPUC authorizes most of the Utility’s revenues in the Utility’s GRC and its GT&S rate cases, which generally occur every three or four years.  The Utility’s ability to recover revenue requirements authorized by the CPUC in these rate cases is independent, or “decoupled,” from the volume of the Utility’s sales of electricity and natural gas services.  The Utility recognizes revenues that have been authorized for rate recovery, are objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and are expected to be collected within 24 months.  Generally, electric and natural gas operating revenue is recognized ratably over the year.  The Utility records a balancing account asset or liability for differences between customer billings and authorized revenue requirements that are probable of recovery or refund. 

The CPUC also has authorized the Utility to collect additional revenue requirements to recover costs that the Utility has been authorized to pass on to customers, including costs to purchase electricity and natural gas, and to fund public purpose, demand response, and customer energy efficiency programs.  In general, the revenue recognition criteria for pass-through costs billed to customers are met at the time the costs are incurred. The Utility records a regulatory balancing account asset or liability for differences between incurred costs and customer billings or authorized revenue meant to recover those costs, to the extent that these differences are probable of recovery or refund. As a result, these differences have no impact on net income.

The following table presents the Utility’s revenues disaggregated by type of customer:

(in millions)Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Electric   
Revenue from contracts with customers   
   Residential$1,649
 $4,023
   Commercial1,430
 3,737
   Industrial448
 1,126
   Agricultural523
 966
   Public street and highway lighting18
 55
   Other (1)
(273) (388)
      Total revenue from contracts with customers - electric3,795
 9,519
Regulatory balancing accounts (2)
(328) 211
Total electric operating revenue$3,467
 $9,730
    
Natural gas   
Revenue from contracts with customers   
   Residential$242
 $1,652
   Commercial87
 402
   Transportation service only287
 847
   Other (1)
30
 (149)
      Total revenue from contracts with customers - gas646
 2,752
Regulatory balancing accounts (2)
269
 190
Total natural gas operating revenue915
 2,942
Total operating revenues$4,382
 $12,672
    

(1) This activity is primarily related to the change in unbilled revenue, partially offset by other miscellaneous revenue items.
(2) These amounts represent revenues authorized to be billed or refunded to customers.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost

and Post-Retirement Benefit Costs


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), which amends the existing guidance relating to the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirementother post-retirement benefit cost. costs.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility applied the requirements when the ASU became effective on January 1, 2018.



On a retrospective basis, the amendment requires an employer to disaggregateseparate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and other components in the income statement.  In addition, onAs a result, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for PG&E Corporation and the Utility were restated. This change resulted in increases to Operating and maintenance expenses and Other income, net, of $13 million and $14 million for PG&E Corporation and the Utility, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $39 million and $41 million for PG&E Corporation and the Utility, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

On a prospective basis, the ASU limits the component of net benefit cost eligible to be capitalized to service costs. The FERC has allowed and the Utility has made a one-time election to adopt the new FASB guidance for regulatory filing purposes.  In January 2018, the CPUC approved modifications to the Utility’s calculation for pension-related revenue requirements to allow for capitalization of only the service cost component determined by a plan’s actuary. The capitalization of service costs only results in higher rate base and a reduction in the Utility’s 2018 revenues.  The changes in capitalization of retirement benefits did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU willNo. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which amends the guidance relating to the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.  The amendments require equity investments (excluding those accounted for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income.  The majority of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s investments are held in the nuclear decommissioning trusts and gains or losses are refundable or recoverable, respectively, from customers through rates, therefore gains and losses are deferred and recognized as regulatory assets or liabilities.  The ASU became effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted.  Although PG&E Corporation and the Utility are currently evaluating thedid not have a material impact the guidance will have on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures, it is not expected to have a material impact to financial results.disclosures.

Restricted Cash


Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In November 2016,February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18,2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this update allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. When amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash (Topic 230), which amendsIncome, PG&E Corporation and the existing guidance relating toUtility recognize the disclosure of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents onrelated income tax expense at the statement of cash flows.tax rate in effect at that time. The ASU will beis effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2018, with2019, and early adoption is permitted. PG&E Corporation and the Utility will adoptearly adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018, resulting in the first quarter of 2018 and do not expect a material impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and related disclosures as a result of this ASU.an immaterial reclassification.


Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

Recognition of Lease Assets and Liabilities


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the existing guidance relating to the definition of a lease, recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, and the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Under the new standard, all lessees must recognize an asset and liability on the balance sheet. Operating leases were previously not recognized on the balance sheet.  The ASU will be effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility intend to elect certain practical expedients and will carry forward historical conclusions related to (1) contracts that contain leases, (2) existing lease and easement classification, and (3) initial direct costs. Additionally, PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not intend to restate comparative periods upon adoption.



PG&E Corporation and the Utility plan to early adopt this guidance in the fourthfirst quarter of 2018 using a modified retrospective approach.  The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply.2019. PG&E Corporation and the Utility expect this standard to increase lease assets and lease liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are still evaluating the impactdo not expect the guidance will have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Cash Flows and leaserelated disclosures.

Recognition and


Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities


In January 2016,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01,2018-13, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10)Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesDisclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements, which amends the existing guidance relating to the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments require equity investments (excluding those accountedrequirements for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.  The majority of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s investments are held in the nuclear decommissioning trusts.  These investments are classified as “available-for-sale” and gains or losses are refundable, or recoverable, from customers through rates.measurements. The ASU will be effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2018.2020 with early adoption permitted. PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not expect a materialare currently evaluating the impact to the Condensedguidance will have on their Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures as a result of this ASU.disclosures.

Revenue Recognition Standard


Intangibles-Goodwill and Other

In May 2014,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,2018-15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which amends existing revenue recognition guidance, effective January 1, 2018.  The objective of the new standard is to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition modelIntangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for all contracts with customers to improve comparability across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets and to provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved and expanded disclosure requirements.   

The majority of the Utility’s revenue, including energy provided to customers, is from tariff offerings that provide natural gas or electricity without a defined contractual term.  For such arrangements, the Utility generally expects that the revenue from contracts with these customers will continue to be equivalent to the electricity or natural gas supplied and billed in that period (including unbilled revenues) and the adoption of the new guidance will not resultImplementation Costs Incurred in a significant shift in the timing of revenue recognitionCloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. This ASU will be effective for such sales.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility intend to use the modified retrospective method when adopting the new standard on January 1, 2018.2020 with early adoption permitted. PG&E Corporation and the Utility expect thatare currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance will be immaterial to the Condensedhave on their Consolidated Financial Statements.  Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Utility plans to disclose revenues from contracts with customers separately from regulatory balancing account revenueStatements and disaggregate customer contract revenue by customer class.

related disclosures.



NOTE 3: REGULATORY AREGULATORY ASSETS,SSETS, LIABILITIES, AND BALANCING ACCOUNTS


Regulatory Assetsand Liabilities

Current Regulatory Assets

At September 30, 2017, the Utility had current regulatory assets of $573 million, which included $392 million of costs related to CEMA fire prevention and vegetation management.  In 2014, the CPUC directed the Utility to perform additional vegetation management work in response to the severe drought in California.


Long-Term Regulatory Assets


Long-term regulatory assets are comprised of the following:

 

Asset Balance at

(in millions)

September 30,

2017

 

December 31,

2016

Deferred income taxes

$

4,373 

 

$ 

3,859 

Pension benefits

 

2,487 

 

 

2,429 

Environmental compliance costs

 

779 

 

 

778 

Utility retained generation

 

331 

 

 

364 

Price risk management

 

77 

 

 

92 

Unamortized loss, net of gain, on reacquired debt

 

65 

 

 

76 

Other

 

434 

 

 

353 

Total long-term regulatory assets

$

8,546 

 

$

7,951 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At September 30, 2017, other long-term regulatory assets included $189 million of

 Asset Balance at
(in millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Pension benefits$1,837
 $1,954
Environmental compliance costs851
 837
Utility retained generation285
 319
Price risk management67
 65
Unamortized loss, net of gain, on reacquired debt80
 79
Catastrophic event memorandum account (1)
760
 274
Wildfire expense memorandum account (2)
77
 
Fire hazard prevention memorandum account (3)
65
 1
Other407
 264
Total long-term regulatory assets$4,429
 $3,793
    
(1) Represents costs related to certain catastrophic event-related costs incurred 2012 through 2017events that the Utility believes is recoverable through CEMA based on historical experience in recoveringare probable of recovery. For more information, see Note 9 below.
(2) Represents costs for these typesrelated to insurance premiums that the Utility believes are probable of events. 

recovery. For more information, see Note 9 below.

(3) Represents costs related to wildfire prevention vegetation management work that the Utility believes are probable of recovery.

Long-Term Regulatory Liabilities


Long-term regulatory liabilities are comprised of the following:

 

Liability Balance at

(in millions)

September 30,

2017

 

December 31,

2016

Cost of removal obligations

$

5,456 

 

$

5,060 

Recoveries in excess of AROs

 

622 

 

 

626 

Public purpose programs

 

573 

 

 

567 

Other

 

614 

 

 

552 

Total long-term regulatory liabilities

$

7,265 

 

$

6,805 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Liability Balance at
(in millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Cost of removal obligations$5,888
 $5,547
Deferred income taxes437
 1,021
Recoveries in excess of AROs489
 624
Public purpose programs660
 590
Other1,133
 897
Total long-term regulatory liabilities$8,607
 $8,679

For more information, see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.

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Regulatory Balancing Accounts


Current regulatory balancing accounts receivable and payable are comprised of the following:

 

Receivable

 

Balance at

(in millions)

September 30,

2017

 

December 31,

2016

Electric distribution

$

- 

 

$

132 

Electric transmission

 

182 

 

 

244 

Utility generation

 

- 

 

 

48 

Gas distribution and transmission

 

654 

 

 

541 

Energy procurement

 

135 

 

 

132 

Public purpose programs

 

116 

 

 

106 

Other

 

391 

 

 

297 

Total regulatory balancing accounts receivable

$

1,478 

 

$

1,500 

 

Payable

 

Balance at

(in millions)

September 30,

2017

 

December 31,

2016

Electric distribution

$

197 

 

$

- 

Utility generation

 

150 

 

 

- 

Electric transmission

 

142 

 

 

99 

Gas distribution and transmission

 

- 

 

 

48 

Energy procurement

 

131 

 

 

13 

Public purpose programs

 

426 

 

 

264 

Other

 

282 

 

 

221 

Total regulatory balancing accounts payable

$

1,328 

 

$

645 

 Receivable Balance at
(in millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Electric distribution$31
 $
Electric transmission109
 139
Gas distribution and transmission624
 486
Energy procurement131
 71
Public purpose programs120
 103
Other311
 423
Total regulatory balancing accounts receivable$1,326
 $1,222

 Payable Balance at
(in millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Electric distribution$
 $72
Electric transmission132
 120
Utility generation70
 14
Gas distribution and transmission9
 
Energy procurement69
 149
Public purpose programs588
 452
Other362
 313
Total regulatory balancing accounts payable$1,230
 $1,120

For more information, see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.


NOTE 4: DEBT


Revolving Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Program


The following table summarizes PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s outstanding borrowings under their revolving credit facilities and commercial paper programs at September 30, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of

 

 

 

 

 

Termination

 

Facility

 

Credit

 

Commercial

 

Facility

(in millions)

Date

 

Limit

 

Outstanding

 

Paper

 

Availability

PG&E Corporation

April 2022

 

$

300 

(1)

$

- 

 

$

- 

 

$

300 

Utility

April 2022

 

 

3,000 

(2)

 

50 

 

 

369 

 

 

2,581 

Total revolving credit facilities

 

 

$

3,300 

 

$

50 

 

$

369 

 

$

2,881 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018:

(in millions)Termination Date 
Facility
Limit
 
Letters of
Credit
Outstanding
 Borrowings 
Facility
Availability
PG&E CorporationApril 2022 $300
(1) 
$
 $
 $300
UtilityApril 2022 3,000
(2) 
87
 
 2,913
Total revolving credit facilities  $3,300
 $87
 $
 $3,213
          
(1)Includes a $50 million lender commitment to the letter of credit sublimit and a $100 million commitment for swingline loans defined as loans that are made available on a same-day basis and are repayable in full within 7 days.

(2)Includes a $500 million lender commitment to the letter of credit sublimit and a $75 million commitment for swingline loans.

In May 2017, PG&E Corporation and the Utility each extended the termination dates of their existing revolving credit facilities by one year from April 27, 2021 to April 27, 2022.



Other Short-term Borrowings


In February 2017,2018, the Utility’s $250 million floating rate unsecured term loan, issued in March 2016,February 2017, matured and was repaid.

Additionally, in February 2017,2018, the Utility entered into a $250 million floating rate unsecured term loan that matureswill mature on February 22, 2018.2019.  The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of the Utility’s outstanding commercial paper.

Senior Notes




Long-term Debt Issuances

In March 2017, and Redemptions


During the first quarter of 2018, the Utility issuedsatisfied and discharged its remaining obligation of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.30%the 8.25% Senior Notes due MarchOctober 15, 2027 and $2002018.

In April 2018, PG&E Corporation entered into a $350 million principal amountfloating rate unsecured term loan. The term loan will mature on April 16, 2020, unless extended by PG&E Corporation pursuant to the terms of 4.00% Senior Notes due December 1, 2046.the term loan agreement. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the repaymentearly redemption of a portion of the Utility’sPG&E Corporation’s outstanding commercial paper.

Pollution Control Bonds

In June 2017, the Utility repurchased and retired $345$350 million principal amount of pollution control2.40% Senior Notes due March 1, 2019. On April 26, 2018, PG&E Corporation completed the early redemption of these bonds, Series 2004 A through D.  Additionally in June 2017,which satisfied and discharged its remaining obligation of $350 million.


In August 2018, the Utility remarketed three seriesissued $500 million principal amount of pollution control bonds, previously held in treasury, totaling $1454.25% Senior Notes due August 1, 2023 and $300 million in principal amount.  Series 2008 Famount of 4.65% Senior Notes due August 1, 2028. The proceeds will be used to repay $500 million floating rate Senior Notes due November 28, 2018, to repay a $250 million term loan maturing on February 22, 2019 and 2010 E bear interest at 1.75% per annum and mature on November 1, 2026. Series 2008 G bears interest at 1.05% per annum and matures on December 1, 2018.

for general corporate purposes.


Variable Rate Interest

At September 30, 2017,2018, the interest rates on the $614 million principal amount of pollution control bonds Series 1996 C, E, F, and 1997 B and the related loan agreements ranged from 0.88%1.55% to 0.95%1.68%.  At September 30, 2017,2018, the interest rates on the $149 million principal amount of pollution control bonds Series 2009 A and B, and the related loan agreements, were 0.89%1.60%.


NOTE 5: EQUITY

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 were as follows:

 

PG&E Corporation

 

Utility

 

Total

 

Total

(in millions)

Equity

 

Shareholders' Equity

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

18,192 

 

$

18,395 

Comprehensive income

 

1,543 

 

 

1,492 

Equity contributions

 

- 

 

 

405 

Common stock issued

 

361 

 

 

- 

Share-based compensation

 

2 

 

 

- 

Common stock dividends declared

 

(802)

 

 

(784)

Preferred stock dividend requirement

 

- 

 

 

(10)

Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary

 

(10)

 

 

- 

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

19,286 

 

$

19,498 

In

 PG&E Corporation Utility
(in millions)
Total
Equity
 
Total
Shareholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017$19,472
 $19,747
Comprehensive income33
 48
Common stock issued137
 
Share-based compensation64
 
Preferred stock dividend requirement
 (10)
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary(10) 
Balance at September 30, 2018$19,696
 $19,785

There were no issuances under the PG&E Corporation February 2017 PG&E Corporation amended its February 2015 EDA providingequity distribution agreement for the sale of PG&E Corporation common stock having an aggregate price of up to $275 million.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, PG&E Corporation sold 0.4 million shares of its common stock under the February 2017 EDA for cash proceeds of $28.4 million, net of commissions paid of $0.2 million.  There were no issuances under the February 2017 EDA for the three months ended September 30, 2017.2018.  As of September 30, 2017,2018, the remaining salesamount available under this agreement werewas $246.3 million.


PG&E Corporation also issued common stock under the PG&E Corporation 401(k) plan the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, and share-based compensation plans.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, 6.42018, 3.6 million shares were issued for cash proceeds of $316$136.7 million under these plans.


Dividends

On December 20, 2017, the Boards of Directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility suspended quarterly cash dividends on both PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s common stock, beginning the fourth quarter of 2017, as well as the Utility’s preferred stock, beginning the three-month period ending January 31, 2018, due to the uncertainty related to the causes of and potential liabilities associated with the Northern California wildfires.

The dividends declared per share on PG&E Corporation's common stock were $0 and $0.53, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $0 and $1.55 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

26


NOTE 6: EARNINGS PER SHARE


PG&E Corporation’s basic EPS isare calculated by dividing the income available for common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  PG&E Corporation applies the treasury stock method of reflecting the dilutive effect of outstanding share-based compensation in the calculation of diluted EPS.  The following is a reconciliation of PG&E Corporation’s income available for common shareholders and weighted average common shares outstanding for calculating diluted EPS:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(in millions, except per share amounts)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Income available for common shareholders

$

550 

 

$

388 

 

$

1,532 

 

$

701 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic

 

513 

 

 

501 

 

 

511 

 

 

497 

Add incremental shares from assumed conversions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee share-based compensation

 

3 

 

 

2 

 

 

3 

 

 

3 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted

 

516 

 

 

503 

 

 

514 

 

 

500 

Total earnings per common share, diluted

$

1.07 

 

$

0.77 

 

$

2.98 

 

$

1.40 

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)2018 2017 2018 2017
Income available for common shareholders$564
 $550
 $22
 $1,532
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic517
 513
 516
 511
Add incremental shares from assumed conversions:       
Employee share-based compensation
 3
 1
 3
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted517
 516
 517
 514
Total earnings per common share, diluted$1.09
 $1.07
 $0.04
 $2.98

For each of the periods presented above, the calculation of outstanding common shares on a diluted basis excluded an insignificant amount of options and securities that were antidilutive.


NOTE 7: DERIVATIVES


Use of Derivative Instruments


The Utility is exposed to commodity price risk as a result of its electricity and natural gas procurement activities.  Procurement costs are recovered through customer rates.  The Utility uses both derivative and non-derivative contracts to manage volatility in customer rates due to fluctuating commodity prices.  Derivatives include contracts, such as power purchase agreements, forwards, futures, swaps, options, and CRRs that are traded either on an exchange or over-the-counter. 


Derivatives are presented in the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets recorded at fair value and on a net basis in accordance with master netting arrangements for each counterparty.counter-party.  The fair value of derivative instruments is further offset by cash collateral paid or received where the right of offset and the intention to offset exist.  


Price risk management activities that meet the definition of derivatives are recorded at fair value on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments are not held for speculative purposes and are subject to certain regulatory requirements. The Utility expects to fully recover in rates all costs related to derivatives under the applicable ratemaking mechanism in place as long as the Utility’s price risk management activities are carried out in accordance with CPUC directives. Therefore, all unrealized gains and losses associated with the change in fair value of these derivatives are deferred and recorded within the Utility’s regulatory assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net realized gains or losses on commodity derivatives are recorded in the cost of electricity or the cost of natural gas with corresponding increases or decreases to regulatory balancing accounts for recovery from or refund to customers.


The Utility elects the normal purchase and sale exception for eligible derivatives.  Eligible derivatives are those that require physical delivery in quantities that are expected to be used by the Utility over a reasonable period in the normal course of business, and do not contain pricing provisions unrelated to the commodity delivered.  These items are not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.  Eligible derivatives are accounted for under the accrual method of accounting.

Sheets.

27




Volume of Derivative Activity


The volumes of the Utility’s outstanding derivatives were as follows:

 

 

 

 

Contract Volume at

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

Underlying Product

 

Instruments

 

2017

 

2016

Natural Gas (1) (MMBtus (2))

 

Forwards, Futures and Swaps

 

300,594,593

 

323,301,331

 

 

Options

 

79,640,435

 

96,602,785

Electricity (Megawatt-hours)

 

Forwards, Futures and Swaps

 

3,505,504

 

3,287,397

 

 

Congestion Revenue Rights (3)

 

249,876,873

 

278,143,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Contract Volume at
Underlying Product Instruments September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Natural Gas (1) (MMBtus (2))
 Forwards, Futures and Swaps 250,021,802
 228,768,745
  Options 29,534,224
 60,736,806
Electricity (Megawatt-hours) Forwards, Futures and Swaps 3,939,691
 2,872,013
  
Congestion Revenue Rights (3)
 316,451,690
 312,272,177
       
(1) Amounts shown are for the combined positions of the electric fuels and core gas supply portfolios.

(2) Million British Thermal Units.

(3) CRRs are financial instruments that enable the holders to manage variability in electric energy congestion charges due to transmission grid limitations.


Presentation of Derivative Instruments in the Financial Statements


At September 30, 2018, the Utility’s outstanding derivative balances were as follows:
 Commodity Risk
(in millions)
Gross Derivative
Balance
 Netting Cash Collateral 
Total Derivative
Balance
Current assets – other$34
 $(2) $5
 $37
Other noncurrent assets – other88
 
 
 88
Current liabilities – other(39) 2
 12
 (25)
Noncurrent liabilities – other(67) 
 4
 (63)
Total commodity risk$16
 $
 $21
 $37

At December 31, 2017, the Utility’s outstanding derivative balances were as follows:

 

Commodity Risk

 

Gross Derivative

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivative

(in millions)

Balance

 

Netting

 

Cash Collateral

 

Balance

Current assets – other

$

47 

 

$

(7)

 

$

9 

 

$

49 

Other noncurrent assets – other

 

121 

 

 

(3)

 

 

- 

 

 

118 

Current liabilities – other

 

(54)

 

 

7 

 

 

11 

 

 

(36)

Noncurrent liabilities – other

 

(81)

 

 

3 

 

 

7 

 

 

(71)

Total commodity risk

$

33 

 

$

- 

 

$

27 

 

$

60 

At December 31, 2016, the Utility’s outstanding derivative balances were as follows:

 

Commodity Risk

 

Gross Derivative

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivative

(in millions)

Balance

 

Netting

 

Cash Collateral

 

Balance

Current assets – other

$

91 

 

$

(10)

 

$

1 

 

$

82 

Other noncurrent assets – other

 

149 

 

 

(9)

 

 

- 

 

 

140 

Current liabilities – other

 

(48)

 

 

10 

 

 

- 

 

 

(38)

Noncurrent liabilities – other

 

(101)

 

 

9 

 

 

3 

 

 

(89)

Total commodity risk

$

91 

 

$

- 

 

$

4 

 

$

95 

Gains and losses associated with price risk management activities were recorded as follows:

 

Commodity Risk

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Unrealized gain (loss) - regulatory assets and liabilities (1)

$

(6)

 

$ 

(29)

 

$

(58)

 

$

30 

Realized loss - cost of electricity (2)

 

(4)

 

 

(7)

 

 

(8)

 

 

(48)

Realized loss - cost of natural gas (2)

 

(1)

 

 

(9)

 

 

(5)

 

 

(15)

Net commodity risk

$

(11)

 

$ 

(45)

 

$

(71)

 

$

(33)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Unrealized gains and losses on commodity risk-related derivative instruments are recorded to regulatory liabilities or assets, respectively, rather than being recorded to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  These amounts exclude the impact of cash collateral postings.

(2) These amounts are fully passed through to customers in rates.  Accordingly, net income was not impacted by realized amounts on these instruments.


28


 Commodity Risk
(in millions)
Gross Derivative
Balance
 Netting Cash Collateral 
Total Derivative
Balance
Current assets – other$30
 $(3) $10
 $37
Other noncurrent assets – other103
 (1) 
 102
Current liabilities – other(47) 3
 13
 (31)
Noncurrent liabilities – other(66) 1
 8
 (57)
Total commodity risk$20
 $
 $31
 $51


Cash inflows and outflows associated with derivatives are included in operating cash flows on the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


The majority of the Utility’s derivatives instruments, including certain power purchase agreements, contain collateral posting provisions tied to the Utility’s credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies.  At September 30, 2017, theagencies, also known as a credit-risk-related contingent feature. The Utility’s credit rating wasremains investment grade. If the Utility’sUtility credit rating were to fall below investment grade, the Utility would be required to post additional cash immediately to fully collateralize some of its net liability derivative positions.


The additional cash collateral thatUtility held derivatives with a net liability fair value of $44 million and $1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, offset by an immaterial amount from related derivatives in an asset position. If the credit-risk-related contingency feature were triggered, at September 30, 2018, the Utility would be required to post ifadditional collateral immediately in the credit risk-related contingency features were triggered was as follows:

 

Balance at

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Derivatives in a liability position with credit risk-related

 

 

 

 

 

contingencies that are not fully collateralized

$

(16)

 

$

(24)

Related derivatives in an asset position

 

3 

 

 

19 

Collateral posting in the normal course of business related to

 

 

 

 

 

these derivatives

 

11 

 

 

4 

Net position of derivative contracts/additional collateral

 

 

 

 

 

posting requirements (1)

$

(2)

 

$

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) This calculation excludes the impactamount of closed but unpaid positions, as their settlement is not impacted by any of the Utility’s credit risk-related contingencies.

$12 million.



NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


PG&E Corporation and the Utility measure their cash equivalents, trust assets, and price risk management instruments at fair value.  A three-tier fair value hierarchy is established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:


Level 1 –Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


Level 2 –Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.


Level 3 –Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activities.


The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.



29




Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for PG&E Corporation and the Utility are summarized below. Assets held in rabbi trusts are held by PG&E Corporation and not the Utility.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

At September 30, 2017

(in millions)

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Netting (1)

 

Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

$

120 

 

$

- 

 

$

- 

 

$

- 

 

$

120 

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

23 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

23 

Global equity securities

 

1,875 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

1,875 

Fixed-income securities

 

697 

 

 

569 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

1,266 

Assets measured at NAV

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

16 

Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (2)

 

2,595 

 

 

569 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

3,180 

Price risk management instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity

 

4 

 

 

7 

 

 

153 

 

 

(1)

 

 

163 

Gas

 

- 

 

 

4 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

4 

Total price risk management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

instruments

 

4 

 

 

11 

 

 

153 

 

 

(1)

 

 

167 

Rabbi trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed-income securities

 

- 

 

 

64 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

64 

Life insurance contracts

 

- 

 

 

71 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

71 

Total rabbi trusts

 

- 

 

 

135 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

135 

Long-term disability trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

5 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

5 

Assets measured at NAV

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

148 

Total long-term disability trust

 

5 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

153 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

2,724 

 

$

715 

 

$

153 

 

$

(1)

 

$

3,755 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price risk management instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity

$

11 

 

$

17 

 

$

105 

 

$

(28)

 

$

105 

Gas

 

- 

 

 

2 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

2 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$

11 

 

$

19 

 

$

105 

 

$

(28)

 

$

107 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fair Value Measurements
 September 30, 2018
(in millions)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Netting (1)
 Total
Assets:         
Short-term investments$377
 
 
 
 $377
Nuclear decommissioning trusts         
Short-term investments14
 
 
 
 14
Global equity securities1,970
 
 
 
 1,970
Fixed-income securities738
 631
 
 
 1,369
Assets measured at NAV
 
 
 
 19
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (2)
2,722
 631
 
 
 3,372
Price risk management instruments (Note 7)         
Electricity1
 5
 110
 2
 118
Gas
 6
 
 1
 7
Total price risk management instruments1
 11
 110
 3
 125
Rabbi trusts         
Fixed-income securities
 75
 
 
 75
Life insurance contracts
 68
 
 
 68
Total rabbi trusts
 143
 
 
 143
Long-term disability trust         
Short-term investments8
 
 
 
 8
Assets measured at NAV
 
 
 
 112
Total long-term disability trust8
 
 
 
 120
TOTAL ASSETS$3,108
 $785
 $110
 $3
 $4,137
Liabilities:         
Price risk management instruments (Note 7)         
Electricity$5
 $12
 $86
 $(17) $86
Gas
 3
 
 (1) 2
TOTAL LIABILITIES$5
 $15
 $86
 $(18) $88
          
(1) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and margin cash collateral.

(2) Represents amount before deducting $387$455 million, primarily related to deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.


30



 Fair Value Measurements
 December 31, 2017
(in millions)Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Netting (1)
 Total
Assets:         
Short-term investments$385
 $
 $
 $
 $385
Nuclear decommissioning trusts         
Short-term investments23
 
 
 
 23
Global equity securities1,967
 
 
 
 1,967
Fixed-income securities733
 562
 
 
 1,295
Assets measured at NAV
 
 
 
 18
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (2)
2,723
 562
 
 
 3,303
Price risk management instruments (Note 7)         
Electricity
 3
 129
 6
 138
Gas
 1
 
 
 1
Total price risk management instruments
 4
 129
 6
 139
Rabbi trusts         
Fixed-income securities
 72
 
 
 72
Life insurance contracts
 71
 
 
 71
Total rabbi trusts
 143
 
 
 143
Long-term disability trust         
Short-term investments8
 
 
 
 8
Assets measured at NAV
 
 
 
 167
Total long-term disability trust8
 
 
 
 175
TOTAL ASSETS$3,116
 $709
 $129
 $6
 $4,145
Liabilities:         
Price risk management instruments (Note 7)         
Electricity$10
 $15
 $87
 $(25) $87
Gas
 1
 
 
 1
TOTAL LIABILITIES$10
 $16
 $87
 $(25) $88
          


 

Fair Value Measurements

 

At December 31, 2016

(in millions)

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Netting (1)

 

Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

$

105 

 

$

- 

 

$

- 

 

$

- 

 

$

105 

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

9 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

9 

Global equity securities

 

1,724 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

1,724 

Fixed-income securities

 

665 

 

 

527 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

1,192 

Assets measured at NAV

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

14 

Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (2)

 

2,398 

 

 

527 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

2,939 

Price risk management instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 9 in the 2016 Form 10-K)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity

 

30 

 

 

18 

 

 

181 

 

 

(18)

 

 

211 

Gas

 

- 

 

 

11 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

11 

Total price risk management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

instruments

 

30 

 

 

29 

 

 

181 

 

 

(18)

 

 

222 

Rabbi trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed-income securities

 

- 

 

 

61 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

61 

Life insurance contracts

 

- 

 

 

70 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

70 

Total rabbi trusts

 

- 

 

 

131 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

131 

Long-term disability trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

 

8 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

8 

Assets measured at NAV

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

170 

Total long-term disability trust

 

8 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

178 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

2,541 

 

$

687 

 

$

181 

 

$

(18)

 

$

3,575 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Price risk management instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note 9 in the 2016 Form 10-K)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity

$

9 

 

$

12 

 

$

126 

 

$

(21)

 

$

126 

Gas

 

- 

 

 

2 

 

 

- 

 

 

(1)

 

 

1 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$

9 

 

$

14 

 

$

126 

 

$

(22)

 

$

127 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and margin cash collateral.

(2) Represents amount before deducting $333$440 million, primarily related to deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.


Valuation Techniques


The following describes the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets and liabilities shown in the tables above.  There are no restrictions on the terms and conditions upon which the investments may be redeemed.  Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized as of the end of the reporting period.  There were no material transfers between any levels for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.

2017.

31



Trust Assets


Assets Measured at Fair Value


In general, investments held in the trusts are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit, and market volatility risks. Nuclear decommissioning trust assets and other trust assets are composed primarily of equity and fixed-income securities and also include short-term investments that are money market funds valued at Level 1.


Global equity securities primarily include investments in common stock that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1.




Fixed-income securities are primarily composed of U.S. government and agency securities, municipal securities, and other fixed-income securities, including corporate debt securities.  U.S. government and agency securities primarily consist of U.S. Treasury securities that are classified as Level 1 because the fair value is determined by observable market prices in active markets.  A market approach is generally used to estimate the fair value of fixed-income securities classified as Level 2 using evaluated pricing data such as broker quotes, for similar securities adjusted for observable differences.  Significant inputs used in the valuation model generally include benchmark yield curves and issuer spreads.  The external credit ratings, coupon rate, and maturity of each security are considered in the valuation model, as applicable.


Assets Measured at NAV Using Practical Expedient


Investments in the nuclear decommissioning trusts and the long-term disability trust that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy tables above.  The fair value amounts are included in the tables above in order to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These investments include commingled funds that are composed of equity securities traded publicly on exchanges as well as fixed-income securities that are composed primarily of U.S. government securities and asset-backed securities. 


Price Risk Management Instruments


Price risk management instruments include physical and financial derivative contracts, such as power purchase agreements, forwards, futures, swaps, options, and CRRs that are traded either on an exchange or over-the-counter. 


Power purchase agreements, forwards, and swaps are valued using a discounted cash flow model.  Exchange-traded futures that are valued using observable market forward prices for the underlying commodity are classified as Level 1.  Over-the-counter forwards and swaps that are identical to exchange-traded futures, or are valued using forward prices from broker quotes that are corroborated with market data are classified as Level 2.  Exchange-traded options are valued using observable market data and market-corroborated data and are classified as Level 2. 


Long-dated power purchase agreements that are valued using significant unobservable data are classified as Level 3.  These Level 3 contracts are valued using either estimated basis adjustments from liquid trading points or techniques, including extrapolation from observable prices, when a contract term extends beyond a period for which market data is available.  Market and credit risk management utilizes models to derive pricing inputs for the valuation of the Utility’s Level 3 instruments using pricing inputs from brokers and historical data.


The Utility holds CRRs to hedge the financial risk of CAISO-imposed congestion charges in the day-ahead market.  Limited market data is available in the CAISO auction and between auction dates; therefore, the Utility utilizes historical prices to forecast forward prices.  CRRs are classified as Level 3.


Level 3 Measurements and Sensitivity Analysis


The Utility’s market and credit risk management function, which reports to PG&E Corporation’s Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for determining the fair value of the Utility’s price risk management derivatives.  The Utility’s finance and risk management functions collaborate to determine the appropriate fair value methodologies and classification for each derivative.  Inputs used and the fair value of Level 3 instruments are reviewed period-over-period and compared with market conditions to determine reasonableness.


Significant increases or decreases in any of those inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value, respectively.  All reasonable costs related to Level 3 instruments are expected to be recoverable through customer rates; therefore, there is no impact to net income resulting from changes in the fair value of these instruments.  (See Note 7 above.)
  Fair Value at      
(in millions) September 30, 2018      
Fair Value Measurement Assets Liabilities Valuation
Technique
 Unobservable
Input
 
Range (1)
Congestion revenue rights $110
 $44
 Market approach CRR auction prices $ (18.61) - 32.26
Power purchase agreements $
 $42
 Discounted cash flow Forward prices $ 19.81 - 38.80
           
(1)

 

 

Fair Value at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

At September 30, 2017

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Technique

 

Input

 

Range (1)

Congestion revenue rights

 

$

153 

 

35 

 

Market approach

 

CRR auction prices

 

$

(11.88) - 6.93

Power purchase agreements

 

$

 

70 

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Forward prices

 

$

18.81 - 38.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Represents price per megawatt-hour.




  Fair Value at      
(in millions) December 31, 2017      
Fair Value Measurement Assets Liabilities Valuation Technique Unobservable Input 
Range (1)
Congestion revenue rights $129
 $24
 Market approach CRR auction prices $ (16.03) - 11.99
Power purchase agreements $
 $63
 Discounted cash flow Forward prices $ 18.81 - 38.80
           
(1) Represents price per megawatt-hourmegawatt-hour.

 

 

Fair Value at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

At December 31, 2016

 

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Technique

 

Input

 

Range (1)

Congestion revenue rights

 

$

181 

 

$

35 

 

Market approach

 

CRR auction prices

 

$

(11.88) - 6.93

Power purchase agreements

 

$

 

$

91 

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Forward prices

 

$

18.07 - 38.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents price per megawatt-hour


Level 3 Reconciliation


The following table presentstables present the reconciliation for Level 3 price risk management instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016:

 

Price Risk Management Instruments

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Asset (liability) balance as of July 1

$

48 

 

$

66 

Net realized and unrealized gains:

 

 

 

 

 

Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts (1)

 

 

 

(10)

Asset (liability) balance as of September 30

$

48 

 

$

56 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017:

 Price Risk Management Instruments
(in millions)2018 2017
Asset (liability) balance as of July 1$34
 $48
Net realized and unrealized gains:   
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts (1)
(10) 
Asset (liability) balance as of September 30$24
 $48
    
(1) The costs related to price risk management activities are fully passed through to customers in rates.  Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses are deferred in regulatory liabilities and assets and net income is not impacted.

 

Price Risk Management Instruments

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Asset (liability) balance as of January 1

$

55 

 

$

89 

Net realized and unrealized gains:

 

 

 

 

 

Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts (1)

 

(7)

 

 

(33)

Asset (liability) balance as of September 30

$

48 

 

$

56 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Price Risk Management Instruments
(in millions)2018 2017
Asset (liability) balance as of January 1$42
 $55
Net realized and unrealized gains:   
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts (1)
(18) (7)
Asset (liability) balance as of September 30$24
 $48
    
(1) The costs related to price risk management activities are fully passed through to customers in rates.  Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses are deferred in regulatory liabilities and assets and net income is not impacted.


Financial Instruments


PG&E Corporation and the Utility use the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value for financial instruments:

  • The the fair values of cash, restricted cash, net accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable, customer deposits, and the Utility’s variable rate pollution control bond loan agreements approximate their carrying values at September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, as they are short-term in nature or have interest rates that reset daily. 

  • The fair values of the Utility’s fixed-rate senior notes and fixed-rate pollution control bonds and PG&E Corporation’s fixed-rate senior notes were based on quoted market prices at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 

33


The carrying amount and fair value of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s debt instruments were as follows (the table below excludes financial instruments with carrying values that approximate their fair values):

 

At September 30, 2017

 

At December 31, 2016

(in millions)

Carrying Amount

 

Level 2 Fair Value

 

Carrying Amount

 

Level 2 Fair Value

PG&E Corporation

$

349 

 

$

352 

 

$

348 

 

$

352 

Utility

 

16,211 

 

 

18,672 

 

 

15,813 

 

 

17,790 

Available for Sale

 At September 30, 2018 At December 31, 2017
(in millions)Carrying Amount Level 2 Fair Value Carrying Amount Level 2 Fair Value
PG&E Corporation(1)
$350
 $350
 $350
 $350
Utility17,491
 16,413
 17,090
 19,128
        
(1) On April 26, 2018, PG&E Corporation early redeemed its outstanding $350 million principal amount of 2.40% Senior Note. Also, in April 2018, PG&E Corporation entered into a $350 million floating rate unsecured term loan. For more information, see Note 4.



Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Investments


The following table provides a summary of equity securities and available-for-sale investments:

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

Amortized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Unrealized

 

 

Total Fair

(in millions)

Cost

 

 

Gains

 

 

Losses

 

 

Value

As of September 30, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

$

23 

 

$

 

$

 

$

23 

Global equity securities

 

540 

 

 

1,353 

 

 

(2)

 

 

1,891 

Fixed-income securities

 

1,216 

 

 

56 

 

 

(6)

 

 

1,266 

Total (1)

$

1,779 

 

$

1,409 

 

$

(8)

 

$

3,180 

As of December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear decommissioning trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

Global equity securities

 

584 

 

 

1,157 

 

 

(3)

 

 

1,738 

Fixed-income securities

 

1,156 

 

 

48 

 

 

(12)

 

 

1,192 

Total (1)

$

1,749 

 

$

1,205 

 

$

(15)

 

$

2,939 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

debt securities:

(in millions)       
As of September 30, 2018Amortized
Cost
 Total
Unrealized
Gains
 Total
Unrealized
Losses
 Total Fair
Value
Nuclear decommissioning trusts       
Short-term investments$14
 $
 $
 $14
Global equity securities478
 1,513
 (2) 1,989
Fixed-income securities1,369
 28
 (28) 1,369
Total (1)
$1,861
 $1,541
 $(30) $3,372
As of December 31, 2017       
Nuclear decommissioning trusts       
Short-term investments$23
 $
 $
 $23
Global equity securities524
 1,463
 (2) 1,985
Fixed-income securities1,252
 51
 (8) 1,295
Total (1)
$1,799
 $1,514
 $(10) $3,303
        
(1) Represents amounts before deducting $387$455 million and $333$440 million atfor the periods ended September 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, primarily related to deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.


The fair value of fixed-income securities by contractual maturity is as follows:

As of

(in millions)

September 30, 2017

Less than 1 year

$

27 

1–5 years

403 

5–10 years

340 

More than 10 years

496 

Total maturities of fixed-income securities

$

1,266

 As of
(in millions)September 30, 2018
Less than 1 year$69
1–5 years401
5–10 years386
More than 10 years513
Total maturities of fixed-income securities$1,369

The following table provides a summary of activity for fixed income and equity securities:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

2017

 

2016

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sales and maturities of nuclear decommissioning 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

trust investments

$

249 

 

$

257 

 

$

1,043 

 

$

1,019 

Gross realized gains on securities held as available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

50 

 

 

15 

Gross realized losses on securities held as available-for-sale

 

 

 

(14)

 

 

(8)

 

 

(17)

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Proceeds from sales and maturities of nuclear decommissioning trust investments$319
 $249
 $1,121
 $1,043
Gross realized gains on securities3
 8
 51
 50
Gross realized losses on securities(5) 
 (14) (8)

34



NOTE 9: CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS


PG&E Corporation and the Utility have significant contingencies arising from their operations, including contingencies related to enforcement and litigation matters and environmental remediation.  A provision for a loss contingency is recorded when it is both probable that a lossliability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can reasonably be estimated.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility evaluate which potential liabilities are probable and the related range of reasonably estimated losses and record a charge that reflects their best estimate or the lower end of the range, if there is no better estimate. The assessment of whether a loss can beis probable or reasonably estimated.  A gain contingencypossible, and whether the loss or a range of losses is recorded inestimable, often involves a series of complex judgments about future events. PG&E Corporation's and the period inUtility's provision for loss and expense excludes anticipated legal costs, which all uncertainties have been resolved.  are expensed as incurred.

The Utility also has substantial financial commitments in connection with agreements entered into to support its operating activities. For more information, see Note 13 “Contingencies and Commitments” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2016 Form 10-K. 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be materially affected by the outcome of the following matters.


Enforcement and Litigation Matters

Litigation and Regulatory Citations in Connection


Wildfire-Related Claims

Wildfire-related claims on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include amounts associated with the Northern California wildfires and the Butte fire.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Income Statements include estimated losses offset by insurance recoveries as follows:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Butte fire       
  Third-Party Claims$
 $350
 $
 $350
  Insurance recoveries
 (297) (7) (350)
Total Butte fire
 53
 (7) 
Northern California wildfires       
  Third-Party Claims
 
 2,500
 
  Insurance recoveries(10) 
 (385) 
Total Northern California wildfires(10) 
 2,115
 
Total wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries$(10) $53
 $2,108
 $

In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Utility incurred $53 million and $120 million, respectively, of legal and other costs related to the Northern California wildfires. See "Butte Fire" below for legal expenses related to the Butte Fire.

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Utility's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include estimated losses as follows:
 Balance At
(in millions)September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Butte fire$294
 $561
Northern California wildfires2,500
 
Total wildfire-related claims$2,794
 $561





Northern California Wildfires

Beginning on October 8, 2017, multiple wildfires spread through Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Nevada, and Yuba Counties, as well as in the area surrounding Yuba City. According to the Cal Fire California Statewide Fire Summary dated October 30, 2017, at the peak of the wildfires, there were 21 major wildfires in Northern California that, in total, burned over 245,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 8,900 structures. The wildfires resulted in 44 fatalities.

Cal Fire issued its determination on the causes of 17 of the Northern California wildfires, and alleged that each of these fires involved the Utility's equipment. The remaining wildfires remain under Cal Fire’s investigation, including the possible role of the Utility’s power lines and other facilities. Additionally, the Northern California wildfires are under investigation by the CPUC’s SED.

During the second quarter of 2018, Cal Fire issued news releases announcing its determination on the causes of 16 of the Northern California wildfires (the La Porte, McCourtney, Lobo, Honey, Redwood, Sulphur, Cherokee, 37, Blue, Norrbom, Adobe, Partrick, Pythian, Nuns, Pocket and Atlas fires, located in Mendocino, Lake, Butte, Sonoma, Humboldt, Nevada and Napa counties). According to the Cal Fire news releases, the first four fires "were caused by trees coming into contact with power lines" and the remaining 12 fires "were caused by electric power and distribution lines, conductors and the failure of power poles." Cal Fire has not yet released its investigation reports related to the McCourtney, Lobo, Honey, Sulphur, Blue, Norrbom, Adobe, Partrick, Pythian, Pocket and Atlas fires and stated in its news releases that these investigations have been referred to the appropriate county District Attorney’s offices for review “due to evidence of alleged violations of state law.” The Butte County District Attorney's office has entered into a settlement agreement with the Utility, resolving the Honey, Cherokee and LaPorte fire allegations without criminal or civil charges. The timing and outcome for resolution of the remaining referrals are uncertain.
Also, during the second quarter of 2018, Cal Fire released its investigation reports related to the Redwood, Cherokee, 37, Nuns and La Porte fires. Cal Fire did not refer these fires to District Attorney offices for investigation.

On October 9, 2018, Cal Fire issued a news release announcing the results of its investigation into the Cascade fire, located in Yuba County, concluding the Cascade fire "was started by sagging power lines coming into contact during heavy winds" and that "the power line in question was owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company." Also on October 9, 2018, the Office of the District Attorney of Yuba County issued a news release indicating that no criminal charges would be filed in relation to the Cascade fire. The Office of the District Attorney of Yuba County also indicated that it “reserves the right to review any additional information or evidence that may be submitted to it prior to the expiration of the criminal statute of limitations.” On October 10, 2018, Cal Fire released its investigation report related to the Cascade fire.

Cal Fire has not publicly issued any news releases or other determinations for the Tubbs, Maacama, Pressley, and Point wildfires. The timing and outcome of the Cal Fire investigation into the remaining fires is uncertain.

Further, the SED is conducting investigations to assess the compliance of electric and communication companies’ facilities with applicable rules and regulations in fire-impacted areas. According to information made available by the CPUC, investigation topics include, but are not limited to, maintenance of facilities, vegetation management, and emergency preparedness and response. Various other entities, including fire departments, may also be investigating certain of the fires. It is uncertain when the investigations will be complete and whether the SED will release any preliminary findings before its investigations are complete.

As of October 30, 2018, the Utility had submitted 23 electric incident reports to the CPUC associated with the Northern California wildfires where Cal Fire or the Utility has identified a site as potentially involving the Utility’s facilities in its investigation and the property damage associated with each incident exceeded $50,000. The information contained in these reports is factual and preliminary and does not reflect a determination of the causes of the fires.



Third-Party Claims

If the Utility’s facilities, such as its electric distribution and transmission lines, are determined to be the substantial cause of one or more fires, and the doctrine of inverse condemnation applies, the Utility could be liable for property damage, business interruption, interest, and attorneys’ fees without having been found negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial and have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation and the Utility. California courts have imposed liability under the doctrine of inverse condemnation in legal actions brought by property holders against utilities on the grounds that losses borne by the person whose property was damaged through a public use undertaking should be spread across the community that benefited from such undertaking, and based on the assumption that utilities have the ability to recover these costs from their customers. Further, courts could determine that the doctrine of inverse condemnation applies even in the absence of an open CPUC proceeding for cost recovery, or before a potential cost recovery decision is issued by the CPUC. There is no guarantee that the CPUC would authorize cost recovery even if a court decision were to determine that the doctrine of inverse condemnation applies. In addition to such claims for property damage, business interruption, interest, and attorneys’ fees, the Utility could be liable for fire suppression costs, evacuation costs, medical expenses, personal injury damages, and other damages under other theories of liability, including if the Utility were found to have been negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial and have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation and the Utility. Further, the Utility could be subject to material fines or penalties if the CPUC or any law enforcement agency brought an enforcement action and determined that the Utility failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

As of October 30, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility are aware of approximately 500 complaints on behalf of at least 3,100 plaintiffs related to the Northern California wildfires, five of which seek to be certified as class actions. These cases have been coordinated in the San Francisco Superior Court. The coordinated litigation is in the early stages of discovery. The litigation pending against PG&E Corporation and the Utility includes claims under multiple theories of liability, including inverse condemnation and negligence. Plaintiffs also seek punitive damages.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility also are the subject of investigations or other actions by the county District Attorneys to whom Cal Fire has referred its investigations into the McCourtney, Lobo, Sulphur, Blue, Norrbom, Adobe, Partrick, Pythian, Pocket and Atlas fires. Although the Honey fire was referred to the Butte County District Attorney's Office, in October 2018, the Utility reached an agreement to settle any civil claims or criminal charges that could have been brought by the Butte County District Attorney in connection with the Honey fire, as well as the La Porte and Cherokee fires (which were not referred). The settlement provides for funding by the Utility for at least four years of an enhanced fire prevention and communication program, in the amount of up to $1.5 million, not recoverable in rates. On October 9, 2018, the District Attorney of Yuba County announced his decision not to pursue criminal charges at this time against PG&E Corporation or the Utility pertaining to the Cascade fire. Also in October 2018, the Utility and the Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Humboldt and Nevada County District Attorneys entered into agreements under which the Utility agreed to waive any applicable statutes of limitation related to the Northern California wildfires that started in these counties for a period of six months, until April 8, 2019. PG&E Corporation and the Utility anticipate further discussions with the District Attorneys in these counties relating to the Northern California wildfires and whether any criminal or civil charges should be brought.

Regardless of any determinations of cause by Cal Fire, ultimately PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s liability will be resolved through litigation, regulatory proceedings and any potential enforcement proceedings, all of which could take a number of years to resolve. The timing and outcome of these and other potential proceedings are uncertain.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are continuing to review the evidence concerning the causes of the Northern California wildfires. PG&E Corporation and the Utility have not yet had access to all of the evidence collected by Cal Fire as part of its investigation or to the many investigation reports prepared by Cal Fire. PG&E Corporation and the Utility and plaintiffs are in discussions with Cal Fire about access to the evidence and the remaining reports. No schedule on gaining access has been set.

In addition, insurance carriers who have made payments to their insureds for property damage arising out of the fires have filed 36 subrogation complaints in the San Francisco County Superior Court. These complaints allege, among other things, negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass and nuisance. The allegations are similar to the ones made by individual plaintiffs. Further, various government entities, including Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma Counties and the City of Santa Rosa, also asserted claims against PG&E Corporation and the Utility based on the damages that these public entities allegedly suffered as a result of the fires. Such alleged damages include, among other things, loss of natural resources, loss of public parks, property damages and fire suppression costs. The causes of action and allegations are similar to the ones made by individual plaintiffs and the insurance carriers.



On March 16, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility filed a demurrer to the inverse condemnation cause of action in the Northern California wildfires litigation. On May 21, 2018, the court overruled the motion. On July 20, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility filed a writ in the Court of Appeal requesting appellate review of the trial court's decision, which was denied on September 17, 2018. On September 27, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility filed a petition for review to the California Supreme Court.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility expect to be the subject of additional lawsuits in connection with the Northern California wildfires. The wildfire litigation could take a number of years to be resolved because of the complexity of the matters, including the ongoing investigation into the causes of the fires and the growing number of parties and claims involved.

Estimated Losses from Third-Party Claims

Potential liabilities related to the Northern California wildfires depend on various factors, including but not limited to the cause of each fire, contributing causes of the fires (including alternative potential origins, weather- and climate-related issues), the number, size and type of structures damaged or destroyed, the contents of such structures and other personal property damage, the number and types of trees damaged or destroyed, attorneys’ fees for claimants, the nature and extent of any personal injuries, the amount of fire suppression and clean-up costs, other damages the Utility may be responsible for if found negligent, and the amount of any penalties or fines that may be imposed by governmental entities.

In light of the current state of the law on inverse condemnation and the information currently available to the Utility, including, among other things, the Cal Fire determinations of cause as stated in Cal Fire's press releases and their released reports, PG&E Corporation and the Utility have determined that it is probable they will incur a loss for claims in connection with 14 of the Northern California wildfires referred to as the La Porte, McCourtney, Lobo, Honey, Redwood, Sulphur, Cherokee, Blue, Pocket and Sonoma/Napa merged fires (which include the Nuns, Norrbom, Adobe, Partrick and Pythian fires), and accordingly, PG&E Corporation and the Utility recorded a charge in the amount of $2.5 billion during the quarter ended June 30, 2018.  This charge corresponds to the lower end of the range of PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s reasonably estimated losses and is subject to change based on additional information. 

PG&E Corporation and the Utility currently believe that it is reasonably possible that the amount of the loss will be greater than the amount accrued but are unable to reasonably estimate the additional loss and the upper end of the range because there are a number of unknown facts and legal considerations that may impact the amount of any potential liability, including the total scope and nature of claims that may be asserted against PG&E Corporation and the Utility. PG&E Corporation and the Utility intend to continue to review the available information and other information as it becomes available, including evidence in Cal Fire’s possession, evidence from or held by other parties, claims that have not yet been submitted, and additional information about the nature and extent of personal and business property damage and losses, the nature, number and severity of personal injuries, and information made available through the discovery process.

The process for estimating losses associated with claims requires management to exercise significant judgment based on a number of assumptions and subjective factors, including but not limited to factors identified above and estimates based on currently available information and prior experience with wildfires. As more information becomes available, management estimates and assumptions regarding the financial impact of the Northern California wildfires may change, which could result in material increases to the loss accrued.

The $2.5 billion charge does not include any amounts for potential penalties or fines that may be imposed by governmental entities on PG&E Corporation or the Utility, or punitive damages, if any. It also does not include any amounts in connection with the Atlas, 37, Tubbs, Cascade, Maacama, Pressley and Point fires because at this time PG&E Corporation and the Utility have not concluded that a loss arising from those fires is probable. However, in the future it is possible that facts could emerge that lead PG&E Corporation and the Utility to believe that a loss is probable, resulting in the accrual of a liability at that time, the amount of which could be significant.



On September 6, 2018, the California Department of Insurance issued a news release announcing an update on property losses in connection with the October and December 2017 wildfires in California. As of that date, insurers have received nearly 55,000 insurance claims totaling more than $12.28 billion in losses, of which approximately $10 billion relates to statewide claims from the Northern California wildfires. The balance relates to claims from the Southern California December 2017 wildfires. That news release reflected insured property losses only. Also, that amount did not account for uninsured losses, interest, attorneys’ fees, fire suppression and clean-up costs, personal injury and wrongful death damages or other costs. If PG&E Corporation and the Utility were to be found liable for certain or all of such other costs and expenses, including the potential liabilities outlined above, the amount of the liability could significantly exceed the approximately $10 billion in estimated insured property losses with respect to the Northern California wildfires.

Loss Recoveries

PG&E Corporation and the Utility have liability insurance from various insurers, which provides coverage for third-party liability attributable to the Northern California wildfires in an aggregate amount of approximately $840 million, subject to an initial self-insured retention of $10 million per occurrence and further retentions of approximately $40 million per occurrence.  In addition, coverage limits within these wildfire insurance policies could result in further material self-insured costs in the event each fire were deemed to be a separate occurrence under the terms of the insurance policies.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility record a receivable for insurance recoveries when it is deemed probable that recovery of a recorded loss will occur. Through September 30, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility recorded $385 million for probable insurance recoveries in connection with the Northern California wildfires.  This amount reflects an assumption that the cause of each fire is deemed to be a separate occurrence under the insurance policies. The amount of the receivable is subject to change based on additional information. PG&E Corporation and the Utility intend to seek full recovery for all insured losses and believe it is reasonably possible that they will record a receivable for the full amount of the insurance limits in the future. If PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to recover the full amount of their insurance, or if insurance is otherwise unavailable, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially affected. Even if PG&E Corporation and the Utility were to recover the full amount of their insurance, the potential losses arising out of the Northern California wildfires could significantly exceed the coverage limits of the insurance.

The following table presents changes in the insurance receivable for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The balance for insurance receivable is included in Other accounts receivable in PG&E Corporation's and the Utility's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Insurance Receivable (in millions)
Accrued insurance recoveries$385
Reimbursements(13)
Balance at September 30, 2018$372

In addition, it could take a number of years before the extent of the Utility’s liability is known and the Utility could apply for recovery of costs in excess of insurance. On June 21, 2018, the CPUC issued a decision granting the Utility's request to establish a WEMA for the purpose of tracking specific incremental wildfire liability costs effective as of July 26, 2017. The decision does not grant the Utility rate recovery of any wildfire-related costs. Any such rate recovery would require CPUC authorization in a separate proceeding. The Utility may be unable to fully recover costs in excess of insurance, if at all, and even if such recovery is possible, it could take a number of years to resolve and a number of years to collect.

As of September 30, 2018, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include long-term regulatory assets of $77 million, consisting of insurance premium costs that are probable of recovery. Should PG&E Corporation and the Utility conclude in future periods that recovery of insurance premiums in excess of amounts included in authorized revenue requirements is no longer probable, PG&E Corporation and the Utility will record a charge in the period such conclusion is reached.



Failure to obtain a substantial or full recovery of costs related to the Northern California wildfires or any conclusion that such recovery is no longer probable could have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation's and the Utility's financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. Recently adopted Senate Bill 901 establishes a customer harm threshold, directing the CPUC to limit disallowances in the aggregate, so that they do not exceed the maximum amount that PG&E Corporation can pay without harming ratepayers or materially impacting its ability to provide adequate and safe service. It is uncertain how the new legislation will affect the Utility's ability to recover costs related to the Northern California wildfires. PG&E Corporation and the Utility have considered actions that might be taken to attempt to address liquidity needs of the business should the Utility be unable to recover costs related to the Northern California wildfires, but the inability to recover costs in excess of insurance through increases in rates or to collect such rates in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

Derivative Litigation

Two purported derivative lawsuits alleging claims for breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment were filed in the San Francisco County Superior Court on November 16, 2017 and November 20, 2017, respectively, naming as defendants current and certain former members of the Board of Directors and certain current and former officers of PG&E Corporation and the Utility. PG&E Corporation and the Utility are named as nominal defendants. These lawsuits were consolidated by the court on February 14, 2018, and are denominated In Re California North Bay Fire Derivative Litigation. On April 13, 2018, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint. After the parties reached an agreement regarding a stay of the derivative proceeding pending resolution of the tort actions described above and any regulatory proceeding relating to the Northern California wildfires, on April 24, 2018, the court entered a stipulation and order to stay. The stay is subject to certain conditions regarding the plaintiffs' access to discovery in other actions. The parties submitted a joint status report on October 24, 2018.

On August 3, 2018, a third purported derivative lawsuit entitled Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System v. Chew, et al., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, naming as defendants certain current and former members of the Board of Directors and certain current and former officers of PG&E Corporation and the Utility. PG&E Corporation is named as a nominal defendant. The lawsuit alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment as well as a claim under Section 14(a) of the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 alleging that PG&E Corporation's and the Utility's 2017 proxy statement contained misrepresentations regarding the companies' risk management and safety programs. PG&E Corporation's motion to stay the litigation was filed on October 15, 2018. Plaintiffs' opposition to that motion currently is due November 29, 2018, and defendants' reply brief in support of that motion currently is due December 24, 2018. The hearing on PG&E Corporation's motion to stay currently is set for January 31, 2019.

On October 23, 2018, a fourth purported derivative lawsuit entitled City of Warren Police and Fire Retirement System v. Chew, et al. was filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, alleging claims for breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and unjust enrichment. It names as defendants certain current and former members of the Board of Directors and certain current and former officers of PG&E Corporation, and names PG&E Corporation as a nominal defendant.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the timing and outcome of these proceedings.

Securities Class Action Litigation

In June 2018, two purported securities class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, naming PG&E Corporation and certain of its current and former officers as defendants, entitled David C. Weston v. PG&E Corporation, et al. and Jon Paul Moretti v. PG&E Corporation, et al., respectively.  The complaints allege material misrepresentations and omissions related to, among other things, vegetation management and transmission line safety in various PG&E Corporation public disclosures. The complaints assert claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and seek unspecified monetary relief, interest, attorneys' fees and other costs. Both complaints identify a proposed class period of April 29, 2015 to June 8, 2018. On September 10, 2018, the court consolidated both cases and the litigation is now denominated In Re PG&E Corporation Securities Litigation. The court also appointed the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico as lead plaintiff. Plaintiffs currently have until November 9, 2018 to file an amended consolidated complaint and defendants currently have until January 8, 2019 to move to dismiss, answer or otherwise respond to that complaint.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the timing and outcome of these proceedings.



Clean-up and Repair Costs

The Utility incurred costs of $308 million for clean-up and repair of the Utility’s facilities (including $145 million in capital expenditures) through September 30, 2018, in connection with the Northern California wildfires. While the Utility believes that such costs are recoverable through CEMA, its CEMA requests are subject to CPUC approval. The Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially affected if the Utility is unable to recover such costs.

The Utility capitalizes and records as regulatory assets costs that are probable of recovery in rates. At September 30, 2018, the CEMA balance related to the Northern California wildfires was $101 million and reflects an approximately $40 million reduction to the regulatory asset that was recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2018, for costs that are no longer probable of recovery.

Should PG&E Corporation and the Utility conclude that recovery of any clean-up and repair costs included in the CEMA is no longer probable, PG&E Corporation and the Utility will record a charge in the period such conclusion is reached. Failure to obtain a substantial or full recovery of these costs or any conclusion that such recovery is no longer probable, could have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation's and the Utility's financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

Butte Fire


In September 2015, a wildfire (known as the “Butte fire”) ignited and spread in Amador and Calaveras Counties in Northern California. On April 28, 2016, Cal Fire released its report of the investigation of the origin and cause of the wildfire. According to Cal Fire’s report, the fire burned 70,868 acres, resulted in two fatalities, destroyed549 homes, 368 outbuildings and four commercial properties, and damaged 44 structures.  Cal Fire’s report concluded that the wildfire was caused when a gray pine tree contacted the Utility’s electric line, which ignited portions of the tree and determined that the failure by the Utility and/or its vegetation management contractors, ACRT Inc. and Trees, Inc., to identify certain potential hazards during its vegetation management program ultimately led to the failure of the tree.

Third-Party Claims


On May 23, 2016, individual plaintiffs filed a master complaint against the Utility and its two vegetation management contractors in the Superior Court of California, for Sacramento County.County of Sacramento.  Subrogation insurers also filed a separate master complaint on the same date.  The California Judicial Council previously had previously authorized the coordination of all cases in Sacramento County.  As of SeptemberOctober 30, 2017, 772018, 95 known complaints have been filed against the Utility and its two vegetation management contractors in the Superior Court of California in the Counties of Calaveras, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Amador.  The complaints involve approximately 3,7704,000 individual plaintiffs representing approximately 2,0802,100 households and their insurance companies.  These complaints are part of or are in the process of being added to the two master complaints. coordinated proceeding.  Plaintiffs seek to recover damages and other costs, principally based on the doctrine of inverse condemnation and negligence theoriestheory of liability.  Plaintiffs also seek punitive damages.  Several plaintiffs have dismissed the Utility's two vegetation management contractors from their complaints. The Utility does not expect the number of individual complaints and plaintiffs mayto increase significantly in the future.future, because the statute of limitations for property damage and personal injury in connection with the Butte fire has expired. The Utility continues mediatingto mediate and settlingsettle cases.


On April 28, 2017, the Utility moved for summary adjudication on plaintiffs’ claims for punitive damages.  The court denied the Utility’s motion and the Utility filed a writ with the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Third Appellate District. The writ was granted on July 2, 2018, directing the trial court to enter summary adjudication in favor of the Utility and to deny plaintiffs' claim for punitive damages under California Civil Code Section 3294. Plaintiffs sought rehearing and asked the California Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeal's decision. Both requests were denied. Neither the trial nor appellate courts addressed whether plaintiffs can seek punitive damages at trial under Public Utilities Code Section 2106. Based on the July 2, 2018 Court of Appeal's ruling, the Utility believes a loss related to punitive damages is remote.



On June 22, 2017, the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento ruled on a motion of several plaintiffs and found that the doctrine of inverse condemnation applies to the Utility with respect to the Butte fire. The court held, among other things, that the Utility had failed to put forth any evidence to support its contention that the CPUC would not allow the Utility to pass on its inverse condemnation liability through rate increases. While the ruling is binding only between the Utility and the plaintiffs in the coordination proceeding at the time of the ruling, others could file lawsuits and make similar claims. On January 4, 2018, the Utility filed with the court a renewed motion for a legal determination of inverse condemnation liability, citing the November 30, 2017 CPUC decision denying the San Diego Gas & Electric Company application to recover wildfire costs in excess of insurance, and the CPUC declaration that it will not automatically allow utilities to spread inverse condemnation losses through rate increases.

On May 1, 2018, the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento issued its ruling on the Utility's renewed motion in which the court affirmed, with minor changes, its tentative ruling dated April 25, 2018. The court determined that it is bound by earlier holdings of two appellate courts decisions, Barham and Pacific Bell. Further, the court stated that the Utility's constitutional arguments should be made to the appellate courts and suggested that, to the extent the Utility raises the public policy implications of the November 30, 2017 CPUC decision in the San Diego Gas & Electric Company cost recovery proceeding, these arguments should be addressed to the Legislature or CPUC. The Utility filed a writ with the Court of Appeal seeking immediate review of the court's decision. On June 18, 2018, after the writ was summarily denied, the Utility filed a Petition for Review with the California Supreme Court, which also was denied. On September 6, 2018, the court set a trial for some individual plaintiffs to begin on April 1, 2019. The Utility reached agreement with two plaintiffs in the litigation to stipulate to judgment against the Utility on inverse condemnation grounds. If the court grants the motion on November 29, 2018, the Utility will have the right to an appellate court hearing on inverse condemnation.

In addition onto the coordinated plaintiffs, Cal Fire, the California Office of Emergency Services (OES), the County of Calaveras, and five smaller public entities (three fire districts, one water district and the California Department of Veterans Affairs) have brought suit or indicated that they intend to do so. These five public entities filed their complaints in August 2018 and September 2018. They are being added to the coordinated proceedings.

On April 13, 2017, Cal Fire filed a complaint with the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Calaveras, seeking to recover over $87 million for its costs incurred on the theory that the Utility and its vegetation management contractors were negligent, or violated the law, among other claims. 

On July 31, 2017, Cal Fire dismissed its complaint against Trees, Inc., one of the Utility's vegetation contractors. Cal Fire has requested that a trial of its claims be set in 2019, following any trial of the claims of the individual plaintiffs. On October 19, 2018, the Utility filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that Cal Fire cannot recover any fire suppression costs under the Third District Court of Appeal's decision in Dep't of Forestry & Fire Prot. v. Howell (2017) 18 Cal. App. 5th 154. The hearing on that motion is set for January 31, 2019. The Utility and Cal Fire are also engaged in a mediation process.


Also, on February 20, 2018, the County of Calaveras filed suit against the Utility and the Utility’s vegetation management contractors to recover damages and other costs, based on the doctrine of inverse condemnation and negligence theory of liability. The County also seeks punitive damages. On March 2, 2018, the County served a mediation demand seeking in excess of $167 million, having previously indicated that it intended to bring an approximately $85 million claim against the Utility. This claim included costs that the County of Calaveras allegedly incurred or expected to incur for infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other costs. The Utility and the County of Calaveras currently are engaged in a mediation process. The County has also requested a trial to take place no later than summer 2019. Based on statements by the court, the Utility anticipates that trial would take place, if at all, after a trial of individual plaintiffs' claims and the separate trial of Cal Fire claims.

Further, in May 2017, the OES indicated that it intends to bring a claim against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount ofto be approximately $190 million.  This claim would include costs incurred by the OES for tree and debris removal, infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other claims related to the Butte fire. Also, inThe Utility has not received any information or documentation from OES since its May 2017 statement. In June 2017, the County of Calaveras indicatedUtility entered into an agreement with the OES that it intendsextends their deadline to bringfile a claim against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount of $85 million.  This claim would include costs that the County of Calaveras incurred or expects to incur for infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other costs related to the Butte fire. 

On April 28, 2017, the Utility moved for summary adjudication on plaintiffs’ claims for punitive damages.  On August 10, 2017, the Court denied the Utility’s motion on the grounds that plaintiffs might be able to show conscious disregard for public safety based on the fact that the Utility relied on contractors to fulfill their contractual obligation to hire and train qualified employees.  On August 16, 2017, the Utility filed a writ with the Court of Appeals challenging this novel theory of punitive damages liability.  The Court of Appeals accepted the writ on September 15, 2017 and ordered the trial court and plaintiffs to show cause why the relief requested by the Utility should not be granted.  Briefing on the writ should be completed by early 2018.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Utility reached settlements with plaintiffs in the “preference” trial involving six households and with the plaintiffs in the representative trial that had been scheduled for August 2017 and October 2017, respectively.  While there are no trials related to the Butte fire currently scheduled, one plaintiff has moved for a preference trial involving one household.  The motion is set for hearing on December 1, 2017.

On October 25, 2017, the Utility filed a motion to stay the trial court proceedings pending a decision by the Court of Appeals on the pending writ of mandate regarding punitive damages.  A hearing on the stay motion is calendared for December 1, 2017.

2020.


Estimated Losses from Third-Party Claims


In connection with this matter, the Utility may be liable for property damages, business interruption, interest, and attorneys’ fees without having been found negligent, through the theorydoctrine of inverse condemnation. On June 22, 2017, the Superior Court for the County of Sacramento ruled on a motion of several plaintiffs and found that the Utility is liable for inverse condemnation. While the ruling is binding only between the Utility and the plaintiffs in the coordination proceeding, others could file lawsuits and make similar claims. 



In addition, the Utility may be liable for fire suppression costs, personal injury damages, and other damages if the Utility wereis found to have been negligent.  While the Utility believes it was not negligent, there can be no assurance that a court or jury would agree with the Utility. 


The Utility currently believes that it is probable that it will incur aUtility’s assessment of the estimated loss of at least $1.1 billion, increased from the $750 million previously estimated as of December 31, 2016, in connection withrelated to the Butte fire.  The Utility’s updated estimate resulted primarily from an increase in the number of claims filed against the Utility and experience to date in resolving claims.  This amountfire is based on updated assumptions about the number, size, and type of structures damaged or destroyed, the contents of such structures, the number and types of trees damaged or destroyed, as well as assumptions about personal injury damages, attorneys’ fees, fire suppression costs, and certain other damages, but does notdamages.

The Utility has determined that it is probable that it will incur a loss of at least $1.1 billion in connection with the Butte fire.  The Utility estimates it is reasonably possible that it may incur an additional $200 million, for a total loss of $1.3 billion. While these amounts include punitive damages for which the Utility could be liable.  In addition, while this amount includes the Utility’s earlyUtility's assumptions about fire suppression costs (including its assessment of the Cal Fire loss), it doesand the County of Calaveras claim, they do not include any significant portion of the estimated claimsclaim from the OES and the County of Calaveras.OES. The Utility still does not have sufficient information to reasonably estimate any liability it may have for thesethat additional claims.

The Utility currently is unable to reasonably estimate the upper end of the range of losses because it has insufficient information on the claims of over 1,000 households, including all of the recently filed claims, as well as the claims from the OES and the County of Calaveras. 
The process for estimating costs associated with claims relating to the Butte fire requires management to exercise significant judgment based on a number of assumptions and subjective factors.  As more information becomes known, including additional discovery from the plaintiffs, results from the ongoing mediation and settlement process, review of the potential claimsclaim from the OES, and the County of Calaveras, outcomes of future court or jury decisions, and information about damages, including punitive damages, thatfor which the Utility could be liable, for, management estimates and assumptions regarding the financial impact of the Butte fire may result in material increases to the loss accrued.


The following table presents changes in the third-party claims liability since December 31, 2015.  The balance for the third-party claims liability is included in Other current liabilitiesWildfire-related claims in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Loss Accrual (in millions) 
Balance at December 31, 2015$
Accrued losses750
Payments (1)
(60)
Balance at December 31, 2016690
Accrued losses350
Payments (1)
(479)
Balance at December 31, 2017561
Accrued losses
Payments (1)
(267)
Balance at September 30, 2018$294
  
Loss Accrual  (in millions)

Balance at December 31, 2015

$

-

Accrued losses

750

Payments(1)

(60)

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

690

Accrued losses

350

Payments(1)

(338)

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

702

(1) As of September 30, 20172018, the Utility entered into settlement agreementshas paid $806 million of the $832 million in settlements to date in connection with the Butte fire corresponding to approximately $515 million of which $398 million has been paid by the Utility.fire.


In addition to the amounts reflected in the table above, the Utility has incurred cumulative legal expenses of $72$118 million in connection with the Butte fire.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Utility has incurred legal expenses in connection with the Butte fire of $18$9 million and $45$31 million, respectively.

Loss Recoveries

The Utility has liability insurance from various insurers, which provides coverage for third-party liability attributable to the Butte fire in an aggregate amount of $922 million.  The Utility records insurance recoveries when it is deemed probable that a recovery will occur and the Utility can reasonably estimate the amount or its range.  Through September 30, 2017, the Utility recorded $922 million for probable insurance recoveries in connection with losses related to the Butte fire.  While the Utility plans to seek recovery of all insured losses, it is unable to predict the ultimate amount and timing of such insurance recoveries.  In addition, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility received $21 million and $53 million, respectively, of reimbursements from the insurance policies of one of its vegetation management contractors (excluded from the table below).  Recoveries of additional amounts under the insurance policies of the Utility’s vegetation management contractors, including policies where the Utility is listed as an additional insured, are uncertain.

The following table presents changes in the insurance receivable since December 31, 2015.  The balance for the insurance receivable is included in Other accounts receivable in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Insurance Receivable (in millions)

Balance at December 31, 2015

$

-

Accrued insurance recoveries

625

Reimbursements

(50)

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

575

Accrued insurance recoveries

297

Reimbursements

(131)

Balance at September 30, 2017

$

741


If the Utility records losses in connection with claims relating to the Butte fire that materially exceed the amount the Utility accrued for these liabilities, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially affected in the reporting periods during which additional charges are recorded.



Loss Recoveries

The Utility has liability insurance from various insurers, that provides coverage for third-party liability attributable to the Butte fire in an aggregate amount of $922 million.  The Utility records insurance recoveries when it is deemed probable that a recovery will occur and the Utility can reasonably estimate the amount or its range.  Through September 30, 2018, the Utility recorded depending on whether$922 million for probable insurance recoveries in connection with losses related to the Butte fire.  While the Utility plans to seek recovery of all insured losses, it is unable to predict the ultimate amount and timing of such insurance recoveries.  In addition, the Utility has received $60 million in cumulative reimbursements from the insurance policies of its vegetation management contractors (excluded from the table below), including $7 million received in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Recoveries of additional amounts under the insurance policies of the Utility’s vegetation management contractors, including policies where the Utility is able to record or collectlisted as an additional insured, are uncertain.

The following table presents changes in the insurance recoveriesreceivable since December 31, 2015.  The balance for the insurance receivable is included in amounts sufficient to offset suchOther accounts receivable in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Insurance Receivable (in millions) 
Balance at December 31, 2015$
Accrued insurance recoveries625
Reimbursements(50)
Balance at December 31, 2016575
Accrued insurance recoveries297
Reimbursements(276)
Balance at December 31, 2017596
Accrued insurance recoveries
Reimbursements(436)
Balance at September 30, 2018$160

In October 2018, the Utility received an additional accruals.

$45 million in insurance reimbursements.


Regulatory Citations


On April 25, 2017, the SED issued two citations to the Utility in connection with the Butte fire, totaling $8.3 million. The SED’sSED's investigation found that neither the Utility nor its vegetation management contractors took appropriate steps to prevent thea gray pine tree from leaning and contacting the Utility’sUtility's electric line, which created an unsafe and dangerous condition that resulted in that tree leaning and making contact with the electric line, thus causing a fire. The Utility paid the citations in June 2017.

“Ghost Ship” Fire

On December 2, 2016, 36 people died in a fire that occurred in the “Ghost Ship” warehouse in Oakland, California, during a music event.  The families of 34 people who died in the fire have filed lawsuits against the property owner, the master tenant and neighboring tenants, and others, alleging defective electrical wiring and violations of fire safety codes. 

On May 16, 2017, a master complaint was filed, and added both PG&E Corporation and the Utility as defendants.  The master complaint alleges that the Utility violated the California Labor Code and various electric rules in that it (1) should have inspected the premises to evaluate potential workplace hazards to Utility employees installing/maintaining its meters there, (2) should not have permitted sub-meters in the buildingwithout admitting liability or should have inspected those sub-meters, and (3) should have known that the building’s sub-meters and electrical system as a whole were dangerous and should have terminated service.  The Utility filed a demurrer to the master complaint on June 30, 2017, on multiple grounds, including that the Utility has no duty to inspect its customers’ electrical equipment.  On September 12, 2017, Alameda County Superior Court (the “court”) denied the Utility’s demurrer and on October 6, 2017, the Utility filed its answeragreeing with the court. The governmental entities (City of Oakland, County of Alameda and State of California) filed demurrers on September 12, 2017.  On October 9, 2017, the plaintiffs dismissed, without prejudice, the State of California as a party to the case.  On October 13, 2017, the plaintiffs filed opposition briefs to the demurrers filed by the City of Oakland and the County of Alameda.  A hearing is scheduled for November 7, 2017.

findings.


Enforcement Matters

36



Several investigations regarding the origin and cause of the fire were conducted, including by the City of Oakland and the County of Alameda, the CPUC, and a third-party consulting and engineering firm.  In June 2017, the City of Oakland released Oakland Fire Department’s report of the investigation stating that the cause of the fire was undetermined.  The other investigations remain underway.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are uncertain when and how the Ghost Ship Fire lawsuit will be resolved and believe there is a remote possibility a material loss will occur.

Valero Refinery Outage

On June 30, 2017, Valero Energy Corp. filed a lawsuit against the Utility after an electric outage occurred in its Benicia refinery in May 2017. Valero’s complaint alleges causes of action for breach of contract, breach of implied contract, breach of implied warranty, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, negligence and gross negligence and seeks $75 million in damages from the Utility, resulting from refinery equipment damage, lost revenue and punitive damages. The Utility retained a third-party consulting and engineering firm to perform a causal evaluation of this outage. On September 11, 2017, Valero filed a first amended complaint removing its gross negligence and punitive damage claims.  On October 23, 2017, the Utility filed with the court its response to Valero’s amended complaint.  On October 27, 2017, Valero served the Utility with initial disclosures stating Valero’s total claim is $114 million in damages associated with equipment damage and lost profits.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility believe it is reasonably possible that they will incur a material loss as a result of this lawsuit, but is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range because it is in early stages of litigation. 

Federal Investigations

In 2014, both the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Francisco and the California Attorney General's office opened investigations

into matters related to allegedly improper communication between the Utility and CPUC personnel. The Utility has cooperated
with those investigations. In addition, in October 2016, the Utility received a grand jury subpoena and letter from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern DistrictThe status of California advising that the Utilitythese investigations is a target of a federal investigation regarding possible criminal violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and conspiracy to violate the act.  The investigation involves a removal by the Utility of a hazardous tree that contained an osprey nest and egg in Inverness, California, on March 18, 2016.uncertain. The Utility is cooperating with this investigation.  It is uncertainunable to predict whether any charges will be brought against the Utility as a result of these investigations.

CPUC Matters




Regulatory Proceedings

Order Instituting an Investigation into Compliance with Ex Parte Communication Rules


On September 1, 2017,April 26, 2018, the assigned ALJCPUC approved the revised proposed decision issued a PD in this proceedingon April 3, 2018, adopting with one modification, the settlement agreement jointly submitted to the CPUC on March 28, 2017, as modified (the "settlement agreement") by the Utility, the Cities of San Bruno and San Carlos, Cal PA (formerly known as the ORA,Office of Ratepayer Advocates or ORA), the SED, and TURN.

If adopted, the PD would increase the payment to the California General Fund from $1 million to $12 million resulting


The decision results in a total penalty of $97.5 million comprised of: (1) a $12 million payment to the California General Fund, (2) forgoing collection of $63.5 million of GT&S revenue requirements for the years 2018 ($31.75 million) and 2019 ($31.75 million), (3) a $10 million one-time revenue requirement adjustment to be amortized in equivalent annual amounts over the Utility’s next GRC cycle (i.e., the GRC following the 20172020 GRC), and (4) compensation payments to the Cities of San Bruno and San Carlos in a total amount of $12 million ($6 million to each city).  In addition, the settlement agreement provides for certain non-financial remedies, including enhanced noticing obligations between the Utility and CPUC decision-makers, as well as certification of employee training on the CPUC ex parte communication rules.  Under the terms of the settlement agreement, customers will bear no costs associated with the financial remedies set forth above.

On September 21, 2017, the Utility submitted


The CPUC also ordered a motionsecond phase in this proceeding to the CPUC accepting the proposed modificationdetermine if any of the settlement agreement to increase the Utility’s payment to the California General Fund from $1 million to $12 million. Further, the Utility also reported that it has identified several communications that appear to raise issues similar to other communications that are part of this proceeding.


On November 1, 2017, the Utility filed a status report advising the CPUC that the Utility and the parties to the settlement agreement were unable to reach an agreement with respect to how to proceed regardingadditional communications that the Utility reported to the CPUC on September 21, 2017.  Also on November 1, 2017, violate the non-UtilityCPUC ex parte rules. On May 22, 2018, the assigned ALJ issued a ruling requiring the parties to meet and confer to determine if an agreement can be reached on the settlement requested that the CPUC approve the settlement, as modifiedissues identified by the PD, and openALJ. On September 17, 2018, the parties submitted a second phase ofjoint status report indicating a settlement in principle could not be reached. The ALJ will hold a prehearing conference with the OIIparties to investigate and consider appropriate sanctions for the new communications reported by the Utility on September 21, 2017, and others that may be discovered.

The statutory deadline for this proceeding previously was extended to December 29, 2017.determine if evidentiary hearings are required. The Utility is unable to predict the timing and outcome of the second phase in this proceeding.

As a result of the CPUC's April 26, 2018 decision, on May 17, 2018, the Utility made a $12 million payment to the California General Fund and $6 million payments to each of the Cities of San Bruno and San Carlos. At September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include a $24 million accrual for a portion of the amounts payable to the California General Fund and the Cities of San Bruno and San Carlos.2018 GT&S revenue requirement reduction. In accordance with accounting rules, adjustments related to revenue requirements would beare recorded in the periods in which they are incurred.


For more information about the proceeding, see Note 13 “Contingencies and Commitments” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.

Order Instituting


Transmission Owner Rate Case Revenue Subject to Refund
The FERC determines the amount of authorized revenue requirements, including the rate of return on electric transmission assets, that the Utility may collect in rates in the TO rate case. The FERC typically authorizes the Utility to charge new rates based on the requested revenue requirement, subject to refund, before the FERC has issued a final decision. The Utility bills and records revenue based on the amounts requested in its rate case filing and records a reserve for its estimate of the amounts that are probable of refund. Rates subject to refund went into effect on March 1, 2017, and March 1, 2018, for TO18 and TO19, respectively.

On October 1, 2018, the ALJ issued an Investigation intoinitial decision in the Utility’s Safety Culture

On August 27, 2015, the CPUC began a formal investigation into whether the organizational culture and governance of PG&E CorporationTO18 rate case and the Utility prioritize safety and adequately direct resources to promote accountability and achieve safety goals and standards.  The CPUC directed the SED to evaluate the Utility’s and PG&E Corporation’s organizational culture, governance, policies, practices, and accountability metricsfiled initial briefs on October 31, 2018, in relationresponse to the Utility’s record of operations, including its record of safety incidents.ALJ's recommendations. The CPUC authorizedUtility expects the SEDFERC to engageissue a consultant to assistfinal decision in the SED’s investigation andTO18 rate case by mid-2019. On September 21, 2018, the preparation of a report containing the SED’s assessment. 

On May 8, 2017, the CPUC President released the consultant’s report, accompanied by a scoping memo and ruling.  The scoping memo establishes a second phaseUtility filed an all-party settlement with FERC in this OII in which the CPUC will evaluate the safety recommendationsconnection with TO19. As part of the consultant that may lead tosettlement, the CPUC’s adoptionTO19 revenue requirement will be set at 98.85% of the recommendationsrevenue requirement for TO18 that will be determined in the report, in whole or in part.  This phase of the proceeding will also consider all necessary measures, including, but not limited to, a reduction of the Utility’s return on equity until any recommendations adopted by the CPUC are implemented.TO18 final decision. The Utility plans to adopt and implement the vast majority of the consultant’s recommendations by the middle of 2018.  A workshop took place in September 2017 at which the consultant presented its report and answered stakeholders’ questions.  The Utility’s testimony is expected to be filed with the CPUC in the fourth quarter of 2017 with other parties’ testimony and evidentiary hearings expected in the first quarter of 2018.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the outcomeoutcomes of this proceeding, including whether additional fines, penalties, or other ratemaking tools will ultimately be adopted by the CPUC, and whether the CPUC will require that a portion of return on equity for the Utility be dependent on making safety progress as the CPUC may defineFERC’s decisions in this proceeding. 

these proceedings.




Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Rights-of-Way


In 2012, the Utility notified the CPUC and the SED that the Utility planned to complete a system-wide survey of its transmission pipelines in an effort to address a self-reported violation whereby the Utility did not properly identify encroachments (such as building structures and vegetation overgrowth) on the Utility’s pipeline rights-of-way.  The Utility also submitted a proposed compliance plan that set forth the scope and timing of remedial work to remove identified encroachments over a multi-year period and to pay penalties if the proposed milestones were not met.  In March 2014, the Utility informed the SED that the survey had been completed and that remediation work, including removal of the encroachments, was expected to continue for several years. The SED has not addressed the Utility’s proposed compliance plan, and it is reasonably possible that the SED will impose fines on the Utility in the future based on the Utility’s failure to continuously survey its system and remove encroachments.  The Utility is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of future charges that could be incurred given the SED’s wide discretion and the number of factors that can be considered in determining penalties.



Potential Safety Citations


The SED periodically audits utility operating practices and conducts investigations of potential violations of laws and regulations applicable to the safety of the California utilities’ electric and natural gas facilities and operations. The CPUC has delegated authority to the SED to issue citations and impose penalties for violations identified through audits, investigations, or self-reports. There are a number of audit findings, as well as other potential violations identified through various investigations and the Utility’s self-reported non-compliance with laws and regulations, on which the SED has yet to act.  This includesact, and the Utility’s February 2017 self-report related to customer service representatives who handle gas emergency calls that was not timely submitted to the CPUC.  The Utility believes it is probable that the SED will imposeoutcome of which could result in material fines and other penalties or take other enforcement action with respect to some or all of these violations.  The Utility is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of future charges that could be incurred for fines imposed byon the SED with respect to these matters givenUtility. Under both the wide discretiongas and electric programs, the SED and other CPUC staff have in determining whether to bring enforcement action and the number of factors that can be considered in determining the amount of fines. 

The SED has discretion whether to issue a penalty for each violation, but if itviolation.


If the SED assesses a penalty for a violation, it is required to impose the maximum statutory penalty of $50,000, with an administrative limit of $8 million per citation issued. Effective January 1, 2019, the maximum statutory penalty increases to $100,000.  The SED may, at its discretion, impose penalties on a daily basis, or on less than a daily basis, for violations that continued for more than one day. The SED also has wide discretion to determine the amount of penalties based on the totality of the circumstances, including such factors as the gravity of the violations; the type of harm caused by the violations and the number of persons affected; and the good faith of the entity charged in attempting to achieve compliance, after notification of a violation. The SED also is required to consider the appropriateness of the amount of the penalty to the size of the entity charged. TheHistorically, the SED historically has exercised broad discretion in determining whether violations are continuing and the amount of penalties to be imposed. The CPUC can also issue an OII and possible additional fines even afterIn the SED has issued a citation.  Thepast, the SED has imposed fines on the Utility ranging from $50,000 to $16.8 million for violations of electric and natural gas laws and regulations.

On January 12, 2017, a residential structure fire occurred in Yuba City, California resulting in the collapse of the house and injuries to two persons inside the house. The CPUC a third-party engineering firm engaged by the Utility,can also open an OII and local fire and police officials have investigated the incident. Following SED’s investigation which included a review of the third-party engineering firm’s report, on October 20, 2017,levy additional fines even after the SED has issued a notice of probable violations against the Utility. The SED found two violations, for which the SED could issue a penalty of up to $8 million per violation.  citation.


The Utility may incur material costs, includingis unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of future charges as a result of theseSED investigations or any proceedings that could be commenced in connection with this incident. 

potential violations of electric and natural gas laws and regulations.


Other Matters


PG&E Corporation and the Utility are subject to various claims, lawsuits, and regulatory proceedings that separately are not considered material.  Accruals for contingencies related to such matters (excluding amounts related to the contingencies discussed above under “Enforcement and Litigation Matters”) totaled $39$94 million at September 30, 2017,2018, and $45$86 million at December 31, 2016.2017.  These amounts are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  ThePG&E Corporation and the Utility do not believe it is reasonably possible that the resolution of these matters is not expected towill have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’stheir financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.




Disallowance of Plant Costs

In May 2017,


2015 GT&S Rate Case Capital Disallowance

On June 23, 2016, the CPUC approved a final phase one decision in the Utility’s 2015 GT&S rate case. The phase one decision excluded from rate base $696 million of capital spending in 2011 through 2014 in excess of the amount adopted in the prior GT&S rate case. The decision permanently disallowed $120 million of that amount and ordered that the remaining $576 million be subject to an audit overseen by the CPUC staff, with the possibility that the Utility filedmay seek recovery in a settlement agreement with the CPUC related to the recovery of license renewal costs and cancelled project costs within its pending application to retire Diablo Canyon Power Plant.  The settlement agreement allows for recovery from customers of $18.6 million of the total license renewal project cost of $53 million evenly over an 8-year period beginning January 1, 2018.  Related to cancelled project costs, the settlement allows for recovery from customers of 100% of the direct costs incurred prior to June 30, 2016 and 25% recovery of direct costs incurred after June 30, 2016.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility incurredfuture proceeding. Additional charges of $47 million related to settlement agreement, of which $24 million is for cancelled projects and $23 million is for disallowed license renewal costs.

In addition, the Utility is subject to various cost caps within its rate cases that increase the risk of overspend throughout the rate case cycles.  Charges may be required in the future based on the Utility’s ability to manage its capital spending and on the outcome of the CPUC’s audit of 2011 through 2014 capital spending related to its 2015 GT&S rate case.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility would record a charge when it is both probable that costs incurred or projected to be incurred for recently completed plant will not be recoverable through rates and the amount of disallowance can be reasonably estimated.spending. Capital disallowances are reflected in operating and maintenance expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For more information, see Note 13 “Contingencies and Commitments” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.



Environmental Remediation Contingencies


The Utility’s environmental remediation liability is primarily included in non-current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is composedcomprised of the following:

 

Balance at

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Topock natural gas compressor station (1)

$

310 

 

$ 

299 

Hinkley natural gas compressor station (1)

 

147 

 

 

135 

Former manufactured gas plant sites owned by the Utility or third parties

 

306 

 

 

285 

Utility-owned generation facilities (other than fossil fuel-fired),

  other facilities, and third-party disposal sites

 

124 

 

 

131 

Fossil fuel-fired generation facilities and sites

 

131 

 

 

108 

Total environmental remediation liability

$

1,018 

 

$ 

958 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Balance at
 September 30, December 31,
(in millions)2018 2017
Topock natural gas compressor station$362
 $334
Hinkley natural gas compressor station151
 147
Former manufactured gas plant sites owned by the Utility or third parties (1)
375
 320
Utility-owned generation facilities (other than fossil fuel-fired),
other facilities, and third-party disposal sites
(2)
116
 115
Fossil fuel-fired generation facilities and sites (3)
136
 123
Total environmental remediation liability$1,140
 $1,039
    
(1) See “Natural Gas Compressor Station Sites” below.Primarily driven by the following sites: Vallejo, San Francisco East Harbor, Napa, and San Francisco North Beach.

(2) Primarily driven by the Geothermal landfill and Shell Pond site.
(3) Primarily driven by the San Francisco Potrero Power Plant.

The Utility’s gas compressor stations, former manufactured gas plant sites, power plant sites, gas gathering sites, and sites used by the Utility for the storage, recycling, and disposal of potentially hazardous substances are subject to requirements issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and/or other federal and state hazardous waste laws.  The Utility has a comprehensive program in place designed to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to hazardous materials, waste, remediation activities, and other environmental requirements. The Utility assesses and monitors the environmental requirements on an ongoing basis, measures that may be necessary to comply with these laws and regulations and implements changes to its program as deemed appropriate. The Utility’s remediation activities are overseen by the DTSC, several California regional water quality control boards, and various other federal, state, and local agencies.

The Utility records an environmental remediation liability when site assessments indicate remediation is probable and the Utility can reasonably estimate the loss or a range of possible losses.  Key factors in estimated costs include site feasibility studies and investigations, applicable remediation actions, operations and maintenance activities, post remediation monitoring, and the cost of technologies that are expected to be approved to remediate the site. 


The Utility’s environmental remediation liability at September 30, 20172018, reflects its best estimate of probable future costs associated with itsfor remediation plans.based on the current assessment data and regulatory obligations. Future costs will depend on many factors, including the extent of work necessary to implement final remediation plans and the Utility's time frame for remediation.  Future changesThe Utility may incur actual costs in cost estimatesthe future that are materially different than this estimate and the assumptions on which they are based maysuch costs could have a material impact on the Utility’s futureresults of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

flows during the period in which they are recorded. At September 30, 2017,2018, the Utility expected to recover $698$797 million of its environmental remediation liability for certain sites through various ratemaking mechanisms authorized by the CPUC. Some of the Utility’s environmental remediation costs, such as the remediation costs associated with the Hinkley natural gas compressor site, fossil fuel-fired generation sites, and certain facilities formerly owned by the Utility, are not recoverable through rates.




For more information, see remediation site descriptions below and see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.


Natural Gas Compressor Station Sites


The Utility is legally responsible for remediating groundwater contamination caused by hexavalent chromium used in the past at the Utility’s natural gas compressor stations. One of these stations is located near Needles, California and is referred to below as the “Topock site.”  Another station is located near Hinkley, California and is referred to below as the “Hinkley site.”  The Utility is also required to take measures to abate the effects of the contamination on the environment.


Topock Site


Topock Site

The Utility’s remediation and abatement efforts at the Topock site are subject to the regulatory authority of the California DTSC and the DOI. In November 2015,U.S. Department of the Interior. On April 24, 2018, the DTSC authorized the Utility submitted its final remediation design to the agencies for approval.  The Utility’s design proposes that the Utility constructbuild an in-situ groundwater treatment system to convert hexavalent chromium into a non-toxic and non-soluble form of chromium. Construction activities began in October 2018 and will continue for several years. The DTSC conducted an additionalUtility’s undiscounted future costs associated with the Topock site may increase by as much as $299 million if the extent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated. The costs associated with environmental reviewremediation at the Topock site are expected to be recovered primarily through the HSM, where 90% of the proposed design and issued a draft environmental impact report for public commentcosts are recovered in January 2017.  After the DTSC considers public comments that may be made, the DTSC is expected to issue a final environmental impact report by the end of 2017.  After the Utility modifies its design in response to the final report, the Utility will seek approval to begin construction of the new in-situ treatment system in 2018.

rates.


Hinkley Site


The Utility has been implementing interim remediation measures at the Hinkley site to reduce the mass of the chromium plume in groundwater and to monitor and control movement of the plume. The Utility’s remediation and abatement efforts at the Hinkley site are subject to the regulatory authority of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region. In November 2015, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region adopted a final clean-up and abatement order directing the Utility to contain and remediate the underground plume of hexavalent chromium and the potential environmental impacts. The final order states that the Utility must continue and improve its remediation efforts, define the boundaries of the chromium plume, and take other action. Additionally, the final order requires settingsets plume capture requirements, requires establishing a monitoring and reporting program, and finalizesincludes deadlines for the Utility to meet interim cleanup targets.

Reasonably Possible Environmental Contingencies

Although The United States Geological Survey team is currently conducting a background study on the Utility has provided for known environmental obligations that are probable and reasonably estimable,site to better define the chromium plume boundaries. The background study is expected to be finalized in 2019. The Utility’s undiscounted future costs couldassociated with the Hinkley site may increase by as much as $1.0 billion (including amounts related to the Topock and Hinkley sites described above)$138 million if the extent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated oranticipated. The costs associated with environmental remediation at the Hinkley site will not be recovered through rates.


Former Manufactured Gas Plants

Former MGPs used coal and oil to produce gas for use by the Utility’s customers before natural gas became available. The by-products and residues of this process were often disposed of at the MGPs themselves. The Utility has undertaken a program to manage the residues left behind as a result of the manufacturing process; many of the sites in the program have been addressed. The Utility’s undiscounted future costs associated with MGP sites may increase by as much as $508 million if the other potentially responsible partiesextent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated. The costs associated with environmental remediation at the MGP sites are recovered through the HSM, where 90% of the costs are recovered in rates.

Utility-Owned Generation Facilities and Third-Party Disposal Sites

Utility-owned generation facilities and third-party disposal sites often involve long-term remediation. The Utility’s undiscounted future costs associated with Utility-owned generation facilities and third-party disposal sites may increase by as much as $136 million if the extent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated. The environmental remediation costs associated with the Utility-owned generation facilities and third-party disposal sites are recovered through the HSM, where 90% of the costs are recovered in rates.

Fossil Fuel-Fired Generation Sites

In 1998, the Utility divested its generation power plant business as part of generation deregulation. Although the Utility sold its fossil-fueled power plants, the Utility retained the environmental remediation liability associated with each site. The Utility’s undiscounted future costs associated with fossil fuel-fired generation sites may increase by as much as $88 million if the extent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated. The environmental remediation costs associated with the fossil fuel-fired sites will not financially ablebe recovered through rates.



Wildfire Insurance

During the third quarter of 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility renewed their liability insurance coverage for wildfire events in an aggregate amount of approximately $1.4 billion for the period from August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019, comprised of $700 million for general liability (subject to contributean initial self-insured retention of $10 million per occurrence), and $700 million for property damages only, which property damage coverage includes an aggregate amount of approximately $200 million through the reinsurance market where a catastrophe bond was utilized. Various coverage limitations applicable to these costs.  The Utility may incur actualdifferent insurance layers could result in substantial uninsured costs in the future depending on the amount and type of damages.

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s cost of obtaining wildfire insurance coverage has increased to $360 million, compared to the adopted approximately $50 million that are materially different than this estimate and suchthe Utility is currently recovering through rates through December 31, 2019. The Utility intends to seek recovery for the full amount of premium costs could have a material impactpaid in excess of the amount the Utility currently is recovering from customers through the end of the current GRC period, which ends on results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows during the period in which they are recorded.

December 31, 2019.

Nuclear Insurance


The Utility maintains multiple insurance policies through NEIL and the European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance, covering nuclear or non- nuclearnon-nuclear events at the Utility’s two nuclear generating units at Diablo Canyon and the retired Humboldt Bay Unit 3.  If NEIL losses in any policy year exceed accumulated funds, the Utility could be subject to a retrospective assessment.  If NEIL were to exercise this assessment, as of September 30, 2018, the current maximum aggregate annual retrospective premium obligation offor the Utility would be approximately $58$47 million.  TheIf European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance provides $200losses in any policy year exceed accumulated funds, the Utility could be subject to a retrospective assessment of approximately $3 million, for any one accident and in the annual aggregate the excessas of the combined amount recoverable under the Utility’s NEIL policies.September 30, 2018.  For more information about the Utility’s nuclear insurance coverage, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K. 


Resolution of Remaining Chapter 11 Disputed Claims


Various electricity suppliers filed claims in the Utility’s proceeding filed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code seeking payment for energy supplied to the Utility’s customers between May 2000 and June 2001.  While the FERC and judicial proceedings are pending, the Utility has pursued and continues to pursue, settlements with electricity suppliers.  The Utility has entered into a number of settlement agreements with various electricity suppliers to resolve some of these disputed claims and to resolve the Utility’s refund claims against these electricity suppliers. Under these settlement agreements, amounts payable by the parties are, in some instances, subject to adjustment based on the outcome of the various refund offset and interest issues being considered by the FERC.  Generally, any net refunds, claim offsets, or other credits that the Utility receives from electricity suppliers either through settlement or through the conclusion of the various FERC and judicial proceedings are refunded to customers through rates in future periods.


At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflected $236$217 million and $243 million in net claims within Disputed claims and customer refunds.  There were no significant changes to this balance during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  The Utility is uncertain when or how the remaining net disputed claims liability will be resolved.


41



Tax Matters


PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s unrecognized tax benefits may change significantly within the next 12 months due to the resolution of audits.  As of September 30, 2017,2018, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $70$10 million within the next 12 months.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility believe that the majority of the decrease will not impact net income. 

Gain Contingencies

San Bruno Derivative Litigation




Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

On July 18,December 22, 2017, the Superior CourtU.S. government enacted expansive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. Among other provisions, the Tax Act reduced the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning on January 1, 2018 and eliminated bonus depreciation for utilities. Passage of California, Countythe Tax Act required PG&E Corporation and the Utility to re-measure all existing deferred income tax assets and liabilities to reflect the reduction in the federal tax rate. PG&E Corporation and the Utility recorded reasonable estimates to reflect the impacts of San Mateo (the “Court”) approved the settlement agreement reachedTax Act and recorded provisional amounts, in accordance with rules issued by the partiesSEC staff in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, for the San Bruno Fire Derivative Cases to resolve the consolidated shareholder derivative lawsuit and certain additional claims against certain current and former officers and directors (the “Individual Defendants”).  Also,re-measurement of deferred tax balances as of July 19, 2017, the three cases, Tellardin v. Anthony F. Earley, Jr., et al.,Iron Workers Mid-South Pension Fund v. Johns, et al., and Bushkin v. Rambo, et al (the “Additional Derivative Cases”) were dismissed.  The settlement will become effective when all procedural conditions specifiedDecember 31, 2017.  As a result of updated amounts used in the settlement stipulation are satisfied. PG&E Corporation recorded $65 million in proceeds from insurance, net of plaintiff costs to its Condensed Consolidated Income Statement forand the three andUtility's 2017 tax returns, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

PG&E Corporation and2018, the Utility also agreed, under their indemnification obligationsrecorded a $12 million tax benefit to adjust provisional tax expense recorded at December 31, 2017, for the Tax Act. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Utility recorded an $80 million reduction to the Individual Defendants, to pay $18.3 million of the Individual Defendants’ costs, fees, and expenses incurred in connection with responding to, defending and settling the San Bruno Fire Derivative Cases and the Additional Derivative Cases, including certain fees and expenses for investigating these claims.  The $18.3 million has been paid, with the majority reflected in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial statements throughregulatory liability recorded at December 31, 2016.

In addition, pursuant to2017 for the settlement agreement, PG&E Corporation and the Utility will implement certain corporate governance therapeutics for five years, and the Utility will implement certain gas operations therapeutics and maintain certain of them for three years, at an estimated cost of up to approximately $32 million. The Court also directed PG&E Corporation to provide at least quarterly reports to the Court and to the City of San Bruno summarizing the progress of the implementation of the corporate governance and gas operations therapeutics. 

Tax Act.


Purchase Commitments


In the ordinary course of business, the Utility enters into various agreements to purchase power and electric capacity; natural gas supply, transportation, and storage; nuclear fuel supply and services; and various other commitments.  At December 31, 2016,2017, the Utility had undiscounted future expected obligations of approximately $47$44 billion. (See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.) The Utility has not entered into any new material commitments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

2018.


NOTE 10: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Investigation of Recent Northern California wildfires

Beginning on October 8, 2017, multiple wildfires spread through Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Lake, Nevada, and Yuba Counties, as well as in the area surrounding Yuba City.  According to the Cal Fire California Statewide Fire Summary dated October 30, 2017, at the peak of the wildfires, there were 21 major wildfires in California that, in total, burned over 245,000 acres, resulted in 43 fatalities, and destroyed an estimated 8,900 structures.

The causes of these fires are being investigated by Cal Fire and the CPUC, including the possible role of the Utility’s power lines and other facilities.  The Utility expects that Cal Fire will issue a report or reports stating its conclusions as to the sources of ignition of the fires and the way that they progressed.  The CPUC’s SED is conducting investigations to assess the compliance of electric and communication companies’ facilities with applicable rules and regulations in fire impacted areas.  According to information made available by the CPUC, investigation topics include, but are not limited to, maintenance of facilities, vegetation management, and emergency preparedness and response.  It is uncertain when the investigations will be complete and whether Cal Fire will release preliminary findings before its investigation is complete. 

As of October 31, 2017, the Utility had submitted 20 electric incident reports to the CPUC involving the Utility’s facilities in and around the areas impacted by the Northern California wildfires.  Electric utilities must report to the CPUC incidents that are attributable or allegedly attributable to utility-owned facilities and (1) result in fatality or personal injury rising to the level of in-patient hospitalization; or (2) are the subject of significant public attention or media coverage; or (3) involve damage to property of the Utility or others estimated to exceed $50,000.  The information contained in these reports is factual and does not include a determination of the causes of the fires.  The investigations into the causes of the fires are ongoing.

The Utility estimates that it will incur costs in the range of $160 million to $200 million for service restoration and repairs to the Utility’s facilities (including an estimated $60 million to $80 million in capital expenditures) in connection with these fires.  While the Utility believes that such costs are recoverable through CEMA, its CEMA requests are subject to CPUC approval.  The Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected if the Utility were unable to recover such costs.

If the Utility’s facilities, such as its electric distribution and transmission lines, are determined to be the cause of one or more fires, and the theory of inverse condemnation applies, the Utility could be liable for property damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees without having been found negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial.  Courts have imposed liability under inverse condemnation policy to actions by property holders against utilities on the grounds that losses borne by the person whose property was damaged through a public use undertaking should be spread across the community that benefitted from such undertaking and based on the assumption that utilities have the ability to recover these costs from their customers.  In addition to such claims for property damage, interest and attorneys’ fees, as well as claims under other theories of liability, the Utility could be liable for fire suppression costs, personal injury damages, and other damages if the Utility were found to have been negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial.  The Utility also could be subject to material fines or penalties if the CPUC or any other law enforcement agency brought an enforcement action and determined that the Utility failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to reasonably estimate the amount of possible losses (or range of amounts) given the preliminary stages of the investigations and uncertainty as to the causes of the fires and the extent and magnitude of damages. 

As of October 31, 2017, the Utility is aware of nine lawsuits, one of which seeks to be designated as a class action, that have been filed against PG&E Corporation and the Utility in Sonoma, Napa and San Francisco Counties' Superior Courts. The lawsuits allege, among other things, negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass, and private nuisance.  They principally assert that PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s alleged failure to maintain and repair their distribution and transmission lines and failure to properly maintain the vegetation surrounding such lines were the cause of the fires.  The plaintiffs seek damages that include personal injury, property damage, evacuation costs, medical expenses, and other damages.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility may be subject of additional lawsuits in connection with the Northern California wildfires.

The Utility has approximately $800 million in liability insurance for potential losses that may result from the Northern California wildfires.  If the Utility were held liable for one or more fires and the Utility’s insurance were insufficient to cover that liability or the Utility were unable to recover costs in excess of insurance through regulatory mechanisms, either of which could take a number of years to resolve, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. 

Following the Northern California wildfires, PG&E Corporation reinstated its liability insurance in the amount of approximately $630 million for any potential future event.







ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


OVERVIEW


PG&E Corporation is a holding company whose primary operating subsidiary is Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a public utility serving northern and central California.  The Utility generates revenues mainly through the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers.


The Utility is regulated primarily by the CPUC and the FERC.  The CPUC has jurisdiction over the rates, terms, and conditions of service for the Utility’s electricity and natural gas distribution operations, electric generation, and natural gas transportation and storage.  The FERC has jurisdiction over the rates and terms and conditions of service governing the Utility’s electric transmission operations and interstate natural gas transportation contracts.  The NRC oversees the licensing, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the Utility’s nuclear generation facilities.  The Utility is also subject to the jurisdiction of other federal, state, and local governmental agencies.


This is a combined quarterly report of PG&E Corporation and the Utility and should be read in conjunction with each company’s separate Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report.  It also should be read in conjunction with the 20162017 Form 10-K.


Northern California Wildfires

Beginning on October 8, 2017, multiple wildfires spread through Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Lake, Nevada, and Yuba Counties, as well as in the area surrounding Yuba City (the “Northern California wildfires”).  According to the Cal Fire California Statewide Fire Summary dated October 30, 2017, at the peak of the wildfires, there were 21 major wildfires in Northern California that, in total, burned over 245,000 acres resulted in 43 fatalities, and destroyed an estimated 8,900 structures.

The wildfires resulted in 44 fatalities.


Cal Fire issued its determination on the causes of 17 of the Northern California wildfires, and alleged that each of these fires are being investigated byinvolved the Utility's equipment. The remaining wildfires remain under Cal Fire and the CPUC,Fire's investigation, including the possible role of the Utility's power lines and other facilities.  The Utility expects that Cal Fire will issue a report or reports stating its conclusions as to the sources of ignition of the fires and the way that they progressed.  The CPUC’s SED is conducting investigations to assess the compliance of electric and communication companies’ facilities with applicable rules and regulations in fire impacted areas.  According to information made available by the CPUC, investigation topics include, but are not limited to, maintenance of facilities, vegetation management, and emergency preparedness and response.  It is uncertain when the investigations will be complete and whether Cal Fire will release preliminary findings before its investigation is complete. 

As of October 31, 2017, the Utility had submitted 20 electric incident reports to the CPUC involving the Utility’s facilities in and around the areas impacted byAdditionally, the Northern California wildfires.  Electric utilities must report towildfires are under investigation by the CPUC incidents that are attributable or allegedly attributable to utility-owned facilities and (1) result in fatality or personal injury rising to the levelCPUC's SED. For more information, see Note 9 of in-patient hospitalization; or (2) are the subject of significant public attention or media coverage; or (3) involve damage to property of the Utility or others estimated to exceed $50,000.  The information contained in these reports is factual and does not include a determination of the causes of the fires.  The investigations into the causes of the fires are ongoing.  See Note 10 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Statements in Item 1.


PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by additional potential losses resulting from the impact of the Northern California wildfires. See Item“Item 1A. Risk FactorsFactors” in thisthe 2017 Form 10-Q.

10-K and in Part II below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

44



Community Wildfire Safety Program


The Utility is implementing a comprehensive community wildfire safety program in coordination with first responders, civic and community leaders, and customers to help reduce wildfire threats and improve safety as a result of climate-driven wildfires and extreme weather events. The community wildfire safety program focuses on three areas: enhancing the Utility’s situational awareness, monitoring potential fire threats across the Utility’s service area in real time and coordinating prevention and response efforts; hardening the electric system, increasing grid resilience; and updating the Utility’s operational practices to align with changing conditions, including programs for enhanced vegetation management, public safety power shut off, and recloser protocols. (See FHPMA in “Regulatory Matters” and “SB 901” in Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives below.)

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted expansive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. Among other provisions, the Tax Act reduced the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning on January 1, 2018, and eliminated bonus depreciation for utilities. Passage of the Tax Act required PG&E Corporation and the Utility to re-measure all existing deferred income tax assets and liabilities to reflect the reduction in the federal tax rate. PG&E Corporation and the Utility recorded reasonable estimates to reflect the impacts of the Tax Act and recorded provisional amounts, in accordance with rules issued by the SEC staff in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, for the re-measurement of deferred tax balances as of December 31, 2017.  As a result of updated amounts used in PG&E Corporation and the Utility's 2017 tax returns, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Utility recorded a $12 million tax benefit to adjust provisional tax expense recorded at December 31, 2017, for the Tax Act. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Utility recorded an $80 million reduction to the regulatory liability recorded at December 31, 2017 for the Tax Act.

On March 30, 2018, the Utility submitted to the CPUC PFMs of the CPUC’s final decisions in the Utility’s 2017 GRC and the 2015 GT&S rate case. The Utility also submitted updated testimony in connection with the 2019 GT&S rate case.  These submittals reflect the effects of the Tax Act on these rate cases. On an aggregate basis from these submittals, the Utility anticipates an annual reduction to revenue requirements of approximately $325 million starting in 2018, and incremental increases to rate base of approximately $271 million for 2018 (including the impact of the private letter ruling advice letter approved by the CPUC on July 18, 2018), and $613 million for 2019.  The incremental increases to rate base are due primarily to the elimination of bonus depreciation. On May 14, 2018, the Utility filed a proposal to reflect the impact of the Tax Act on its TO tariff rates effective March 1, 2018, in the resolution of the TO19 rate case. On September 21, 2018, the Utility filed an all-party settlement with FERC in connection with the TO19 rate case. As a result of the TO19 settlement, the Utility anticipates an annual Tax Act related revenue requirement reduction of approximately $131 million (with a corresponding increase to rate base of $59 million) to impact its TO19 tariff rates effective March 14, 2018. The Utility is unable to predict the timing and outcome of the CPUC and FERC decisions in connection with these submittals.



Summary of Changes in Net Income and Earnings per Share


The tables below include a summary reconciliation of PG&E Corporation’s consolidated income available for common shareholders and EPS to earnings from operations and EPS based on earnings from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same periods in 20162017 and a summary reconciliation of the key drivers of PG&E Corporation’s earnings from operations and EPS based on earnings from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2016.2017.  “Earnings from operations” is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as income available for common shareholders less items impacting comparability.  “Items impacting comparability” represent items that management does not consider part of the normal course of operations and affect comparability of financial results between periods.  PG&E Corporation uses earnings from operations to understand and compare operating results across reporting periods for various purposes including internal budgeting and forecasting, short and long-term operating plans,planning, and employee incentive compensation.  PG&E Corporation believes that non-GAAP earnings from operations provide additional insight into the underlying trends of the business allowing for a better comparison against historical results and expectations for future performance.  EarningsNon-GAAP earnings from operations are not a substitute or alternative for GAAP measures such as income available for common shareholders and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Share

(in millions,

Earnings

 

(Diluted)

 

Earnings

 

(Diluted)

except per share amounts)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

2016

PG&E Corporation’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings on a GAAP basis

$

550 

 

$

388 

 

$

1.07 

 

$

0.77 

 

$

1,532 

 

$

701 

 

$

2.98

 

$

1.40

Items Impacting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparability: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pipeline related expenses (2)

 

12 

 

 

18 

 

 

0.02 

 

 

0.04 

 

 

45 

 

 

47 

 

 

0.09 

 

 

0.10 

Legal and regulatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

related expenses (3)

 

1 

 

 

14 

 

 

- 

 

 

0.03 

 

 

5 

 

 

32 

 

 

0.01 

 

 

0.06 

Fines and penalties (4) 

 

11 

 

 

42 

 

 

0.02 

 

 

0.08 

 

 

47 

 

 

206 

 

 

0.09 

 

 

0.41 

Butte fire-related costs,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net of insurance (5)

 

42 

 

 

9 

 

 

0.08 

 

 

0.02 

 

 

27 

 

 

110 

 

 

0.05 

 

 

0.22 

Net benefit from derivative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

litigation settlement (6)

 

(38)

 

 

- 

 

 

(0.07)

 

 

- 

 

 

(38)

 

 

- 

 

 

(0.07)

 

 

- 

GT&S revenue timing impact (7)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

(88)

 

 

- 

 

 

(0.17)

 

 

- 

Diablo Canyon settlement-related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

disallowance (8)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

32 

 

 

- 

 

 

0.06 

 

 

- 

GT&S capital disallowance 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

113 

 

 

- 

 

 

0.23 

PG&E Corporation’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from Operations (9)

$

578 

 

$

471 

 

$

1.12 

 

$

0.94 

 

$

1,562 

 

$

1,209 

 

$

3.04 

 

$

2.42 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 Earnings Earnings per Common Share (Diluted) Earnings Earnings per Common Share (Diluted)
(in millions, except per share amounts)2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
PG&E Corporation’s Earnings on a GAAP basis$564
 $550
 $1.09
 $1.07
 $22
 $1,532
 $0.04
 $2.98
Items Impacting Comparability: (1)
               
Northern California wildfire-related costs, net of insurance (2)
31
 
 0.06
 
 1,639
 
 3.17
 
Pipeline-related expenses (3)
9
 12
 0.02
 0.02
 25
 45
 0.05
 0.09
Butte fire-related costs, net of insurance (4)
6
 42
 0.01
 0.08
 17
 27
 0.03
 0.05
Reduction in gas-related capital disallowances (5)
(27) 
 (0.05) 
 (27) 
 (0.05) 
2017 insurance premiums cost recoveries (6)

 
 
 
 (23) 
 (0.05) 
Fines and penalties (7)

 11
 
 0.02
 
 47
 
 0.09
Diablo Canyon settlement-related disallowance (8)

 
 
 
 
 32
 
 0.06
Legal and regulatory-related expenses (9)

 1
 
 
 
 5
 
 0.01
GT&S revenue timing impact (10)

 
 
 
 
 (88) 
 (0.17)
Net benefit from derivative litigation settlement (11)

 (38) 
 (0.07) 
 (38) 
 (0.07)
PG&E Corporation’s Non- GAAP Earnings from Operations (12)
$582
 $578
 $1.13
 $1.12
 $1,652
 $1,562
 $3.19
 $3.04
                
All amounts presented in the table above are tax adjusted at PG&E Corporation’s statutory tax rate of 27.98 percent for 2018 and 40.75 percent for 2017, except as indicated below.

for certain fines and penalties in 2017. Amounts may not sum due to rounding.

(1)“Items “Items impacting comparability” represent items that management does not consider part of the normal course of operations and affect comparability of financial results between periods.

(2) The Utility incurred costs, net of $20insurance, of $43 million (before the tax impact of $8$12 million) and $76 million$2.3 billion (before the tax impact of $31$637 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, respectively, associated with the Northern California wildfires. This includes accrued charges of $2.5 billion (before the tax impact of $700 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, related to estimated third-party claims in connection with 14 of the Northern California wildfires. The Utility also recorded $53 million (before the tax impact of $15 million) and $120 million (before the tax impact of $34 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively for pipeline relatedlegal and other costs. In addition, the Utility incurred costs of $40 million (before the tax impact of $11 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for Utility clean-up and repair costs. These costs were partially offset by $10 million (before the tax impact of $3 million) and $385 million (before the tax impact of $108 million) recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, for probable insurance recoveries.
(3) The Utility incurred costs of $13 million (before the tax impact of $4 million) and $35 million (before the tax impact of $10 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, for pipeline-related expenses incurred in connection with the multi-year effort to identify and remove encroachments from transmission pipeline rights-of-way.

(3)  (4)The Utility incurred costs, net of $2 million (before the tax impactinsurance, of $1 million) and $9 million (before the tax impact of $4$3 million) and $24 million (before the tax impact of $7 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, respectively, associated with legal costs for legalthe Butte fire. These costs were partially offset by $7 million (before the tax impact of $2 million) recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for contractor insurance recoveries.


(5) The Utility reduced the estimated disallowance for gas-related capital costs that were expected to exceed authorized amounts by $38 million (before the tax impact of $11 million) during the three and regulatory related expensesnine months ended September 30, 2018. The Utility had previously recorded $85 million (before the tax impact of $35 million) in 2016 for probable capital disallowances in the 2015 GT&S rate case. From 2012 through 2014, the Utility had recorded cumulative charges of $665 million (before the tax impact of $271 million) for disallowed Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan-related capital expenditures.
(6) As a result of the CPUC June 2018 decision authorizing a WEMA, the Utility recorded $32 million (before the tax impact of $9 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for probable cost recoveries of insurance premiums incurred in connection with various enforcement, regulatory, and litigation activities regarding natural gas matters and regulatory communications.2017 above amounts included in authorized revenue requirements.


(4) (7)The Utility incurred costs of $11 million (not tax deductible) and $71 million (before the tax impact of $24 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, for fines and penalties. This includesincluded disallowed expenses of $32 million (before the tax impact of $13 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, associated with safety-related cost disallowances imposed by the CPUC in its April 9, 2015 decision (“San Bruno Penalty Decision”) in the gas transmission pipeline investigations. The Utility also recorded $15 million (before the tax impact of $6 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, for disallowances imposed by the CPUC in its final phase two decision of the 2015 GT&S rate case for prohibited ex parte communications. In addition, the Utility recorded $11 million (not tax deductible) and $24 million (before the tax impact of $5 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,for financial remedies in connection with the proposed decision andsettlement filed with the settlement inCPUC on March 28, 2017, related to the Order Instituting an Investigationorder instituting investigation into Compliancecompliance with Ex Parte Communication Rules.  Future fines or penalties may be imposed in connection with other enforcement, regulatory, and litigation activities regarding regulatory communications.ex parte communication rules.

(5) (8)The Utility incurred costsrecorded a disallowance of $71$47 million (before the tax impact of $29$15 million) and $46during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, comprised of cancelled projects of $24 million (before the tax impact of $19$6 million), during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, associated with the Butte fire, netdisallowed license renewal costs of insurance. This includes accrued charges of $350$23 million (before the tax impact of $143$9 million), duringas a result of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, relatedsettlement agreement submitted to estimated third-party claims.the CPUC in connection with the Utility’s joint proposal to retire the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
(9) The Utility also incurred chargescosts of $18$2 million (before the tax impact of $7$1 million) and $46$9 million (before the tax impact of $19$4 million), during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, for legal costs.  These costs were partially offset by insurance recoveriesand regulatory related expenses incurred in connection with various enforcement, regulatory, and litigation activities regarding natural gas matters and regulatory communications.
(10) The Utility recorded revenues of $297$150 million (before the tax impact of $121$62 million) and $350 million (before the tax impact of $143 million) recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 respectively.in excess of the 2017 authorized revenue requirement, which included the final component of under-collected revenues retroactive to January 1, 2015, as a result of the CPUC’s final phase two decision in the 2015 GT&S rate case.

(6) (11)PG&E Corporation recorded proceeds from insurance, net of plaintiff payments, of $65 million (before the tax impact of $27 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, associated with the settlement agreement in connection with the San Bruno shareholder derivative litigation that was approved by the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo, on July 18, 2017. This includesincluded $90 million (before the tax impact of $37 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, for proceeds from insurance, partially offset by $25 million (before the tax impact of $10 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, for plaintiff legal fees paid in connection with the settlement.

(7) (12)As a result of the CPUC’s final phase two decision in the 2015 GT&S rate case, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility recorded revenues of $150 million (before the tax impact of $62 million) in excess of the 2017 authorized revenue requirement, which includes the final component of under-collected revenues retroactive to January 1, 2015.

(8) As a result of the settlement agreement submitted to the CPUC in connection with the Utility’s pending joint proposal to retire the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the Utility recorded a total disallowance of $47 million (before the tax impact of $15 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, comprised of cancelled projects of $24 million (before the tax impact of $6 million) and disallowed license renewal costs of $23 million (before the tax impact of $9 million), with no corresponding charges during the same periods in 2016. A portion of the cancelled projects and disallowed license renewal costs currently is not tax deductible.

 (9)  “Earnings “Non-GAAP earnings from operations” is a non-GAAP financial measure.

Reconciliation of Key Drivers of PG&E Corporation’s EPS from Operations (Non-GAAP):

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per

 

 

 

 

 

Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

Common Share

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

Earnings 

 

 

(Diluted)

 

 

Earnings 

 

 

(Diluted)

2016 Earnings from Operations (1)

$

471 

 

$

0.94 

 

$

1,209 

 

$

2.42 

Timing of taxes (2)

 

42 

 

 

0.08 

 

 

90 

 

 

0.18 

Timing of operational spend (3)

 

31 

 

 

0.06 

 

 

31 

 

 

0.06 

Growth in rate base earnings (4)

 

27 

 

 

0.05 

 

 

78 

 

 

0.15 

Timing of 2015 GT&S revenue impact (5)

 

22 

 

 

0.04 

 

 

172 

 

 

0.33 

Tax benefit on stock compensation (6)

 

- 

 

 

- 

 

 

31 

 

 

0.06 

Miscellaneous

 

41 

 

 

0.07 

 

 

43 

 

 

0.08 

Impact of 2017 GRC decision (7)

 

(56)

 

 

(0.10)

 

 

(92)

 

 

(0.18)

Increase in shares outstanding

 

- 

 

 

(0.02)

 

 

- 

 

 

(0.06)

2017 Earnings from Operations (1)

$

578 

 

$

1.12 

 

$

1,562 

 

$

3.04 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Third Quarter 2018 vs. 2017 Year to Date 2018 vs. 2017
(in millions, except per share amounts)Earnings Earnings per Common Share (Diluted) Earnings Earnings per Common Share (Diluted)
2017 Non- GAAP Earnings from Operations (1)
$578
 $1.12
 $1,562
 $3.04
Growth in rate base earnings32
 0.06
 97
 0.18
Timing of taxes (2)
12
 0.02
 13
 0.02
Insurance premium cost recoveries (3)
6
 0.01
 33
 0.06
Resolution of regulatory items (4)

 
 29
 0.06
Timing and duration of nuclear refueling outages
 
 12
 0.02
Timing of 2017 operational spend (5)
(31) (0.06) (31) (0.06)
Decrease in authorized return on equity (6)
(7) (0.01) (21) (0.03)
Tax impact of stock compensation (7)

 
 (44) (0.08)
Increase in shares outstanding
 
 
 (0.02)
Miscellaneous(8) (0.01) 2
 
2018 Non-GAAP Earnings from Operations (1)
$582
 $1.13
 $1,652
 $3.19
        
(1)See first table above for a reconciliation of EPS on a GAAP basis to non-GAAP EPS from Operations. All amounts presented in the table above are tax adjusted at PG&E Corporation’s statutory tax rate of 27.98 percent for 2018 and 40.75 percent for 2017, except for the tax benefits onimpact of stock compensation.  See Footnote 67 below. Amounts may not sum due to rounding.

(2) Represents the timing of taxes reportable in quarterly statements in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes, and results from variancevariances in the percentage of quarterly earnings to annual earnings.

(3) Represents insurance premium costs incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, above amounts included in authorized revenue requirements, that are probable of recovery as a result of the CPUC’s June 2018 decision authorizing a WEMA.
(4) Represents the impact of various regulatory outcomes during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
(5) Represents the timing of operational expense spending during the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018, as compared to the same period in 2016.2017.

(6) Represents the decrease in return on equity from 10.40 percent in 2017 to 10.25 percent in 2018 as a result of the 2017 CPUC final decision approving an additional extension to the original 2013 Cost of Capital decision.


(4)  (7) Represents the impact of the increase in rate base as authorized in various rate cases, including the 2017 GRC, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016.

(5)  Represents the impact in 2016 of the delay in the Utility’s 2015 GT&S rate case. The CPUC issued its final phase two decision on December 1, 2016, delaying recognition of the full 2016 revenue increase until the fourth quarter of 2016.

(6)  Represents the incremental tax benefitincome taxes related to share-based compensation awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Pursuant2018, as compared to ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which PG&E Corporation and the Utility adoptedsame period in 2016, excess tax benefits associated with vested awards are reflected in net income.2017.

(7)  Represents the impact of lower tax repair benefits as a result of the CPUC’s final decision in the 2017 GRC proceeding.




Key Factors Affecting Financial Results


PG&E Corporation and the Utility believe that their financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows may be materially affected by the following factors:


The Impact of the Northern California Wildfires. PG&E Corporation’sCorporation and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulting from the impact ofUtility face several uncertainties in connection with the Northern California wildfires.  Thewildfires, related to: the amount of additional possible loss related to third party claims (the Utility estimates that it will incur costs inrecorded a charge of $2.5 billion, which reflects the low end of the range of $160 million to $200loss); recoverability of clean-up and repair costs (the Utility incurred costs of $308 million for service restorationclean-up and repairs torepair of the Utility’s facilities (including an estimated $60 million to $80 million in capital expenditures) in connection with these fires.  PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flowsthrough September 30, 2018); fines or penalties, which could be materially adversely affected if the Utility were unable to recover such costs through CEMA.  If the Utility’s facilities, such as its electric distribution and transmission lines, are determined to be the cause of one or more fires, and the theory of inverse condemnation applies, the Utility could be liable for property damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees without having been found negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial.  In addition to such claims, as well as claims under other theories of liability, the Utility could be liable for fire suppression costs, personal injury damages, and other damages if the Utility were found to have been negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial.  The Utility also could be subject to material, fines or penalties if the CPUC or any other law enforcement agency brought an enforcement action and determined that the Utility failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations.regulations; the applicability of the doctrine of inverse condemnation in the Northern California wildfires litigation, which the Utility continues challenging in courts; the recoverability of the above mentioned costs even if a court decision imposes liability under the doctrine of inverse condemnation, and the maximum amount that the CPUC is expected to determine, as a result of SB 901, that the Utility can pay without harming customers or materially impacting its ability to provide adequate and safe service. (See Notes 3 and 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2017 Form 10-K and in Part II below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”)

The Utility's Compliance with the CPUC Capital Structure. The CPUC’s capital structure decisions require the Utility to maintain a 52% equity ratio on average over the period that the authorized capital structure is in place, and to file an application for a waiver to the capital structure condition if an adverse financial event reduces its equity ratio below 51%. The capital structure condition waiver would be subject to CPUC approval. The net charges the Utility recorded in connection with the Northern California wildfires to date, and described herein, did not result in noncompliance by the Utility with its authorized capital structure. However, in the future, maintaining compliance with the Utility’s authorized capital structure may require PG&E Corporation to issue a significant amount of equity, depending on the timing and amount of any claims payments and whether additional charges are recorded. If the Utility weresubmits an application to determine that itthe CPUC for a waiver to its capital structure condition, the Utility shall not be considered in violation of the condition during the period the waiver application is both probable that a material loss has occurredpending resolution.

The Timing and Outcome of Ratemaking Proceedings. The Utility’s financial results may be impacted by the timing and outcome of its 2019 GT&S rate case, 2020 GRC, FERC TO18, TO19, and TO20 rate cases, future cost of capital proceedings, as well as the remand decision by the Ninth Circuit regarding an ROE incentive adder for transmission facilities, and its ability to timely recover costs not in rates already incurred and to be incurred in the future, including those tracked in its 2018 CEMA filing, WEMA and FHPMA, and insurance premiums in excess of the Utility’s currently authorized revenue requirements. The outcome of regulatory proceedings can be affected by many factors, including intervening parties’ testimonies, potential rate impacts, the Utility’s reputation, the regulatory and political environments, and other factors. (See Notes 3 and 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 and “Regulatory Matters” below.)

The Amount and Timing of the Utility's Financing Needs.  PG&E Corporation’s and the amountUtility’s ability to access the capital markets, ability to borrow under their loan financing arrangements, and the terms and rates of loss canfuture financings could be reasonably estimated, a liability would be recorded consistent withmaterially affected by the principlesoutcome of, or market perception of, the matters discussed in Note 9 toof the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. To the extent not offset by insurance recoveries determined to be similarly probable and estimable, the liability would affect the balance sheet equity of PG&E Corporation contributes equity to the Utility as needed to maintain the Utility’s CPUC-authorized capital structure. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, PG&E Corporation issued $137 million of common stock and made no equity contributions to the Utility. (See Note 10PG&E Corporation may seek to Notesissue additional equity to pay claims, losses, fines, and penalties that may be required by the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statementsoutcome of litigation and Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q.) enforcement matters. Additional issuances of equity, if any, could have a material dilutive impact on PG&E Corporation’s EPS.




The Outcome of Enforcement, Litigation, and Regulatory Matters.The Utility’s future financial results may continue to be impacted by the outcome of current and future enforcement, litigation, and regulatory matters, including the impact of the Butte fire, the safety culture OII and any related fines, penalties, or other ratemaking tools that could be imposed by the CPUC, including as a resultthe outcome of the phase two of the proceeding, the ex parte OII, and the related proposed decision, the potential recommendations that the third-party monitor (appointed(retained by the Utility in the first quarter of 2017 as a resultpart of its compliance with the sentencing terms of the Utility’s conviction in theJanuary 27, 2017 federal criminal trial)conviction) may make, related to the Utility’s conviction in the federal criminal trial, and potential penalties in connection with the Utility’s safety and other self-reports. (See Item 1A. Risk Factors in the 2016 Form 10-K and Item 1A. in this Form 10-Q.)



For more information about the factors and risks that could affect PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows, or that could cause future results to differ from historical results, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 20162017 Form 10-K and in Part II below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  In addition, this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements that are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties.  These statements reflect management’s judgment and opinions that are based on current estimates, expectations, and projections about future events and assumptions regarding these events and management’s knowledge of facts as of the date of this report.  See the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” below for a list of some of the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results and do not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


PG&E Corporation


The consolidated results of operations consist primarily of results related to the Utility, which are discussed in the “Utility” section below.  The following table provides a summary of net income (loss) available for common shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016:

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Consolidated Total

$ 

550 

 

$ 

388 

 

$ 

1,532 

 

$ 

701 

PG&E Corporation

 

40 

 

 

2 

 

 

51 

 

 

5 

Utility

$ 

510 

 

$ 

386 

 

$ 

1,481 

 

$ 

696 

2017:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Consolidated Total$564
 $550
 $22
 $1,532
PG&E Corporation(4) 40
 (15) 51
Utility$568
 $510
 $37
 $1,481

PG&E Corporation’s net income (loss) primarily consists of income taxes and interest expense on long-term debt.  The increasedecreases in PG&E Corporation’s net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,2018 as compared to the same periods in 2016 is2017 are primarily due to the impact of the San Bruno Derivative Litigation in 2017 with no corresponding activity in 2018, partially offset by additional income tax expense and interest expense.

taxes in 2017.




Utility


The tables below show certain items from the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017.  The tables separately identify the revenues and costs that impacted earnings from those that did not impact earnings.  In general, expenses the Utility is authorized to pass through directly to customers (such as costs to purchase electricity and natural gas, as well as costs to fund public purpose programs), and the corresponding amount of revenues collected to recover those pass-through costs, do not impact earnings.  In addition, expenses that have been specifically authorized (such as the payment of pension costs) and the corresponding revenues the Utility is authorized to collect to recover such costs do not impact earnings.


Revenues that impact earnings are primarily those that have been authorized by the CPUC and the FERC to recover the Utility’s costs to own and operate its assets and to provide the Utility an opportunity to earn its authorized rate of return on rate base.  Expenses that impact earnings are primarily those that the Utility incurs to own and operate its assets.


49


 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Revenues/Costs: Revenues/Costs:
(in millions)That Impacted Earnings That Did Not Impact Earnings Total Utility That Impacted Earnings That Did Not Impact Earnings Total Utility
Electric operating revenues$1,996
 $1,471
 $3,467
 $2,002
 $1,645
 $3,647
Natural gas operating revenues778
 137
 915
 722
 147
 869
   Total operating revenues2,774
 1,608
 4,382
 2,724
 1,792
 4,516
Cost of electricity
 1,256
 1,256
 
 1,466
 1,466
Cost of natural gas
 69
 69
 
 78
 78
Operating and maintenance 
1,247
 364
 1,611
 1,127
 262
 1,389
Wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries(10) 
 (10) 53
 
 53
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning759
 
 759
 710
 
 710
   Total operating expenses1,996
 1,689
 3,685
 1,890
 1,806
 3,696
Operating income (loss)778
 (81) 697
 834
 (14) 820
Interest income 
14
 
 14
 10
 
 10
Interest expense 
(229) 
 (229) (217) 
 (217)
Other income, net 
22
 81
 103
 24
 14
 38
Income before income taxes$585
 $
 $585
 $651
 $
 $651
Income tax provision (1)
    14
     138
Net income    571
     513
Preferred stock dividend requirement (1)
    3
     3
Income Available for Common Stock    $568
     $510
            


 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Revenues/Costs:

 

 

 

 

Revenues/Costs:

 

 

 

(in millions)

That Impacted Earnings

That Did Not Impact Earnings

Total Utility

 

That Impacted Earnings

That Did Not Impact Earnings

Total Utility

Electric operating revenues

$

2,002 

$

1,645 

$

3,647 

 

$

2,086 

$

1,907 

$

3,993 

Natural gas operating revenues

 

722 

 

147 

 

869 

 

 

621 

 

195 

 

816 

Total operating revenues

 

2,724 

 

1,792 

 

4,516 

 

 

2,707 

 

2,102 

 

4,809 

Cost of electricity

 

- 

 

1,466 

 

1,466 

 

 

- 

 

1,613 

 

1,613 

Cost of natural gas

 

- 

 

78 

 

78 

 

 

- 

 

80 

 

80 

Operating and maintenance

 

1,180 

 

248 

 

1,428 

 

 

1,373 

 

409 

 

1,782 

Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

 

710 

 

- 

 

710 

 

 

694 

 

- 

 

694 

Total operating expenses

 

1,890 

 

1,792 

 

3,682 

 

 

2,067 

 

2,102 

 

4,169 

Operating income

 

834 

 

- 

 

834 

 

 

640 

 

- 

 

640 

Interest income (1)

 

 

 

 

 

10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 

Interest expense (1)

 

 

 

 

 

(217)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(209)

Other income, net (1)

 

 

 

 

 

24 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

651 

 

 

 

 

 

 

462 

Income tax provision (1)

 

 

 

 

 

138 

 

 

 

 

 

 

73 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

513 

 

 

 

 

 

 

389 

Preferred stock dividend requirement (1)

 

 

 

 

 

3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 

Income Available for Common Stock

 

 

 

 

$

510 

 

 

 

 

 

$

386 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)These items impacted earnings for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Revenues/Costs:

 

 

 

 

Revenues/Costs:

 

 

 

(in millions)

That Impacted Earnings

That Did Not Impact Earnings

Total Utility

 

That Impacted Earnings

That Did Not Impact Earnings

Total Utility

Electric operating revenues

$

5,933 

$

4,105 

$

10,038 

 

$

5,996 

$

4,594 

$

10,590 

Natural gas operating revenues

 

2,261 

 

738 

 

2,999 

 

 

1,670 

 

693 

 

2,363 

Total operating revenues

 

8,194 

 

4,843 

 

13,037 

 

 

7,666 

 

5,287 

 

12,953 

Cost of electricity

 

- 

 

3,436 

 

3,436 

 

 

- 

 

3,719 

 

3,719 

Cost of natural gas

 

- 

 

524 

 

524 

 

 

- 

 

377 

 

377 

Operating and maintenance

 

3,594 

 

883 

 

4,477 

 

 

4,439 

 

1,191 

 

5,630 

Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

 

2,134 

 

- 

 

2,134 

 

 

2,090 

 

- 

 

2,090 

Total operating expenses

 

5,728 

 

4,843 

 

10,571 

 

 

6,529 

 

5,287 

 

11,816 

Operating income

 

2,466 

 

- 

 

2,466 

 

 

1,137 

 

- 

 

1,137 

Interest income (1)

 

 

 

 

 

22 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 

Interest expense (1)

 

 

 

 

 

(655)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(614)

Other income, net (1)

 

 

 

 

 

52 

 

 

 

 

 

 

68 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

1,885 

 

 

 

 

 

 

607 

Income tax provision (benefit) (1)

 

 

 

 

 

394 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(99)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

1,491 

 

 

 

 

 

 

706 

Preferred stock dividend requirement (1)

 

 

 

 

 

10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 

Income Available for Common Stock

 

 

 

 

$

1,481 

 

 

 

 

 

$

696 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 Revenues/Costs: Revenues/Costs:
(in millions)That Impacted Earnings That Did Not Impact Earnings Total Utility That Impacted Earnings That Did Not Impact Earnings Total Utility
Electric operating revenues$5,911
 $3,819
 $9,730
 $5,933
 $4,105
 $10,038
Natural gas operating revenues2,268
 674
 2,942
 2,261
 738
 2,999
Total operating revenues8,179
 4,493
 12,672
 8,194
 4,843
 13,037
Cost of electricity
 3,038
 3,038
 
 3,436
 3,436
Cost of natural gas
 437
 437
 
 524
 524
Operating and maintenance3,742
 1,260
 5,002
 3,594
 924
 4,518
Wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries2,108
 
 2,108
 
 
 
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning2,257
 
 2,257
 2,134
 
 2,134
Total operating expenses8,107
 4,735
 12,842
 5,728
 4,884
 10,612
Operating income (loss)72
 (242) (170) 2,466
 (41) 2,425
Interest income34
 
 34
 22
 
 22
Interest expense(668) 
 (668) (655) 
 (655)
Other income, net79
 242
 321
 52
 41
 93
Income (loss) before income taxes$(483) $
 $(483) $1,885
 $
 $1,885
Income tax provision (benefit) (1)
    (530)     394
Net income    47
     1,491
Preferred stock dividend requirement (1)
    10
     10
Income Available for Common Stock    $37
     $1,481
            
(1) These items impacted earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017.


Utility Revenues and Costs that Impacted Earnings


The following discussion presents the Utility’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, focusing on revenues and expenses that impacted earnings for these periods. 


50



Operating Revenues


The Utility’s electric and natural gas operating revenues that impacted earnings increased by $17$50 million, or 1%2%, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to increased base revenues authorized in the 2017 GRC.

The Utility's electric and natural gas operating revenues that impacted earnings decreased by $528$15 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to $102 million in retroactive base revenues authorized in the 2015 GT&S rate case recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by an increase in base revenues as authorized in the 2017 GRC in the same period in 2018.



Operating and Maintenance

The Utility’s operating and maintenance expenses that impacted earnings increased by $120 million, or 11%, in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to Northern California wildfire-related legal and other costs of $53 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, with no similar charges in the same period in 2017. Additionally, the Utility incurred approximately $50 million in costs related to higher premiums for liability insurance (net of the portion deferred as a regulatory asset for amounts that are probable of recovery), during the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. These increases were partially offset by a $38 million reduction to the estimated disallowance for gas-related capital costs that were expected to exceed authorized amounts in the three months ended September 30, 2018, with no corresponding activity during the same period in 2017.
The Utility’s operating and maintenance expenses that impacted earnings increased by $148 million, or 4%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, primarily due to Northern California wildfire-related legal and other costs of $120 million and clean-up and repair costs of $40 million, and an increase in environmental remediation expenses at the San Francisco Potrero Power Plant of approximately $40 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, with no corresponding charges during the same period in 2017.  Additionally, the Utility incurred approximately $50 million in costs related to higher premiums for liability insurance (net of the portion deferred as a regulatory asset for amounts that are probable of recovery), during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. These increases were partially offset by a $38 million reduction to the estimated disallowance for gas-related capital costs that were expected to exceed authorized amounts in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Additionally, the Utility recorded a $47 million disallowance related to the Diablo Canyon settlement in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, with no similar charges in the same period in 2018.

Wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries

Costs related to wildfires that impacted earnings decreased by $63 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. In 2017, the Utility recognized a $350 million charge, offset by probable insurance recoveries of $297 million related to the Butte fire, compared to $10 million of probable insurance recoveries associated with the Northern California wildfires recorded in 2018.

Costs related to wildfires that impacted earnings increased by $2.1 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to a pre-tax charge of $2.5 billion, offset by probable insurance recoveries of $385 million associated with the Northern California wildfires in 2018, compared to a $350 million charge offset by probable insurance recoveries of $350 million related to the Butte fire in the same period in 2017.

The Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially affected by additional potential losses resulting from the impact of the Northern California wildfires and any additional charges associated with costs related to the Butte fire.  (See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2017 Form 10-K and in Part II below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” as well as Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.)

Depreciation, Amortization, and Decommissioning

The Utility’s depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning expenses that impacted earnings increased by $49 million, or 7%, and $123 million, or 6%, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, respectively, compared to the same periods in 20162017, primarily due to additional base revenues authorized by the CPUC in the 2015 GT&S rate case and the 2017 GRC, and by the FERC in the TO rate case. 

The final 2015 GT&S rate case decision authorized the Utility to collect, over a 36-month period, the difference between adopted revenue requirements and amounts previously collected in rates, retroactive to January 1, 2015, beginning August 1, 2016. Accounting rules allow the Utility to recognize revenues in a given year only if they will be collected from customers within 24 months of the end of that year. As a result, the Utility recognized $102 million in January 2017 related to remaining retroactive revenues that had not previously been recognized.

Operating and Maintenance

The Utility’s operating and maintenance expenses that impacted earnings decreased by $193 million, or 14%, in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.  During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Utility recorded $241 million in disallowed charges related to the 2015 GT&S rate case and the San Bruno Penalty Decision with no similar charges in the same period of 2017.  The Utility also recorded $297 million in insurance recoveries for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to the Butte fire, with no similar recoveries for the same period in 2016.  These decreases were partially offset by $352 million in higher charges related to the Butte fire (in the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility recorded $368 million in charges as compared to $16 million in the same period in 2016). 

The Utility’s operating and maintenance expenses that impacted earnings decreased by $845 million, or 19%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility recorded $429 million fewer disallowed charges (in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility incurred a $47 million disallowance related to the Diablo Canyon settlement as compared to $476 million of disallowed capital charges related to the San Bruno Penalty Decision and 2015 GT&S rate case decision during the same period in 2016) and $51 million in lower charges related to the Butte fire (in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility recorded $395 million in charges as compared to $446 million in the same period in 2016) (see Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).  Additionally, insurance recoveries related to the Butte fire increased by approximately $90 million (in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility recorded $350 million in insurance recoveries as compared to approximately $260 million in the same period in 2016).

The Utility’s future financial statements will continue to be impacted by unrecoverable pipeline-related expenses.  Additionally, the Utility expects to incur approximately $100 million in 2017 related to reinstatement of a portion of its liability insurance and legal costs related to the Northern California wildfires.  (See “Key Factors Affecting Financial Results” above and Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  Additionally, the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulting from the impact of the Northern California wildfires (See Item 1A. Risk Factors below and Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)  and any additional charges associated with the costs related to the Butte fire.

Depreciation, Amortization, and Decommissioning

The Utility’s depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning expenses increased by $16 million, or 2%, and by $44 million, or 2%, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to higher depreciation rates as authorized in the 2017 GRC and capital additions.

Interest Expense

The Utility’s interest expense for the periods presented increased by $8 million, or 4%, and by $41 million, or 7%, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2016.  These increases were primarily due to higher levels of long term debt and short term borrowings in 2017 compared to 2016.


Interest Income and Other Income, Net

Interest Expense


There were no material changes to interest income and other income, netinterest expense that impacted earnings for the periods presented.


51

Other Income, Net

There were no material changes to other income, net, that impacted earnings for the periods presented.




Income Tax Provision


The income tax provision increaseddecreased by $65$124 million in the three months ended September 30, 20172018, as compared to the same period in 2016.2017. The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were 2.5% and 2016 were 21% and 16%21.2%, respectively. The increasesdecrease in the income tax provisionprovisions and in the effective tax raterates were primarily resulted from higher pre-tax income in 2017 as compared to 2016 and lower repairs deductionsthe result of a decrease in the three months ended September 30, 2017 comparedcorporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the same period in 2016.

Tax Act.


The income tax provision increaseddecreased by $493$924 million in the nine months ended September 30, 20172018, as compared to the same period in 2016.2017.  The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were 109.8% and 2016 were 21% and (16%)20.9%, respectively. The increasedecrease in the income tax provisionprovisions and increases in the effective tax rate were primarily resulted from higherthe result of pre-tax losses in 2018 versus pre-tax income in 2017, partially offset by a decrease in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% as compareda result of the Tax Act.

The following table reconciles the income tax expense at the federal statutory rate to 2016the income tax provision:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Federal statutory income tax rate21.0 % 35.0 % 21.0% 35.0 %
Increase (decrease) in income tax rate resulting from:       
State income tax (net of federal benefit) (1)
2.1 % 2.6 % 22.8% 2.4 %
Effect of regulatory treatment of fixed asset differences (2)
(15.9)% (13.0)% 56.4% (12.9)%
Tax credits(0.5)% (0.5)% 1.9% (1.1)%
Other, net 
(4.2)% (2.9)% 7.7% (2.5)%
Effective tax rate2.5 % 21.2 % 109.8% 20.9 %
        
(1) Includes the effect of state flow-through ratemaking treatment.
(2) Includes the effect of federal flow-through ratemaking treatment for certain property-related costs as authorized by the 2014 GRC decision (impacting the three and the impact of audit settlements during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 with no similar settlements during2017) and the same2017 GRC decision (impacting the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018), and by the 2015 GT&S decision (impacting the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 2018, respectively).  All amounts are impacted by the level of income before income taxes.  The 2014 GRC, 2017 GRC, and 2015 GT&S rate case decisions authorized revenue requirements that reflect flow-through ratemaking for temporary income tax differences attributable to repair costs and certain other property-related costs for federal tax purposes.  For these temporary tax differences, PG&E Corporation and the Utility recognize the deferred tax impact in the current period and record offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.  Therefore, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s effective tax rates are impacted as these differences arise and reverse.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility recognize such differences as regulatory assets or liabilities as it is probable that these amounts will be recovered from or returned to customers in future rates.  The amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 also reflect the impact of the amortization of excess deferred tax benefits to be refunded to customers as a result of the Tax Act passed in December 2017.




Utility Revenues and Costs that did not Impact Earnings


Fluctuations in revenues that did not impact earnings are primarily driven by electricity and natural gas procurement costs.  See below for more information.

Cost of Electricity


The Utility’s cost of electricity includes the cost of power purchased from third parties (including renewable energy resources), transmission, fuel used in its own generation facilities, fuel supplied to other facilities under power purchase agreements, costs to comply with California’s cap-and-trade program, and realized gains and losses on price risk management activities.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in Item 1.)  

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Cost of purchased power

$

1,392 

 

$

1,541 

 

$

3,255 

 

$

3,540 

Fuel used in own generation facilities

 

74 

 

 

72 

 

 

181 

 

 

179 

Total cost of electricity

$

1,466 

 

$

1,613 

 

$

3,436 

 

$

3,719 

Average cost of purchased power per kWh (1)

$

0.151 

 

$

0.123 

 

$

0.126 

 

$

0.110 

Total purchased power (in millions of kWh) (2)

 

9,189 

 

 

12,560 

 

 

25,905 

 

 

32,327 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Average cost of purchased power was impacted primarily by lower Utility electric customer demand due to their departure to CCAs or direct access providers and a larger percentage of higher cost renewable energy resources being allocated to the fewer remaining Utility electric customers.  See further discussion in MD&A, “Regulatory Matters - Power Charge Indifference Adjustment OIR”, below.  

(2) The decrease in purchased power for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016 was primarily due to lower Utility electric customer demand and an increase in generation from hydroelectric facilities. 

The Utility’s total purchased power is driven by customer demand, the availability of the Utility’s own generation facilities (including Diablo Canyon and its hydroelectric plants), regulatory requirements to procure certain types of energy, and the cost-effectiveness of each source of electricity.


52


 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Cost of purchased power$1,174
 $1,392
 $2,846
 $3,255
Fuel used in own generation facilities82
 74
 192
 181
Total cost of electricity$1,256
 $1,466
 $3,038
 $3,436
Average cost of purchased power per kWh (1)
$0.252
 $0.151
 $0.157
 $0.126
Total purchased power (in millions of kWh) (2)
4,658
 9,189
 18,101
 25,905
        

(1) Average cost of purchased power was impacted primarily by lower Utility electric customer demand, driven by customer departures to CCAs or direct access providers, and a larger percentage of higher cost renewable energy resources being allocated to the fewer remaining Utility electric customers and by increased CAISO market volatility.  See further discussion in “Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives - Power Charge Indifference Adjustment,” below.  
(2) The decrease in purchased power for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same periods in 2017 was primarily due to lower Utility electric customer demand and by increased CAISO market volatility in the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Cost of Natural Gas


The Utility’s cost of natural gas includes the costs of procurement, storage and transportation of natural gas, costs to comply with California’s cap-and-trade program, and realized gains and losses on price risk management activities.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in Item 1.)  The Utility’s cost of natural gas is impacted by the market price of natural gas, changes in the cost of storage and transportation, and changes in customer demand. 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

Cost of natural gas sold

$

50 

 

$

50 

 

$

436 

 

$

275 

Transportation cost of natural gas sold

 

28 

 

 

30 

 

 

88 

 

 

102 

Total cost of natural gas

$

78 

 

$

80 

 

$

524 

 

$

377 

Average cost per Mcf (1) of natural gas sold

$

1.85 

 

$

1.79 

 

$

2.71 

 

$

1.88 

Total natural gas sold (in millions of Mcf) (2)

 

27 

 

 

28 

 

 

161 

 

 

146 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017 2018 2017
Cost of natural gas sold$45
 $50
 $355
 $436
Transportation cost of natural gas sold24
 28
 82
 88
Total cost of natural gas$69
 $78
 $437
 $524
Average cost per Mcf (1) of natural gas sold
$1.55
 $1.85
 $2.25
 $2.71
Total natural gas sold (in millions of Mcf)29
 27
 158
 161
        
(1)One thousand cubic feet

(2) The increase in natural gas sold for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, was primarily due to cooler temperatures and resulted in additional customer heating demand.


Operating and Maintenance Expenses


The Utility’s operating expenses alsothat did not impact earnings include certain recoverable costs that the Utility incursis authorized to recover as part of its operationsincurred such as pension contributions and public purpose programs costs.  If the Utility were to spend overmore than authorized amounts, these expenses could have an impact onto earnings.


Other Income, Net

The Utility’s other income, net that did not impact earnings includes pension and other post-retirement benefit costs that fluctuate primarily from market and interest rate changes.



LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES


Overview


The Utility’s ability to fund operations, finance capital expenditures, make scheduled principal and interest payments, and make distributions to PG&E Corporation depends on the levels of its operating cash flows and access to the capital and credit markets.  The CPUC authorizes the Utility’s capital structure, the aggregate amount of long-term and short-term debt that the Utility may issue, and the revenue requirements the Utility is able to collect to recover its cost of capital.  The Utility generally utilizes equity contributions from PG&E Corporation and long-term senior unsecured debt issuances to maintain its CPUC-authorized capital structure consisting of 52% equity and 48% debt and preferred stock.  The Utility relies on short-term debt, including commercial paper, to fund temporary financing needs. 


PG&E Corporation’s ability to fund operations, make scheduled principal and interest payments, fund equity contributions to the Utility, and declare and pay dividends primarily depends on the level of cash distributions received from the Utility and PG&E Corporation’s access to the capital and credit markets.  PG&E Corporation’s equity contributions to the Utility are funded primarily through common stock issuances. PG&E Corporation has material stand-alone cash flows related to the issuance of equity and long-term debt, dividend payments, and issuances and repayments under its revolving credit facility and commercial paper program.  PG&E Corporation relies on short-term debt, including commercial paper, to fund temporary financing needs.   


PG&E Corporation’s equity contributionsand the Utility’s credit ratings may be affected by the ultimate outcome of pending enforcement and litigation matters, including the outcome of the uncertainties and potential liabilities associated with the Northern California wildfires. Credit rating downgrades may increase the cost and availability of short-term borrowing, including commercial paper, the costs associated with credit facilities, and long-term debt costs. In addition, some of the Utility’s commodity contracts contain collateral posting provisions tied to the Utility are funded primarily through common stock issuances.Utility’s credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. During 2018, PG&E Corporation forecasts thatCorporation's and the Utility's credit ratings were subject to multiple downgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. At September 30, 2018, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s credit ratings remained at investment grade levels. If S&P Global Ratings and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. downgraded the Utility below investment grade, the Utility estimates it will have issued between $400 million and $500would be required to fully collateralize up to $800 million in common stock bynet liability positions. (See Note 7 and Note 9 of the end of 2017, primarily to fund equity contributionsNotes to the Utility.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1.) 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s equity needs could increase materially and its liquidity and cash flows could be materially affected by potential costs and other liabilities in connection with the Northern California wildfires. The Utility’s equity needs will continue to be affected by the timing and outcomeamount of unrecoverable pipeline-related expenses,disallowed capital expenditures, and by fines, penalties and claims that may be imposed in connection with the matters described in “EnforcementNote 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, “Part II. Other Information, Item 1. Legal Proceedings,” and Litigation Matters” below.in the 2017 Form 10-K. In addition, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s equity needs could be materially increased and its liquidity and cash flows materially adversely affected by potential costs and other liabilities in connection with the Northern California wildfires. PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s ability to access the capital markets in a manner consistent with its past practices, if at all, could be adversely affected by such matters. (See Item“Item 1A. Risk FactorsFactors” in thisthe 2017 Form 10-Q.10-K and in Part II below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.)


Cash and Cash Equivalents


Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility maintain separate bank accounts and primarily invest their cash in money market funds. 


Financial Resources

Short-term Borrowing Authorization Application


Financial Resources

On October 9, 2018, the Utility filed an application with the CPUC to increase its authority to finance short-term borrowing needs and procurement-related collateral costs.  This application requests that the CPUC increase the authorized amount by $2 billion to an aggregate amount not to exceed $6 billion.  The Utility's existing $4 billion short-term debt authorization remains in place while the CPUC reviews the new application. The increased authority will provide flexibility for the Utility to meet potentially higher collateral posting requirements associated with the Utility’s energy procurement activities and to provide flexibility and liquidity to fund short-term capital requirements and general working capital requirements. The Utility has requested that the CPUC give this application expedited consideration but is unable to predict the timing and outcome of this proceeding.



Debt and Equity Financings

In


There were no issuances under the PG&E Corporation February 2017 PG&E Corporation amended its February 2015 EDA providingequity distribution agreement for the salenine months ended September 30, 2018.  As of PG&E Corporation common stock having an aggregate gross price of up to $275September 30, 2018, the remaining amount available under this agreement was $246.3 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation sold 0.4issued 3.6 million shares of its common stock under the February 2017 EDA for cash proceeds of $28.4$136.7 million net of commissions paid of $0.2 million.  There were no issuances under the February 2017 EDA for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  As of September 30, 2017, the remaining gross sales available under this agreement were $246.3 million.

PG&E Corporation also issued common stock under the PG&E Corporation 401(k) plan the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, and share-based compensation plans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, 6.4 million shares were issued for cash proceeds of $316 million under these plans.

The proceeds from these sales were used for general corporate purposes, includingpurposes.


During the contributionfirst quarter of equity to the Utility.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, PG&E Corporation made equity contributions to2018, the Utility satisfied and discharged its remaining obligation of $405 million.

$400 million aggregate principal amount of the 8.25% Senior Notes due October 15, 2018.


In February 2017,2018, the Utility’s $250 million floating rate unsecured term loan, issued in March 2016,February 2017, matured and was repaid. Additionally, in February 2017,2018, the Utility entered into a $250 million floating rate unsecured term loan that matureswill mature on February 22, 2018. In March 2017, the Utility issued $400 million principal amount of 3.30% Senior Notes due March 15, 2027 and $200 million principal amount of 4.00% Senior Notes due December 1, 2046.2019.  The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of a portion of the Utility’s outstanding commercial paper.

Pollution Control Bonds


In June 2017,April 2018, PG&E Corporation entered into a $350 million floating rate unsecured term loan. The term loan will mature on April 16, 2020, unless extended by PG&E Corporation pursuant to the Utility repurchased and retired $345terms of the term loan agreement. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the early redemption of PG&E Corporation’s outstanding $350 million principal amount of pollution control2.40% Senior Notes due March 1, 2019. On April 26, 2018, PG&E Corporation completed the early redemption of these bonds, Series 2004 A through D.  Additionally, in June 2017,which satisfied and discharged its remaining obligation of $350 million.

In August 2018, the Utility remarketed three seriesissued $500 million principal amount of pollution control bonds, previously held in treasury, totaling $1454.25% senior notes due August 1, 2023 and $300 million in principal amount. Series 2008 Famount of 4.65% senior notes due August 1, 2028. The proceeds will be used to repay $500 million floating rate Senior Notes due November 28, 2018, to repay $250 million term loan maturing on February 22, 2019 and 2010 E bear interest at 1.75% per annum and mature on November 1, 2026. Series 2008 G bears interest at 1.05% per annum and matures on December 1, 2018.

for general corporate purposes.


Revolving Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs

In May 2017, PG&E Corporation and the Utility each extended the termination dates of their existing revolving credit facilities by one year from April 27, 2021 to April 27, 2022. 


At September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility had $300 million and $2.6$2.9 billion available under their respective $300 million and $3.0 billion revolving credit facilities.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility repaid in full borrowings under their respective revolving credit facilities of $50 million and $650 million, respectively. At September 30, 2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility did not have any borrowings outstanding under their respective revolving credit facilities. (See Note 4 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in Item 1.)


PG&E Corporation and the Utility are permitted under the terms of its facilities tocan issue commercial paper up to the maximum amounts of $300 million and $2.5 billion, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility had an average outstanding commercial paper balance of $70$39 million and $552$11 million, respectively, and a maximum outstanding balance of $161$137 million and $1.1 billion,$205 million, respectively.  At September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility had an outstanding commercial paper balance of $369 million and PG&E Corporation did not have any outstanding commercial paper outstanding.

paper.


The revolving credit facilities require that PG&E Corporation and the Utility maintain a ratio of total consolidated debt to total consolidated capitalization of at most 65% as of the end of each fiscal quarter.  At September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s total consolidated debt to total consolidated capitalization was 49%49.9% and 48%49%, respectively.  PG&E Corporation’s revolving credit facility agreement also requires that PG&E Corporation own, directly or indirectly, at least 80% of the common stock and at least 70% of the voting capital stock of the Utility.  In addition, the revolving credit facilities include usual and customary provisions regarding events of default and covenants including covenants limiting liens to those permitted under PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s senior note indentures, mergers, and imposing conditions on the sale of all or substantially all of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s assets and other fundamental changes.  At September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation and the Utility were in compliance with all covenants under their respective revolving credit facilities.


54



Dividends


Dividends

In May

On December 20, 2017, the BoardBoards of Directors of PG&E Corporation approved a new annualand the Utility suspended quarterly cash dividends on both PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s common stock, cash dividendbeginning the fourth quarter of $2.12 per share ($0.53 per share quarterly), an increase from2017, as well as the previous annual cash dividendUtility’s preferred stock, beginning the three-month period ending January 31, 2018, due to the uncertainty related to the causes of $1.96 per share ($0.49 per share quarterly), and potential liabilities associated with the Board of DirectorsNorthern California wildfires. (See Note 9 of the Utility approved a new annual common stock cash dividend of $1.08 billion ($270 million quarterly), an increase fromNotes to the previous annual cash dividend of $976 million ($244 million quarterly).

In September 2017, the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation declared quarterly dividends of $0.53 per share, totaling $272 million, of which approximately $267 million was paid on October 15, 2017, to shareholders of record on September 29, 2017. 

Additionally,Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in September 2017, the Board of Directors of the Utility declared a common stock dividend of $270 million that was paid to PG&E Corporation on September 21, 2017 and declared dividends on its outstanding series of preferred stock, payable on November 15, 2017, to shareholders of record on October 31, 2017.

Item 1.)


Utility Cash Flows


The Utility’s cash flows were as follows:

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(in millions)

2017

 

2016

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

4,692 

 

$

3,241 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,950)

 

 

(4,083)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(743)

 

 

851 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

$

(1)

 

$

9 

 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)2018 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,184
 $4,692
Net cash used in investing activities(4,617) (3,950)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities357
 (743)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents$(76) $(1)

Operating Activities


The Utility’s cash flows from operating activities primarily consist of receipts from customers less payments of operating expenses, other than expenses such as depreciation that do not require the use of cash.  These items fluctuate within the normal course of business due to the timing and amount of customer billings and collections and vendor billings and payments.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, net cash provided by operating activities increaseddecreased by $1.5 billion$508 million compared to the same period in 2016.2017.  This increasedecrease was primarily due to additional electric and natural gas operating revenues collected as authorized by the CPUC in the 2015 GT&S rate case and by the FERC in the TO rate case and the $400 million refund to natural gas customers in the second quarter of 2016, as required by the San Bruno Penalty Decision, with no corresponding activity in 2017.  The remaining increase was primarily due to fluctuations in activities within the normal course of business such as the timing and amount of customer billings and collections and vendor billings and payments.


55



Future cash flow from operating activities will be affected by various factors, including:


the timing and amount of costs in connection with the Northern California wildfires including costs in connection with restoration(and the timing and amount of service to customers and repairs of the Utility’s facilities,related insurance recoveries), as well as additional potential liabilities in connection with third-party claims and fines or penalties that could be imposed on the Utility if the CPUC or any other law enforcement agency brought an enforcement action and determined that the Utility failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations;


the timing and amounts of costs, including fines and penalties, that may be incurred in connection with the current and future enforcement, litigation, and regulatory matters including the impact(see "Enforcement and Litigation Matters" in Note 9 of the Butte fireNotes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 and Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings for more information);

the timing and amount of premium payments related to wildfire insurance recoveries, the safety culture OII, including other ratemaking tools that could be imposed by the CPUC as a result(see “Wildfire Insurance” in Note 9 of the phase two of the proceeding, the ex parte OII and the related proposed decision, costs associated with potential recommendations that the third-party monitor may make relatedNotes to the Utility’s convictionCondensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for more information);

the Tax Act, which is expected to accelerate the timing of federal criminal trial,tax payments and potential penaltiesreduce revenue requirements, resulting in connection with the Utility’s safetylower operating cash flows (see “Overview” above and other self-reports;“Regulatory Matters” below for more information);

  • the timing and outcomes of the 2019 GT&S rate case, 2020 GRC, FERC TO18, TO19 and TO19TO20 rate cases, 2018 CEMA filing, and other ratemaking and regulatory proceedings;


    the timing and amount of substantially increasing costs the Utility incurs, but does not recover, associatedin connection with its electricfire hazard prevention work (see "Overview" above and natural gas systems, including amounts related to cancelled projects"Regulatory Matters" below for more information); and relicensing;

    • the timing and amount of tax payments (including the bonus depreciation), tax refunds, net collateral payments, and interest payments, as well as changes in tax regulations that could be adopted by Congress as a result of the new federal administration and other proposals; and


    the timing of the resolution of the Chapter 11 disputed claims and the amount of principal and interest on these claims that the Utility will be required to pay.




    Investing Activities

    During


    Net cash used in investing activities increased by $667 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash used in investing activities decreased by $133 million2018 as compared to the same period in 2016.2017 primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures. The Utility’s investing activities primarily consist of the construction of new and replacement facilities necessary to provide safe and reliable electricity and natural gas services to its customers.  Cash used in investing activities also includes the proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust investments which are largely offset by the amount of cash used to purchase new nuclear decommissioning trust investments.  The funds in the decommissioning trusts, along with accumulated earnings, are used exclusively for decommissioning and dismantling the Utility’s nuclear generation facilities.


    The Utility’s capital expenditures were approximately $5.7 billion in 2017. Future cash flows used in investing activities are largely dependent on the timing and amount of capital expenditures.  The Utility estimates that it will incur approximately $5.7$6.5 billion in capital expenditures in 2017, $6.32018, and $6.4 billion in 2018 and $6.0 billion 2019.


    Financing Activities


    Net cash provided by financing activities decreasedincreased by $1.6$1.1 billion from $851 million forduring the nine months ended September 30, 20162018 as compared to $743 millionthe same period in 2017.  This increase was primarily due to the suspension of dividend payments (see “Dividends” section above) and a reduction in net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  repayments of commercial paper of approximately $600 million.

    Cash provided by or used in financing activities is driven by the Utility’s financing needs, which depend on the level of cash provided by or used in operating activities, the level of cash provided by or used in investing activities, the conditions in the capital markets, and the maturity date of existing debt instruments.  The Utility generally utilizes long-term debt issuances and equity contributions from PG&E Corporation to maintain its CPUC-authorized capital structure, and relies on short-term debt to fund temporary financing needs.



    PG&E Corporation and the Utility have significant contingencies arising from their operations, including contingencies related to the enforcement and litigation matters described in Note 9 and subsequent events described in Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in Item 1.  The outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s future financial results.  condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, PG&E Corporation and the Utility are involved in other enforcement and litigation matters described in the 20162017 Form 10-K and “Part II. Other Information, Item 1. Legal Proceedings.”


    56



    Department of Interior Inquiry

    In September 2015, the Utility was notified that the DOI had initiated an inquiry into whether the Utility should be suspended or debarred from entering into federal procurement and non-procurement contracts and programs citing the San Bruno explosion and indicating, as the basis for the inquiry, alleged poor record-keeping, poor identification and evaluation of threats to gas lines and obstruction of the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation.  The Utility filed its initial response on November 2, 2015, to demonstrate that it is a “presently responsible” contractor under federal procurement regulations and that it believes suspension or debarment is not appropriate. 

    On December 21, 2016, the Utility and the DOI entered into an interim administrative agreement that reflects the DOI’s determination that the Utility remains eligible to contract with federal government agencies while the DOI determines whether any further action is necessary to protect the federal government’s business interests.  On May 8, 2017, DOI sent a series of follow-up questions to the Utility seeking clarification regarding gas operational matters, the Utility’s risk assessment process, and the Utility’s compliance and ethics framework.  The Utility responded to the questions on August 18, 2017.  DOI also has indicated that before making any final determination in its debarment inquiry it will meet in person with Utility executives to discuss the Utility’s compliance and ethics programs.  That meeting has not yet been scheduled.  The Utility could incur material costs, not recoverable through rates, to implement any remedial and other measures that could be imposed, the amount of which the Utility is currently unable to estimate.

    For more information, see PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s 2016 Form 10-K.

    REGULATORY MATTERS


    The Utility is subject to substantial regulation by the CPUC, the FERC, the NRC and other federal and state regulatory agencies.  SignificantThe resolutions of the proceedings described below and other proceedings may affect PG&E Corporation's and the Utility's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Discussed below are significant regulatory developments that have occurred since filing the 20162017 Form 10-K was filed with the SEC are discussed below.

    10-K.


    2017 General Rate Case


    On May 11, 2017, the CPUC issued a final decision in the Utility’s 2017 GRC, which determined the annual amount of base revenues (or “revenue requirements”) that the Utility is authorized to collect from customers from 2017 through 2019 to recover its anticipated costs for electric distribution, natural gas distribution, and electric generation operations and to provide the Utility an opportunity to earn its authorized rate of return. The final decision approved, with certain modifications, the settlement agreement that the Utility, the ORA,Cal PA, TURN, and 12 other intervening parties jointly submitted to the CPUC on August 3, 2016 (the “settlement agreement”).  Modifications from2016. Consistent with the amounts proposed in the settlement agreement, to the final decision included a tax memorandum account and approval of a stand-alone application with the CPUC or a filing in the CPUC’s ongoing residential rate reform proceeding to recover customer outreach and other costs incurred as a result of residential rate reform implementation.  The new tax memorandum account will track any revenue differences resulting from changes in income tax expense caused by net revenue changes, mandatory or elective tax law changes, tax accounting changes, tax procedural changes, or tax policy changes during the 2017 through 2019 GRC period.  The account will remain open and the balance in the account will be reviewed in every subsequent GRC proceeding until a CPUC decision closes the account.

    The final decision approved a revenue requirement increase of $88 million for 2017, with additional increases of $444 million in 2018 and $361 million in 2019,2019.

    On September 24, 2018, the CPUC approved the Utility's advice letter proposal to make a one-time reduction to revenues by approximately $21 million. This advice letter was directed by an ALJ ruling in line withresponse to the amounts proposed in the settlement agreement.  The following table shows the revenue requirement amounts approved in the final decision based on line of business and cost category as well as the differences between the 2016 authorized revenue requirements and the amounts approved in the final decision:


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Increase/

     

     

    Amounts

     

     

    (Decrease)

    (in millions)

     

    Approved in

     

     

    2016 vs.

    Line of Business:

     

    Final Decision (1)

     

     

    Final Decision

    Electric distribution

    $

    4,151 

     

    $

    (62)

    Gas distribution

     

    1,738 

     

     

    (3)

    Electric generation

     

    2,115 

     

     

    153 

    Total revenue requirements

    $

    8,004 

     

    $

    88 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cost Category:

     

     

     

     

     

    (in millions)

     

     

     

     

     

    Operations and maintenance

    $

    1,794 

     

    $

    131 

    Customer services

     

    334 

     

     

    15 

    Administrative and general

     

    912 

     

     

    (99)

    Less: Revenue credits

     

    (152)

     

     

    (21)

    Franchise fees, taxes other than income, and other adjustments

     

    170 

     

     

    132 

    Depreciation (including costs of asset removal), return, and

     

     

     

     

     

      income taxes

     

    4,946 

     

     

    (70)

    Total revenue requirements

    $

    8,004 

     

    $

    88 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (1) Amounts approved in the final decision are the same as the amounts that were proposed in the settlement agreement.

    As required by the final decision, the Utility has submitted a variety of compliance filings, including a filing on June 12, 2017, which provides an accounting for the January 2017Utility's $300 million expense reduction announcement in January 2017.




    Also, as a result of the Tax Act, on March 30, 2018, the Utility submitted to the CPUC a PFM of the CPUC’s final decision in the 2017 GRC. The PFM, if adopted, would reduce revenue requirements by $267 million and on July 10, 2017, providing$296 million for 2018 and 2019 respectively, and increase rate base by $199 million and $425 million for 2018 and 2019, respectively. The Utility cannot predict the timing and outcome of this PFM.

    Finally, the CPUC continues its review of the Utility's update of the cost effectiveness study for the SmartMeterTM Upgrade project. The Utility provided an update of the cost effectiveness study for the SmartMeter™SmartMeterTM Upgrade project.project to the CPUC on July 10, 2017. On August 9, 2018, the CPUC extended the statutory deadline for the 2017 GRC to February 9, 2019, in order to allow for comments and CPUC action on any PD on the SmartMeterTM upgrade cost effectiveness study. The Utility is unable tocannot predict what, ifthe timing and outcome of any actionsCPUC action in connection with this study and its impact on the CPUC will take regarding these submissions.

    2017 GRC revenue requirement and rate base.


    For more information, see PG&E Corporation’sthe 2017 Form 10-K.

    Risk Assessment Mitigation Phase Filing

    On November 30, 2017, the Utility filed its first RAMP report with the CPUC in advance of its 2020 GRC application. The RAMP is a new CPUC requirement directing each large investor-owned energy utility to submit a report describing how it assesses its risks and how it plans to mitigate and minimize such risks in advance of the utility’s GRC application. The Utility's RAMP report informed the CPUC of the Utility’s top safety-related risks, risk assessment procedures, and proposed mitigations of those risks for 2020-2022.

    On April 3, 2018, the SED released a report assessing the Utility's RAMP report. The SED report requested, among other items, an updated risk analysis regarding wildfire risk mitigation strategies in the Utility’s 2020 GRC. A workshop on the report was held on April 17, 2018, and the parties submitted opening and reply comments on May 10, 2018, and May 24, 2018, respectively. The RAMP results will be incorporated in the Utility’s 2016 Form 10-K2020 GRC.

    2020 General Rate Case

    On June 4, 2018, the Utility submitted a letter to the CPUC requesting an extension of up to four months, from September 1, 2018, to January 1, 2019, to file its 2020 GRC application. The Utility requested this extension due to extraordinary uncertainties related to the 2017 Northern California wildfires that could significantly impact the content of the rate case application. On June 29, 2018, the CPUC granted the Utility’s extension request to file its 2020 GRC application no later than January 1, 2019. On October 15, 2018, the Utility notified the CPUC that the Utility anticipates submitting its 2020 GRC to the CPUC between December 10, 2018 and its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

    December 20, 2018.


    2015 Gas Transmission and Storage Rate Case

    During 2016, the CPUC issued


    In its final decisions in phase one and phase two of the Utility’s 2015 GT&S rate case.  The phase one decision adopted the revenue requirements that the Utility is authorized to collect through rates beginning August 1, 2016, to recover its costs of gas transmission and storage services for theUtility's 2015 GT&S rate case, period (2015 through 2018).  The phase two decision determined the allocation of the $850 million penalty assessed in the San Bruno Penalty Decision and the revenue requirement reduction for the five-month delay caused by the Utility’s violation of the CPUC ex parte communication rules in this proceeding. 

    The phase one decision excluded from rate base $696 million of capital spending in 2011 through 20142014. This was the amount recorded in excess of the amount adopted.adopted in the 2011 GT&S rate case. The decision permanently disallowed $120 million of that amount and ordered that the remaining $576 million be subject to an audit overseen by the CPUC staff, with the possibility that the Utility may seek recovery in a future proceeding. A draft of the audit report is expectedThe Utility would be required to take a charge in the first quarterfuture if the CPUC’s audit of 2018.2011 through 2014 capital spending resulted in additional permanent disallowance. The audit is still in process. The decision also established new one-way balancing accounts to track certain costs, as well as various cost caps that will increase the risk of overspenddisallowance over the current rate case cycle including new one-way balancing accounts.  Additional charges may be required in the future based on the Utility’s ability to manage its capital spending and on the outcome of the CPUC’s audit of 2011 through 2014 capital spending.

    The final phase two decision adopted total weighted average rate base of $2.8 billion in 2015, $2.8 billion in 2016, $3.0 billion in 2017, and $3.5 billion in 2018.  The final phase two decision reduced rate base by the full amount of the disallowed capital expenditures but did not remove the associated deferred taxes, which the Utility believes constitutes a normalization violation.  In the final decision, the CPUC authorized the Utility to establish a Tax Normalization Memorandum Account to track relevant costs and clarified that it is the CPUC’s intention that the Utility comply with normalization rules and avoid the potential adverse consequences of a normalization violation.  The CPUC allowed the Utility to seek a ruling from the IRS and the Utility filed the ruling request with the IRS on April 10, 2017.  On October 5, 2017, the IRS issued a private letter ruling indicating the final phase two decision rate base reduction was inconsistent with the IRS tax normalization requirements.  cycle.


    As a result of the IRSTax Act, on March 30, 2018, the Utility submitted to the CPUC a PFM of the CPUC's final decision in the 2015 GT&S rate case proposing to reduce revenue requirements by $58 million and increase rate base by $12 million for 2018 (excluding the impacts of an approximately $7 million increase in revenue requirement and a $60 million increase in rate base associated with the Utility's private letter ruling the Utility will file an advice letter withapproved by the CPUC inon July 18, 2018). The Utility cannot predict the fourth quartertiming and outcome of 2017, requesting a rate base adjustment of $7 million, $28 million, $49 million, and $61 million, in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively.


    58


    In August 2016 and January 2017, TURN, ORACal PA and Indicated Shippers filed applications for rehearing of the phase one and phase twoCPUC decisions respectively.in the Utility's 2015 GT&S rate case. The Utility cannot predict when or ifwhether the CPUC will grant the rehearingsapplications for rehearing or if it will adopt the parties’ recommendations.  Additionally, in June


    For more information, see the 2017 Form 10-K.



    2019 Gas Transmission and Storage Rate Case

    On November 17, 2017, the Utility filed a PFM ofits 2019 GT&S rate case application with the phase one decision to eliminateCPUC for the requirement thatyears 2019 through 2021. While the Utility install new CP systemshas not formally proposed a fourth year for this rate case, it provided a revenue requirement and rates for 2022, in the event the CPUC adopts an additional year. On October 1, 2018, because the Utility is not inentered into a position to identifystipulation with Cal PA that, if approved, would extend the optimal location for such new systems in 2018.  Instead,rate case cycle through 2022 as recommended by Cal PA.

    In its application, the Utility requested that the CPUC authorize a 2019 revenue requirement of $1.59 billion to be allowedrecover anticipated costs of providing natural gas transmission and storage services beginning on January 1, 2019. This corresponds to continue its current CP program.  As directedan increase of $289 million over the Utility’s 2018 authorized revenue requirement of $1.30 billion. The Utility’s request also includes proposed revenue requirements of $1.73 billion for 2020, $1.91 billion for 2021, and $1.91 billion for 2022 if the CPUC orders a fourth year for the rate case period.

    The requested rate base for 2019 is $4.66 billion, which corresponds to an increase of $0.95 billion over the 2018 authorized rate base of $3.71 billion. These rate base amounts exclude approximately $576 million of capital spending subject to audit by the CPUC on August 23, 2017,related to 2011 through 2014 expenditures in excess of amounts adopted in the Utility provided supplemental information to the CPUC regarding the PFM.2011 GT&S rate case. The Utility is unable to predict if and whenwhether the $576 million, or a portion thereof, will ultimately be authorized by the CPUC would adoptand included in the PFM.  InUtility’s future rate base. The Utility’s request also excludes rate base adjustments that the eventUtility requested with the PFMCPUC on November 14, 2017, resulting from the Internal Revenue Service’s October 5, 2017 private letter ruling issued in connection with the CPUC’s final phase two decision in the 2015 GT&S rate case. The Utility’s request is not adoptedbased on capital expenditure forecasts of $971 million for 2019, $963 million for 2020, and $804 million for 2021 (which exclude common capital allocations).

    The requested increase in revenue requirement is largely attributable to increased infrastructure investment and costs related to new natural gas storage safety and environmental regulations issued by DOGGR, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Utility fails to performCPUC.

    As a result of the mandated new CP systems,Tax Act, on March 30, 2018, the Utility couldsubmitted updated testimony to the CPUC. The updated testimony, including the private letter ruling advice letter, reduces the Utility's previously forecasted revenue requirement by $25 million for 2019, $30 million for 2020, $22 million for 2021, and $5 million for 2022, and increases rate base by $188 million for 2019, $254 million for 2020, $378 million for 2021, and $469 million for 2022.

    In testimony submitted to the CPUC on June 29, 2018, Cal PA recommended a 2019 revenue requirement of $1.35 billion, an increase of $45 million over 2018 adopted amounts. All other parties filed testimony on July 20, 2018. TURN proposed widespread reductions in forecast costs and recommended capital and expense disallowances of more than $500 million associated with either work completed at a cost greater than adopted in the 2015 GT&S rate case or work that was approved in the 2015 GT&S rate case and is being requested again in the 2019 GT&S rate case. One other party, Indicated Shippers, made proposals for significant capital and expense reductions in the forecast related to transmission pipe and storage.

    Evidentiary hearings concluded on October 12, 2018. The Utility will file opening briefs on November 14, 2018 and reply briefs on December 14, 2018. A later phase of the proceeding will address the reasonableness of certain recorded capital expenditures associated with Line 407, as required by the 2015 GT&S rate case decision. The later phase will also address the removal of officer compensation costs from the revenue requirement, which is required by the passage of SB 901. (See “Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives” below.)

    For more information, see the 2017 Form 10-K.



    Transmission Owner Rate Cases

    Transmission Owner Rate Cases for 2015 and 2016 (the “TO16” and “TO17” rate cases, respectively)

    On January 8, 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion granting an appeal of FERC’s decisions in the TO16 and TO17 rate cases that had granted the Utility a 50 basis point ROE incentive adder for its continued participation in the CAISO. Those rate case decisions have been remanded to FERC for further proceedings consistent with the Court of Appeals’ opinion. If FERC concludes on remand that the Utility should no longer be authorized to receive the 50 basis point ROE incentive adder, the Utility would incur finesa refund obligation of $1 million and penalties,$8.5 million for TO16 and TO17, respectively. Alternatively, if FERC again concludes that the amount of whichUtility should receive the 50 basis point ROE incentive adder and provides the additional explanation that the Ninth Circuit found the FERC’s prior decisions lacked, then the Utility would not owe any refunds for this issue for TO16 or TO17.

    On February 28, 2018, the Utility filed a motion to establish procedures on remand requesting a hearing and additional briefing on the issues identified in the Ninth Circuit Court's opinion. On August 20, 2018, FERC issued an order granting the Utility's motion to allow for additional briefing. The order also consolidated the TO18 rate case with TO16 and TO17 for this issue. The Utility filed briefs on September 19, 2018 and reply briefs on October 10, 2018. The Utility is unable to predict. 

    Withpredict the additiontiming and outcome of a third attrition year, the Utility’s next GT&S cycle will begin in 2019.  The Utility is required to file its 2019 GT&S rate case in 2017.  The Utility plans to file its 2019 GT&S rate case with the CPUC in the fourth quarter of 2017.

    For more information, see PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s 2016 Form 10-K and its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

    Transmission Owner Rate Cases

    FERC’s decision.


    Transmission Owner Rate Case for 2017

    (the “TO18” rate case)


    On July 29, 2016, the Utility filed aits TO18 rate case (the “TO18 rate case”) at the FERC requesting a 2017 retail electric transmission revenue requirement of $1.718$1.72 billion, a $387 million increase over the 2016 revenue requirement of $1.331$1.33 billion.  The forecasted network transmission rate base for 2017 iswas $6.7 billion.  The Utility is also seeking a return on equity of 10.9%, which includes an incentive component of 50 basis points for the Utility’s continuing participation in the CAISO.  In the filing, the Utility forecasted that it willwould make investments of $1.296$1.30 billion in 2017 in various capital projects. 


    On September 30, 2016, the FERC issued an order accepting the Utility’s July 2016 filing and set it for hearing, but held the hearing procedures in abeyance for settlement procedures.  The order set an effective date for rates of March 1, 2017, and made the rates subject to refund following resolution of the case.  On March 17, 2017, the FERC chief judge issued an order terminating the settlement procedures due to an impasse in the settlement negotiations reported by the parties. 

    On August 22, 2017,During the hearings held in January 2018, the Utility, intervenors, and the FERC trial staff, submitted testimony.  The table below summarizesaddressed questions relating to return on equity, capital structure, depreciation rates, capital additions, rate base, operating and maintenance expense, administrative and general expense, and the differences betweenallocation of common, general and intangible costs.


    On October 1, 2018, the amountALJ issued an initial decision in the TO18 rate case proposing an ROE of revenue requirement increases included in9.13% compared to the Utility’s request of 10.90%, and an estimated composite depreciation rate of 2.96% compared to the testimony submitted byUtility’s request of 3.25%. The ALJ also rejected the Utility's method of allocating common plant between CPUC and FERC trial staff:

     

     

    Amounts

     

     

    Amounts

     

     

     

    requested by

     

     

    proposed by the

     

    (in millions)

     

    the Utility

     

     

    FERC trial staff

     

    Revenue Requirement

    $

    1,718 

     

    $

    1,353 

     

    Return on Equity

     

    10.90 

    %

     

    8.46 

    %

    Composite Depreciation Rate

     

    3.26 

    %

     

    2.08 

    %

    Additionally,jurisdiction. In addition, the ALJ proposed to reduce forecasted capital and expense spending to actual costs incurred for the rate case period. Further, the ALJ proposed to remove certain items from the Utility's rate base and revenue requirement. The Utility and intervenors provided testimony on July 5, 2017 and the Utility submitted rebuttal testimonyfiled initial briefs on October 9, 2017.  Hearings are scheduled31, 2018, in response to take place starting January 9, 2018, with an initialthe ALJ's recommendations. The Utility expects FERC to issue a final decision expected on or before June 1, 2018.

    Also,in mid-2019.


    Additionally, on March 31, 2017, several of the parties that had already intervenedintervenors in the TO18 rate case filed a complaint at the FERC and requestedalleging that the complaint be consolidated withUtility failed to justify its proposed rate increase in the TO18 rate case. The complaint asserts that the Utility’s revenue requirement request in TO18 is unreasonably high and should be reduced. The complaint asks that, if the outcome of the litigation in TO18 is that the Utility’s revenue requirement should be set at a lower level than the settled revenue requirement from the TO17 settlement, thatOn November 16, 2017, the FERC order refunds to that lower level determined in TO18 litigation.dismissed the complaint. On April 20,December 18, 2017, the Utility answered the complaint, requestingcomplainants filed a request for a rehearing of that FERC dismiss it.  The Utility is unable to predict when and howorder, which the FERC will respond to the complaint.

    denied on May 17, 2018.


    Transmission Owner Rate Case for 2018

    (the “TO19” rate case)


    On July 27, 2017, the Utility filed aits TO19 rate case (the “TO19 rate case”) at the FERC requesting a 2018 retail electric transmission revenue requirement of $1.792$1.79 billion, a $74 million increase over the proposed 2017 revenue requirement of $1.718$1.72 billion. The forecasted network transmission rate base for 2018 is $6.9 billion.  The Utility is also seeking an ROE of 10.75%, which includes an incentive component of 50 basis points for the Utility’s continuing participation in the CAISO.  In the filing, the Utility forecasted capital expenditures of approximately $1.4 billion.  On September 28, 2017, the FERC issued an order accepting the Utility’s July 2017 filing, subject to hearing and refund, and established March 1, 2018, as the effective date for rate changes.  FERC also ordered that the hearings will be held in abeyance pending settlement discussion among the parties.

    On May 14, 2018, the Utility filed a proposal to reflect the impact of the Tax Act on its TO tariff rates effective March 1, 2018, in the resolution of the TO19 rate case. The tax impact reduces the TO19 requested revenue requirement from $1.79 billion to $1.66 billion.




    On September 29, 2017, several of the parties that have intervenedintervenors in the TO18TO19 rate case filed a complaint at the FERC and requestedalleging that the complaint be consolidated withUtility failed to justify its proposed rate increase in the TO19 rate case.  The TO19 complaint asserts that the Utility’s revenue requirement request in TO19 is unreasonably high and should be reduced. The complaint asks that, if the outcome of the litigation in TO18 is that the Utility’s revenue requirement should be set at a lower level than the settled revenue requirement approved by FERC in TO17, FERC order refunds to that lower level determined in the TO18 litigation. On October 17, 2017, the Utility answeredrequested that the FERC dismiss the complaint. On May 17, 2018, the FERC issued an order setting the complaint requesting that FERC dismiss it.  The Utility is unable to predict whenfor hearing, settlement judge procedures, and howconsolidation with the FERC will respond to the complaint.

    For more information, see PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s 2016 Form 10-K and its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

    Cost of Capital

    On July 13, 2017, the CPUC issued a final decision adopting, with no modifications, the PFM filed in February 2017 by San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison, the ORA, TURN, and the Utility.

    The final decision extends the Utility’s next cost of capital application filing deadline by two years to April 22, 2019, for the year 2020.  The final decision also reduces the Utility’s authorized ROE from 10.40% to 10.25%, effective January 1, 2018, and resets the Utility’s authorized cost of long-term debt and preferred stock effective January 1, 2018.  In addition, the decision suspends the cost of capital adjustment mechanism to adjust cost of capital for 2018, but allows the adjustment mechanism to operate for 2019 if triggered.  The Utility’s current capital structure of 52% common equity, 47% long-term debt, and 1% preferred equity remains unchanged.

    The final decision also leaves the proceeding open to facilitate gathering of information to inform the next cost of capital proceeding, as well as to provide a possible venue in which to consider whether the Utility’s ROE should be reduced until any recommendations that the CPUC may adopt in the second phase of its safety culture investigation are implemented, as described in the assigned Commissioner’s May 8, 2017 Scoping Memo and Ruling issued in the Safety Culture OII.

    TO19 proceeding. 


    On September 29, 2017,21, 2018, the Utility submittedfiled an advice letter to the CPUC, updating its cost of capital and the estimated revenue requirement impactsall-party settlement with an effective date of January 1, 2018.  The long-term debt cost reset reflects actual embedded costs asFERC in connection with TO19. As part of the end of August 2017 and forecasted interest rates for settlement,
    the new long-term debt expected to be issued for the remainder of 2017 and all of 2018.  The Utility estimates that its annualTO19 revenue requirement will be reduced byset at 98.85% of the revenue requirement for TO18 that will be determined in the TO18 final decision. Additionally, if FERC determines that the Utility is not entitled to the 50 basis point incentive adder for the Utility's continued CAISO participation, than the Utility would be obligated to make a refund to customers of approximately $120 million, beginning$25 million.

    For more information on the TO rate cases, see the 2017 Form 10-K.

    Transmission Owner Rate Case for 2019 (the “TO20” rate case)

    On October 1, 2018, the Utility filed its TO20 rate case at FERC requesting approval of a formula rate for the costs associated with the Utility's electric transmission facilities. The formula rate would replace the "stated rate" methodology that the Utility used in its previous TO rate case filings. If approved, the formula rate methodology would still include an authorized revenue requirement and rate base for a given year, but it would also provide for an annual update of the following year's revenue requirement and rates in accordance with the terms of the FERC-approved formula. Under the formula rate mechanism, transmission revenues, including CWIP, will be updated to the actual cost of service annually. Differences between amounts collected and determined under the formula rate will be either collected from or refunded to customers.
    In the filing, the Utility forecasts a 2019 retail electric transmission revenue requirement of $1.96 billion. The proposed amount reflects an approximately 9.5% increase over the as-filed TO19 requested revenue requirement of $1.79 billion (a subsequent reduction to $1.66 billion was identified as a result of the Tax Act). The Utility forecasts that it will make investments of approximately $1.1 billion and $0.7 billion for 2018 and 2019, respectively, for various capital projects to be placed in service before the end of 2019. Including projects to be placed in service beyond 2019, the Utility forecasts total electric transmission capital expenditures of $1.4 billion in 2018 and $1.4 billion in 2019. The Utility's forecasted rate base for 2019 is approximately $8 billion on a weighted average basis, compared to the Utility's forecasted rate base of $6.9 billion in 2018. This estimate is basedThe Utility has requested that FERC approve a 12.5% return on equity (which includes an incentive component of 50 basis points for the Utility's continuing participation in the CAISO), an increase from the 10.75% (also including a 50 basis point CAISO incentive adder) requested in its TO19 rate case.
    The Utility requested that FERC accept its formula rate filing to become effective on December 1, 2018, and suspend the use of the new rates until January 1, 2019, to facilitate a calendar year true-up period corresponding to the Utility’s FERC Form 1 reporting. As a result, under the Utility’s formula rate, the rates in effect from TO19 would continue to be used until January 1, 2019. FERC may decide to suspend the TO20 rates for a longer period of time, up to a maximum of five months from the effective date. If FERC adopts the maximum five-month suspension, TO20 rates would go into effect on May 1, 2019. In the event of a delay in the effective date of TO20 rates, the first true-up mechanism would be applied to the period beginning on the updated costeffective date through the end of capital in2019.

    The Utility cannot predict the September 29, 2017 advice lettertiming and current rate base.  In the fourth quarteroutcome of 2017, the Utility’s final advice letters for authorized 2018 revenue requirements will be filed using the cost of capital authorized pursuant to the September 29, 2017 advice letter.  Changes in market interest rates may have material effects on the costFERC’s response. Following FERC’s acceptance of the Utility’s future financings, but will not affectformula rate request, the authorized costUtility expects to file an annual update to its TO tariff on or before December 1 of capitaleach year beginning in 2018.

    For more information, see PG&E Corporation’s2019, for rates and charges to become effective January 1 of the Utility’s 2016 Form 10-K and its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

    following year, consistent with the formula rate.


    Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant


    Joint Proposal for Plant Retirement


    On August 11, 2016, the Utility submitted an application to the CPUC to retire Diablo Canyon at the expiration of its current operating licenses in 2024 and 2025 and replace it with a portfolio of energy efficiency and GHG-free resources. The application implements a joint proposal between the Utility and the Friends of the Earth, Natural Resources Defense Council, Environment California, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245, Coalition of California Utility Employees, and Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility.  PG&E subsequently modified its testimonyResponsibility (together, the “Joint Parties”).



    On January 11, 2018, the CPUC issued a final decision in the Utility’s proposal to moveretire Diablo Canyon Unit 1 by 2024 and Unit 2 by 2025. The CPUC also:

    deferred consideration of two tranches of post-2025 replacement procurementresources to the CPUC’s Integrated Resource Plan proceeding.

    Planning proceeding;

    authorized rate recovery for up to $211.3 million (compared with the $352.1 million requested by the Utility) for an employee retention program;

    authorized rate recovery for an employee retraining program of $11.3 million requested by the Utility;
     

    60


    More than 40 parties have submitted responses and protests torejected rate recovery of the Utility’s application.  Rebuttal testimony and commentsproposed $85 million for the community impacts mitigation program on the community impact mitigationgrounds that rate recovery for such a program settlement agreement were submitted to the CPUC on March 17, 2017.  Evidentiary hearings took place in April 2017.  Certain intervenors argued that a portion of or the entire community impact mitigation program and employee retention plan be funded by shareholders.  

    On May 23, 2017, the Utility filed a settlement agreement that was reached with the parties listed above as well as TURN, ORA, and San Luis Obispo Mothers for Peace, related to therequires legislative authorization;


    authorized rate recovery of license renewal costs and cancelled project costs.  The settlement agreement would allow for recovery from customers of $18.6 million of the total Diablo Canyon license renewal project cost of $53 million evenly over an 8-year period beginning January 1, 2018.  Related toand rate recovery of cancelled project costs the settlement agreement would allow for recovery from customers ofequal to 100% of the direct costs incurred prior to June 30, 2016, and 25% recovery of direct costs incurred after June 30, 2016.  On June 22, 2017, the Green Power Institute filed comments2016, based on thea settlement agreement recommendingamong the Utility, the Joint Parties, and certain other parties that only $9.3 millionthe Utility filed with the CPUC in May 2017; and

    approved the amortization of the book value for Diablo Canyon consistent with the Diablo Canyon closure schedule.

    On March 7, 2018, the Utility submitted a request to the NRC to withdraw its Diablo Canyon license renewal project costs be recovered from customers.  Duringapplication. On April 16, 2018, the nine months ended September 30, 2017,NRC granted the Utility incurred charges of $47 million relatedUtility’s request to the settlement agreement, of which $24 million is for cancelled projects and $23 million is for disallowed license renewal costs.

    Opening and reply briefs were filed on May 26, 2017, and June 16, 2017, respectively, in which no new issues were raised.  On September 14, 2017, the CPUC hosted two public participation hearings in San Luis Obispo, California.  Final oral arguments are scheduled to take place on November 28, 2017.  The Utility expects that a final decision will be issued by the end of 2017.  Upon CPUC approval of the application and such approval becoming final and non-appealable, the Utility will withdraw its license renewal application currently pending before the NRC.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unableapplication.


    On October 16, 2018, in response to predict whetherSB 1090, the CPUC will approveissued a proposed decision addressing the application.

    key remaining goals of the Diablo Canyon joint proposal agreement, including:

    approving the community impact mitigation settlement of $85 million, originally proposed in the joint settlement agreement;
    deferring implementation to its Integrated Resource Planning to ensure that there is no increase in GHG emissions as a result of the Diablo Canyon retirement; and

    approving full funding of the $352.1 million Diablo Canyon employee retention program, originally proposed in the joint settlement agreement.

    California State Lands Commission Lands Lease


    On June 28, 2016, the California State Lands Commission approved a new lands lease for the intake and discharge structures at Diablo Canyon to run concurrently with Diablo Canyon’s current operating licenses until Diablo Canyon Unit 2 ceases operations in August 2025. The Utility believes that the approval of the new lease will ensure sufficient time for the Utility to identify and bring online a portfolio of GHG-free replacement resources. The Utility willintends to submit a future lease extension request to address the period of time required for plant decommissioning, which under NRC regulations can take as long as 60 years. On August 28, 2016, the World Business Academy filed a writ in the Los Angeles Superior Court asserting that the State Lands Commission committed legal error when it determined that the short termshort-term lease extension for an existing facility was exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act, andas well as alleging that the State Lands Commission should be required to perform an environmental review of the new lands lease. The trial took place onOn July 11, 2017, in Los Angeles Superior Court, and the judge dismissed the petition on all grounds, ruling that the State Lands Commission properly determined the short termshort-term lease extension was subject to the existing facilities exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. The World Business Academy had 60 days from entry of judgement to appeal the decision toappealed this decision.  On June 13, 2018, the California Court of Appeals.

    Appeals affirmed the Superior Court ruling. On August 29, 2018, the California Supreme Court denied a petition for review filed by the World Business Academy, rendering the California State Lands Commission's approval of the new lands lease for Diablo Canyon final and non-appealable.




    Asset Retirement Obligations


    The Utility expects that the decommissioning of Diablo Canyon will take many years after the expiration of its current operating licenses. Detailed studies of the cost to decommission the Utility’s nuclear generation facilities are conducted every three years in conjunction with the NDCTP. On May 25, 2017,Actual decommissioning costs may vary from these estimates as a result of changes in assumptions such as regulatory requirements; technology; and costs of labor, materials, and equipment. The Utility recovers its revenue requirements for decommissioning costs from customers through a non-bypassable charge that the CPUC issued aUtility expects will continue until those costs are fully recovered.

    While the adopted 2015 NDCTP forecast includes employee severance program estimates, it does not include estimated costs related to employee retention and retraining and development programs, and the San Luis Obispo County community mitigation program, which were approved in the CPUC’s final decision and in SB 1090. The employee retraining program costs will be included in the 2018 NDCTP forecast. The Utility intends to conduct a site-specific decommissioning study to update the 2015 NDCTP adopting a nuclear decommissioning cost estimate of $1.1 billion for Humboldt Bay, correspondingforecast and to submit the study, along with the NDCTP application, to the Utility’s request, and $2.4 billion for Diablo Canyon, compared to the Utility’s request of $3.8 billion, or 64 percent of its request.  On an aggregate basis, the final decision adopted a $3.5 billion total nuclear decommissioning cost estimate, compared to $4.8 billion requestedCPUC by the Utility.  Compared to the Utility’s estimated cost to decommission Diablo Canyon, the final decision adopts assumptions which lower costs for large component removal, site security, decommissioning contractor staff, spent nuclear fuel storage, and waste disposal.  The Utility can seek recoveryend of these costs in the 2018 NDCTP.  The CPUC’s final decision resulted in a $66 million reduction to the ARO on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the assumed length of the wet cooling period of spent nuclear fuel after plant shut-down.   

    The estimated nuclear decommissioning cost is discounted for GAAP purposes and recognized as an ARO on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The total nuclear decommissioning obligation accrued in accordance with GAAP was $3.4 billion at September 30, 2017, and $3.5 billion at December 31, 2016.  These estimates are based on decommissioning cost studies, prepared in accordance with the CPUC requirements.  Changes in these estimates could materially affect the amount of the recorded ARO for these assets.

    2018.


    As of September 30, 2017, the nuclear decommissioning trust accounts’ total fair value was $3.2 billion.  Changes in the estimated costs, the timing of decommissioning or the assumptions underlying these estimates could cause material revisions to the estimated total cost to decommission.

    The Utility expects to file its 2018 NDCTP application in late 2018 or early 2019.

    December 2018. For more information, see PG&E Corporation’s and"Asset Retirement Obligations" in Note 2 of the Utility’s 2016Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 2017 Form 10-K and its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

    Application to Establish a 10-K.


    Wildfire Expense Memorandum Account 


    On July 26, 2017, the Utility filed an application withJune 21, 2018, the CPUC requestingissued a decision granting the Utility’s request to establish a WEMA to track wildfire expenses and to preserve the opportunity for the Utility to request recoverypurpose of tracking specific incremental wildfire liability costs in excess of insurance at a future date.  Concurrently with this application, the Utility also submitted a motion to the CPUC requesting that the WEMA be deemed effective as of July 26, 2017, such that2017. In the WEMA, the Utility may begin recording costs to the account while the application is pending before the CPUC. 

    Under the WEMA as proposed, the Utility wouldcan record incremental costs related to wildfire,wildfires, including: (1) payments to satisfy wildfire claims, including any deductibles, co-insurance and other insurance expense paid by the Utility but excluding costs that have already been authorizedforecasted and adopted in the Utility’s GRC; (2) outside legal costs incurred in the defense of wildfire claims; (3) insurance premium costs not in rates; and (4) the cost of financing these amounts.  Insurance proceeds, as well as any payments received from third parties, wouldor through FERC authorized rates, will be credited to the WEMA as they are received.  The WEMA wouldwill not include the Utility’s costs for fire response and infrastructure costs which are tracked in the CEMA.  The decision does not grant the Utility rate recovery of any wildfire related costs. Any such rate recovery would be requiredrequire CPUC authorization in a separate proceeding. (See Notes 3 and 9 of the Notes to file an application to seek approvalthe Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1.)


    Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account Applications

    The CPUC allows utilities to recover the reasonable, incremental costs of responding to catastrophic events that have been declared a disaster or state of emergency by competent federal or state authorities through a CEMA. In 2014, the CPUC directed the Utility to perform additional fire prevention and vegetation management work in response to the severe drought in California. The costs associated with this work are tracked in WEMA.  Thethe CEMA. While the Utility believes such costs are recoverable through CEMA, its CEMA applications are subject to CPUC has setapproval.

    2016 CEMA Application

    In 2016, the Utility submitted a prehearing conference on this matter for December 8, 2017. The Utility cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.

    Gas and Electric Safety Citation Program

    The SED periodically audits utility operating practices and conducts investigations of potential violations of laws and regulations applicablerequest to the safetyCPUC to authorize recovery under the CEMA tariff for a revenue requirement increase of the California utilities’ electricapproximately $146 million for recorded capital and natural gas facilities and operations.  The CPUC has delegated authorityexpense costs related to the SED to issue citations2015 drought mitigations and impose penaltiesemergency response activities for violations identifieddeclared disasters that occurred from December 2012 through audits, investigations, or self-reports.  Under both the gas and electric programs, the SED has discretion whether to issue a penalty for each violation, but if it assesses a penalty for a violation, it is required to impose the maximum statutory penalty of $50,000.  The SED may, at its discretion, impose penalties on a daily basis, or on less than a daily basis, for violations that continued for more than one day.

    March 2016. On September 29, 2016, the CPUC issued a final decision adopting improvements and refinements to its gas and electric safety citation programs.  Specifically, the final decision refines the criteria for the SED to use in determining whether to issue a citationJanuary 4, 2018, Cal PA, TURN, and the amount of penalty, setsUtility filed an administrative limit of $8 million per citation issued, makes self-reporting voluntary in both gas and electric programs, adopts detailed criteria for the utilities to use to voluntarily self-report a potential violation, and refines other issues in the programs.  The decision also merges the rules applicable to its gas and electric safety citation programs into a single set of rules that replace the previous safety citation programs and adopts non-substantive changes to these programs so that the programs can be similar in structure and process where appropriate.

    On February 21, 2017, California State Senator Jerry Hill filed a petition for modification of the CPUC’s September 29, 2016 decision regarding the safety citation program.  The petition for modification requests that the decision be modified to reinstate mandatory self-reporting for gas safety potential violations and require gas utilities to notify local governments within 30 days when a self-report is submitted to SED.  Under the request, electric utilities would keep the voluntary self-reporting regime and would not be required to notify local governments, but the CPUC has discretion to direct notification within ten days on a case-by-case basis.  The CPUC’s Office of Safety Advocates filed a response suggesting additional potential modification to the gas and electric safety citation programs.  The Utility cannot predict when or how the CPUC will act on the petition of modification.  

    Other Regulatory Proceedings and Initiatives

    Power Charge Indifference Adjustment OIR

    On April 25, 2017, the Utility, along with Southern California Edison Company and San Diego Gas & Electric Company, filed a joint applicationall-party motion with the CPUC on howseeking approval of an all-party settlement agreement. The settlement agreement proposed that the Utility’s total CEMA revenue requirement request be reduced by $29 million, from $146 million to allocate costs associated with long-term power commitments in a manner that ensures all customers are treated equally.  At issue is how customers within communities that choose to implement CCA power arrangements and those served under direct access pay for their share of$117 million. On June 21, 2018, the costs.  The utilities believe that these customers are not paying their full share of costs associated withCPUC approved the long-term commitments, which results in other customers paying more, which is inconsistent with state law.  The Utility is committed to helping create a cost allocation method that treats all customers fairly and equally, whether they continue to receive service fromsettlement agreement authorizing the Utility or choose a CCA or direct access provider.  The Utility projects that approximately 50 percent ofto recover $117 million in connection with its customers will purchase electricity from a CCA or direct access provider by 2020.  Without changes to the current cost allocation system, a portion of the contract and facilities costs will be shifted to customers who remain with2016 CEMA application.


    2018 CEMA Application

    On March 30, 2018, the Utility or live in areas that do not have access to alternative electricity providers.  The utilities’ joint proposed approach would replace the current system, which is known as the PCIA, with an updated system known as the Portfolio Allocation Methodology.

    On June 29, 2017, the CPUC dismissed the Utility’s joint Portfolio Allocation Methodology application without prejudice and instead approved an OIR to review, revise, and consider alternatives to the PCIA.  The OIR will focus on PCIA within the larger context of consumer choice in energy services, and should not be considered a follow-upsubmitted to the CPUC its 2018 CEMA application requesting cost recovery of $183 million in connection with seven catastrophic events that included fire and Energy Commission Joint En Bancstorm declared emergencies from mid-2016 through early 2017, as well as $405 million related to work performed in 2016 and 2017 to cut back or remove dead or dying trees that were exposed to years of drought conditions and bark beetle infestation. Also, the 2018 CEMA application originally sought cost recovery of $555 million on Customer Choicea forecast basis, subject to true-up if actual costs were greater or less than the forecast, for additional tree mortality and fire risk mitigation work anticipated in California.2018 and 2019. On SeptemberOctober 12, 2018, the Utility notified the CPUC and other parties that $180 million of the forecasted 2018 and 2019 fire risk mitigation costs would be removed from



    CEMA and instead pursued in the FHPMA. Upon removal of the $180 million, the Utility's forecast of costs for 2018 and 2019 sought in the application would be approximately $375 million.

    The 2018 CEMA application does not include costs related to the Butte fire or the October 2017 Northern California wildfires.

    A prehearing conference was held on July 10, 2018, which covered issues related to schedule, scope of costs, interim rate relief, and the engagement of an independent auditor to review tree mortality mitigation costs. On July 25, 2018, the Utility filed a motion for interim rate relief, to authorize collection in rates beginning January 1, 2019, for $441 million of costs incurred in 2016 and 2017 related to storm and wildfire response and mandated tree mortality work. On August 10, 2018, the CPUC issued a scoping memo and ruling establishingprocedural schedule. As directed in the scoping memo, opening and reply briefs on the Utility's request related to recovery of costs on a procedural schedule and a new overall goal to mitigate cost increases for both bundled and departing load customers.  Testimony is scheduled for the first quarter of 2018.  Evidentiary hearings are scheduled for the second quarter offorecast basis were filed on August 31, 2018, and a proposed decision is expected bySeptember 14, 2018, respectively. On November 2, 2018, the third quarter of 2018.

    Customer Choice

    On May 19, 2017, California energy companies, along with other stakeholders discussed customer choiceassigned ALJ denied the Utility's request for interim rate relief.


    PG&E Corporation and the future of California’s electric industry at a CPUC “en banc” meeting.  Specifically, the goal of the meeting was to frame a discussion on the trends thatUtility are driving change within California’s electricity sector and overall clean-energy economy and to lay out elements of a path forward to ensure that California achieves its reliability, affordability, equity, and carbon reduction imperatives while recognizing the important role that technology and customer preferences will play in shaping this future. 

    On October 11, 2017, the CPUC announced the formation of the California Customer Choice Project to examine the issues and produce a report evaluating regulatory framework options in early 2018.  The Commission held an informal public workshop on October 31, 2017, to gather stakeholder input on global and national electric market choice models, including California’s 2020 market.  The project will produce a white paper that will provide a framework to evaluate customer choice models.  The white paper will not present a recommendation nor is it intended to provide the basis for instituting a rulemaking.  The white paper is expected in early 2018 with a final version expected by the second quarter of 2018.  While the CPUC had indicated intent to open an OIR related to customer choice, the Utility is unable to predict ifthe timing and whenoutcome of this proceeding.

    Fire Hazard Prevention Memorandum Account

    The CPUC allows utilities to track and record costs associated with the implementation of regulations and requirements adopted toprotect the public from potential fire hazards associated with overhead powerline facilities and nearby aerial communication facilities that have not been previously authorized in another proceeding. The Utility currently is authorized to track such costs in the FHPMA through the end of 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Utility has recorded $76 million of costs to the FHPMA, corresponding to vegetation management work performed to comply with CPUC December 2017 fire safety regulations. While the Utility believes such costs are recoverable, rate recovery requires CPUC authorization in a separate proceeding or through a GRC. (See Note 3 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1.)
    Other Regulatory Proceedings

    Transportation Electrification

    California Law (SB 350) requires the CPUC, may open an OIR.

    in consultation with the California Air Resources Board and the CEC, to direct electrical corporations to file applications for programs and investments to accelerate widespread TE. In September 2016, the CPUC directed the Utility and the other large IOUs to file TE applications that include both short-term projects (of up to $20 million in total) and two- to five-year programs with a requested revenue requirement determined by the Utility.


    On January 20, 2017, the Utility filed its TE application with the CPUC requesting program funding over five years (2018-2022) related to make-ready infrastructure for TE in medium to heavy-duty vehicle sectors, fast charging stations, and short-term projects that includes a series of TE demonstration projects and pilot programs.

    On January 11, 2018, the CPUC approved, with modifications, four of the five short-term projects proposed by the Utility for a total of approximately $8 million.

    On May 31, 2018, the CPUC issued a final decision approving the Utility’s standard review program proposals for actual expenditures up to approximately $269 million (including $198 million of capital expenditures), to support make-ready infrastructure supporting public fast charging and medium to heavy-duty fleets. In the FleetReady program, the Utility has a goal of providing utility-owned make-ready infrastructure at 700 sites, conducting operation and maintenance of installed infrastructure, and educating customers on the benefits of electric vehicles. The final decision gives customers the option of self-funding, installing, owning, and maintaining the make-ready infrastructure installed beyond the customer meter in lieu of utility ownership, after which they would receive a utility rebate for a portion of those costs. The Fast Charge program has a goal to install make-ready infrastructure at approximately 52 public charging sites amounting to roughly 234 DC fast chargers.

    Electric Distribution Resources Plan


    As required by California law, on July 1, 2015, the Utility filed its proposed DRPelectric distribution resources plan for approval by the CPUC.  The Utility’s plan identifies optimal locations on its electric distribution system for deployment of DERs.  The Utility’s proposal is designed to allow energy technologies to be integrated into the larger grid while continuing to provide customers with safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. 

    On February 27, 2017, the




    The CPUC issued a ruling that seeksdecision on February 15, 2018, requiring the development of a process for incorporating DER forecasts into the DRP that takes into consideration the coordination with other statewide planning and forecasting processes such as the CEC’s Integrated Energy Policy Report.  This ruling mandated the Utility, along with the other California IOUs, to develop a draft joint proposal for the CPUC and stakeholder consideration on the process for developing DER forecasts.  On June 9, 2017, the utilities submitted a draft joint proposal for CPUC and stakeholder consideration.  Comments were submitted by stakeholders on the draft proposal on July 10, 2017.  On August 9, 2017, the CPUC issued a ruling directing all California IOUs to use the CEC’s Integrated Energy Policy reportDER forecast for the 2017-20182018-2019 distribution planning cycle. The August 9, 2017 rulingdecision also requires the Energy DivisionIOUs to work withdevelop an alternative planning forecast scenario in 2018 to better inform DER sourcing policies by establishing a method for calculating costs and benefits for DER grid integration. Historically, the Utility has planned using the CEC forecast and will have the opportunity to adjust forecasts for EV, photovoltaic, and energy storage, if needed during the planning cycle.

    The CPUC's decision also requires the Utility to develop and submit annually a preliminary proposal for DER growth scenarios.grid needs assessment and distribution deferral opportunity report to identify proposed electric distribution investments that could be deferred by deploying DERs. The CPUC will begin workshops to discussdecision also extends the proposals4% pre-tax regulatory incentive mechanism, being piloted in the fourth quarter of 2017 and a final decision is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2018.

    On May 16, 2017, the CPUC issued a ruling requiring stakeholder responses to questions posed in a CPUC staff white paper on grid modernization.  The white paper is aimed at informing the development of a CPUC framework to evaluate grid-modernization investments.  A workshop took place and comments were submitted by stakeholders in June 2017.

    On June 30, 2017, the CPUC issued another ruling soliciting stakeholder responses on questions set forth in a CPUC staff white paper on proposing a DIDF.  The DIDF aims to establish a future process for identifying distribution deferral opportunities for DERs.  Stakeholder comments on DIDF were submitted on August 7, 2017, with reply comments submitted on August 18, 2017.  The CPUC may issue a combined proposed decision on DIDF and grid-modernization in the fourth quarter of 2017.  The Utility is unable to predict when a final CPUC decision approving, disapproving, or modifying the Utility’s DRP will be issued.


    Integrated Distributed Energy Resources Proceeding – Regulatory Incentives Pilot Program

    On April 4, 2016,(IDER) proceeding, to all DER distribution deferral projects. The Utility filed its first grid needs assessment with the CPUC issuedon June 1, 2018, and its first distribution deferral opportunity report on September 4, 2018. The Utility has convened a ruling proposingdistribution planning advisory group, comprised of CPUC staff, ratepayer and environmental advocates, DER market participants, and Utility staff, to establish, on a pilot basis, an interim program offering regulatory incentives toreview the UtilityUtility's grid needs assessment, distribution deferral opportunity report, and the other two large California IOUspotential distribution deferral locations where DER solutions or non-wire alternatives can be considered for the deployment of cost-effective DERs.  The ruling stated that it did not intend for this phase to adopt a new regulatory framework or business model for the California electric utilities.  competitive solicitations.

    On December 22, 2016,March 26, 2018, the CPUC issued a final decision in the proceeding which authorizes a pilot to test a regulatory incentive mechanism through which the Utility will earn a 4% pre-tax incentive on annual payments for DERs, as well as test a regulatory process that will allowrequiring the Utility to competitively solicitinclude a grid modernization plan in the Utility's GRC to address distribution system upgrades required to deploy DERs. The grid modernization plan must include a narrative 10-year vision for investments needed to support DER servicesgrowth, safety, and reliability, and a status update of previously funded DER-related grid modernization GRC projects. On June 25, 2018, the Utility hosted a grid modernization workshop to defer distribution infrastructure.  Each utilityprovide a high-level overview of its grid integration platform and 10-year plan. The Utility is required to conduct at least one pilot, but may conduct upsubmit a grid modernization plan with each GRC application starting with its 2020 GRC application.

    LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY INITIATIVES

    Senate Bill 901

    On September 21, 2018, California's governor signed legislation to three additional pilots.

    In Junestrengthen California's ability to prevent and recover from catastrophic wildfires, including SB 901. Some of the significant highlights of SB 901 include:


    imposing more restrictive forest management practices and providing support and incentives to facilitate that work;

    providing factors that the CPUC should consider when it conducts a review of the reasonableness of costs and expenses arising from a catastrophic wildfire occurring on or after January 1, 2019;

    in applications for cost recovery in connection with the 2017 wildfires, directing the Utility submittedCPUC to consider the electric corporation's financial status and determine the maximum amount a pilot project proposalutility can pay without harming customers or materially impacting its ability to provide adequate and safe service, and ensuring that the costs or expenses that are disallowed for recovery in rates assessed for the wildfires, in the aggregate, do not exceed that amount;
    authorizing the CPUC to issue a financing order that permits recovery, through issuance of recovery bonds (securitization), of wildfire-related costs found to be just and reasonable by the CPUC and, only for the 2017 wildfires, any amounts in excess of the maximum disallowance (see above). Securitization is available, for prudently incurred costs, for the 2017 wildfires and catastrophic wildfires occurring on or after January 1, 2019;

    requiring electric corporations to prepare and submit to the CPUC for approvala wildfire mitigation plan. Among other things, the plan will include a description of the preventive strategies and programs of electric corporations that are designed to begin solicitations.minimize the risk of their electrical lines and equipment causing catastrophic wildfires and protocols related to plan activities. Failure to substantially comply with such plan will result in penalties. The pilot aimsCPUC will consider whether the cost of implementing the plan is just and reasonable in each electric corporation's GRC;

    establishing a Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery to evaluate wildfire reforms, including inverse condemnation reform, a potential state wildfire insurance fund, and other wildfire mitigation measures; and

    prohibiting an electric or gas corporation from recovering expenses for any annual salary, bonus, benefits, or other consideration of any value, paid to an officer of such utility from customers.



    On October 25, 2018, the effectivenessCPUC opened an OIR to implement the wildfire mitigation plan provisions in SB 901. This OIR will only focus on the wildfire mitigation plan of an earnings opportunitySB 901 implementation, and will not address utility cost recovery. Cost recovery associated with SB 901 wildfire mitigation plans will be addressed in motivatingutilities' GRCs.

    Power Charge Indifference Adjustment

    On October 11, 2018, the CPUC approved a decision to modify the PCIA methodology, which adjusts how customers that leave PG&E's bundled service for CCA or Direct Access service, pay for their share of the costs associated with long-term power purchase commitments made on their behalf. The decision better enables utilities to source DERs.  recover their above market costs from departing customers as compared to the current methodology, by:

    adopting benchmark values used to set the PCIA rate that more closely resemble actual market prices for resource adequacy and renewable energy credits;

    allowing legacy utility-owned generation costs to be recovered from CCA customers;

    eliminating the 10-year limit on PCIA cost recovery for post-2002 utility owned generation and certain storage costs; and

    adding an annual true-up to the PCIA rate based on market sales for brown power, with further discussion in phase 2 of the PCIA proceeding regarding true-up of resource adequacy, and renewable energy credits.

    CCA and DA customers will pay a revised PCIA rate starting January 1, 2019. The CPUC also ordered a phase 2 of the PCIA proceeding to develop structures, processes, and rules to govern utility portfolio optimization and management in the future.

    OIR to Consider Strategies and Guidance for Climate Change Adaptation

    On April 26, 2018, the CPUC opened an OIR to consider strategies for integrating climate change adaptation matters into relevant CPUC proceedings.  Phase one will focus on how to integrate climate change adaptation into the IOUs’ existing planning and operations to ensure utility safety and reliability.

    The CPUC OIR will consider:

    how to define climate change adaption for the IOUs;

    the climate-driven risks facing the IOUs;

    data, tools, resources, and guidance to instruct utilities on how to incorporate adaption in their existing planning and operational processes; and

    strategies to address climate change in CPUC proceedings, including impacts on disadvantaged communities.

    On October 17, 2017, the Utility notified the CPUC of potential changes to its pilot project proposal due to the uncertain condition of the Utility’s facilities in the area of the Northern California wildfires.  On October 27, 2017,10, 2018, the CPUC issued a draft resolution that proposed modifications to the Utility’s pilot program.  The CPUCscoping memo and established a procedural schedule for IOUs. A final decision is expected to issue a final resolution by the end of 2017.

    Transportation Electrification Application

    California Law (Senate Bill 350) requires the CPUC,be issued in consultation with the CARB and the CEC, to direct the Utility and electrical corporations to file applications for programs and investments to accelerate widespread TE.  In September 2016, the CPUC directed the Utility and the other large IOUs to file TE applications which include both short-term projects (of up to $20 million in total) and two- to five-year programs with a requested revenue requirement determined by the Utility.  On January 20, 2017, the Utility filed its TE application with the CPUC requesting a total of up to $253 million (approximately $211 million in capital expenditures) in program funding over five years (2018 - 2022) primarilylate 2019.


    For information related to make-ready infrastructure for TE in medium to heavy-duty vehicle sectors.  The CPUC may issue a proposed decision on this requestthe Utility's climate change resiliency strategies see Item 1 in the first quarter of 2018.

    2017 Form 10-K.


    FEDERAL INITIATIVES

    Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure Executive Order

    On May 11, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order “Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure” that includes provisions, among other things, for the executive branch to use its authorities and capabilities to support the cybersecurity risk management efforts of the owners and operators of critical infrastructure.  Among other things, it requires heads of appropriate sector-specific agencies to identify authorities and capabilities that agencies could employ to support the cybersecurity efforts of critical infrastructure entities identified to be at greatest risk of attacks that could reasonably result in catastrophic regional or national effects on public health or safety, economic security, or national security.  It also requires within 180 days of the cybersecurity order, before November 7, 2017, a classified report detailing the findings and recommendations for better supporting the cybersecurity risk management efforts of such entities.  The Utility is unable to predict the impact that the executive order will have on the Utility until the report is released and the federal administration takes steps to implement some or all of the report’s recommendations.

    ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS


    The Utility’s operations are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and permits relating to the protection of the environment and the safety and health of the Utility’s personnel and the public.  These laws and requirements relate to a broad range of the Utility’s activities, including the remediation of hazardous wastes; the reporting and reduction of CO2carbon dioxide and other GHG emissions; the discharge of pollutants into the air, water, and soil; the reporting of safety and reliability measures for natural gas storage facilities; and the transportation, handling, storage, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.  (See Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, as well as “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K.)




    CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTSCOMMITMENTS


    PG&E Corporation and the Utility enter into contractual commitments in connection with future obligations that relate to purchases of electricity and natural gas for customers, purchases of transportation capacity, purchases of renewable energy, and purchases of fuel and transportation to support the Utility’s generation activities.  (See “Purchase Commitments” in Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)Statements in Item 1).  Contractual commitments that relate to financing arrangements include long-term debt, preferred stock, and certain forms of regulatory financing.  For more in-depth discussion about PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s contractual commitments, see “Liquidity and Financial Resources” above and Management’s Discussion and AnalysisMD&A "Contractual Commitments" in Item 7 of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Contractual Commitments in the 20162017 Form 10-K.


    Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


    PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on their financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources, other than those discussed in Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 20162017 Form 10-K (the Utility’s commodity purchase agreements).


    RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES


    PG&E Corporation, mainly through its ownership of the Utility, and the Utility are exposed to market risk, which is the risk thatrisks associated with adverse changes in market conditions will adversely affect net income or cash flows.  PG&E Corporationcommodity prices, interest rates, and the Utility face market risk associated with their operations; their financing arrangements; the marketplace for electricity, natural gas, electric transmission, natural gas transportation, and storage, emissions allowances and offset credits, other goods and services, and other aspects of their businesses.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility categorize market risks as “commodity price risk” and “interest rate risk.”  The Utility is also exposed to “credit risk,” the risk that counterparties fail to perform their contractual obligations. 

    counterparty credit.


    The Utility actively manages market risk through risk management programs designed to support business objectives, discourage unauthorized risk-taking, reduce commodity cost volatility, and manage cash flows.  The Utility uses derivative instruments only for risk mitigation purposes and not for speculative purposes.  The Utility’s risk management activities include the use of physical and financial instruments such as forward contracts, futures, swaps, options, and other instruments and agreements, most of which are accounted for as derivative instruments.  Some contracts are accounted for as leases.  The Utility manages credit risk associated with its counterparties by assigning credit limits based on evaluations of their financial conditions, net worth, credit ratings, and other credit criteria as deemed appropriate.  Credit limits and credit quality are monitored periodically.  These activities are discussed in detail in the 20162017 Form 10-K.  There were no significant developments to the Utility’s and PG&E Corporation’s risk management activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

    2018.


    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES


    The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP involves the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility consider their accounting policies for regulatory assets and liabilities, loss contingencies associated with environmental remediation liabilities and legal and regulatory matters, accounting policies for insurance recoveries, AROs, and pension and other postretirementpost-retirement benefits plans to be critical accounting policies.  These policies are considered critical accounting policies due, in part, to their complexity and because their application is relevant and material to the financial position and results of operations of PG&E Corporation and the Utility, and because these policies require the use of material judgments and estimates.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  These accounting policies and their key characteristics are discussed in detail in the 20162017 Form 10-K.


    ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET ADOPTED


    See the discussion above in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


    This report contains forward-looking statements that are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties.  These statements reflect management’s judgment and opinions whichthat are based on current estimates, expectations, and projections about future events and assumptions regarding these events and management's knowledge of facts as of the date of this report.  These forward-looking statements relate to, among other matters, estimated losses, including penalties and fines, associated with various investigations and proceedings; forecasts of pipeline-related expenses that the Utility will not recover through rates; forecasts of capital expenditures; estimates and assumptions used in critical accounting policies, including those relating to regulatory assets and liabilities, environmental remediation, litigation, third-party claims, and other liabilities; and the level of future equity or debt issuances.  These statements are also identified by words such as “assume,” “expect,” “intend,” “forecast,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potential” and similar expressions.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results.  Some of the factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, or from historical results, include, but are not limited to:


    the impact of the Northern California wildfires, including the costs of restoration of service to customers and repairs to the Utility’s facilities, and whether the Utility iswill be able to timely recover such costs through CEMA;incurred in connection with the Northern California wildfires in excess of the Utility's currently authorized revenue requirements; the timing and outcome of the remaining wildfire investigations by Cal Fire and the CPUC, including into the causes of the wildfires; and whetherextent to which the Utility maywill have liability associated with these fires; the timing and if liable for one or more fires, whether the Utility would be able to recover all or partamount of such costs through insurance or through regulatory mechanisms, to the extent insurance is not available or exhausted; as well asrecoveries; and potential liabilities in connection with fines or penalties that could be imposed on the Utility if the CPUC or any other law enforcement agency broughtwere to bring an enforcement action and determined that the Utility failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations;


    the timing and outcome of the Butte fire litigation, the timing and outcome of any proceeding to recover costs in excess of insurance from customers, if any;through rates; the effect, if any, that the SED’s $8.3 million citations issued in connection with the Butte fire may have on the Butte fire litigation; and whether additional investigations and proceedings in connection with the Butte fire will be opened and any additional fines or penalties imposed on the Utility;


    whether the CPUC approves the Utility’s application to establish a WEMA to track wildfire expensesPG&E Corporation and to preserve the opportunity for the Utility are able to request recoverysuccessfully challenge the application of the doctrine of inverse condemnation to the Northern California wildfires and the Butte fire;

    the timing and outcome of future regulatory and legislative developments in connection with SB 901, including the customer harm threshold in connection with the Northern California wildfires, future wildfire costs in excess ofreforms, including inverse condemnation reform, a potential state wildfire insurance at a future date,fund, and other wildfire mitigation measures;

    the outcome of the Utility's community wildfire safety program that the Utility has developed in coordination with first responders, civic and community leaders, and customers, to help reduce wildfire threats and improve safety as a result of climate-driven wildfires and extreme weather; and the cost of the program, and the timing and outcome of any potential requestproceeding to recover such costs.  Whilecost through rates;

    the amount and timing of additional common stock and debt issuances by PG&E Corporation, including the dilutive impact of common stock issuances to fund PG&E Corporation's equity contributions to the Utility as the Utility incurs charges and costs, including fines, that it cannot recover through rates;

    the timing and outcome of CPUC decision(s) related to the Utility’s March 2018 submissions to the CPUC previously approvedand May 2018 submission to the FERC in connection with the impact of the Tax Act on the Utility’s rate cases and its implementation plan;

    the timing and outcomes of the 2019 GT&S rate case, 2020 GRC, FERC TO18, TO19, and TO20 rate cases, 2018 CEMA, WEMA, tracking accounts for San Diego Gas & Electric Company in 2010, the CPUC currently is considering whether to approve recoveryFHPMA, future cost of costs recorded by San Diego Gas & Electric Company in its WEMA.  On August 22, 2017, the CPUC issued a PD denying San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s cost recovery request; 


    the outcome of the probation and the monitorship imposed as a result ofby the federal court after the Utility’s conviction in the federal criminal trial in 2017, the timing and outcomes of the debarment proceeding, potential reliability penalties or sanctions from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the SED’s unresolved enforcement matters relating to the Utility’s compliance with natural gas-related laws and regulations, and other investigations that have been or may be commenced relating to the Utility’s compliance with natural gas- and electric- related laws and regulations, and ex parte communications, and the ultimate amount of fines, penalties, and remedial costs that the Utility may incur in connection with the outcomes;






    the outcome of the safety culture OII, including its phase two PD issued on October 25, 2018, and future legislative or regulatory actions that may be taken, such as requiring the Utility to separate its electric and natural gas businesses, or restructure into separate entities, or undertake some other corporate restructuring, or implement corporate governance changes;

    whether the Utility can control its costs within the authorized levels of spending, and successfully implementtimely recover its costs through rates; whether the Utility can continue implementing a streamlined organizational structure and achieve project savings, the extent to which the Utility incurs unrecoverable costs that are higher than the forecasts of such costs,costs; and changes in cost forecasts or the scope and timing of planned work resulting from changes in customer demand for electricity and natural gas or other reasons;


    whether the Utility and its third-party vendors and contractors are able to protect the Utility’s operational networks and information technology systems from cyber- and physical attacks, or other internal or external hazards;


    the timing and outcome of the October 1, 2018 request for rehearing of FERC's denial of the complaint filed by the CPUC and certain other parties with the FERC on February 2, 2017 that requests that the Utility provide an open and transparent planning process for its capital transmission projects that do not go through the CAISO’s Transmission Planning Process in order to allow for greater participation and input from interested parties;


    the outcome of current and future self-reports, investigations, or other enforcement proceedings that could be commenced or notices of violation that could be issued relating to the Utility’s compliance with laws, rules, regulations, or orders applicable to its operations, including the construction, expansion, or replacement of its electric and gas facilities, electric grid reliability, inspection and maintenance practices, customer billing and privacy, physical and cyber security,cybersecurity, environmental laws and regulations; and the outcome of existing and future SED notices of violations;

    the timing and outcome of notices of violations in connection with the Yuba City incident;


    the impact of environmental remediation laws, regulations, and orders; the ultimate amount of costs incurred to discharge the Utility’s known and unknown remediation obligations; and the extent to which the Utility is able to recover environmental costs in rates or from other sources;


    the impact of SB 100, which was signed into law on September 10, 2018, that increases the percentage from 50 percent to 60 percent of California’s electricity portfolio that must come from renewables by 2030; and the requirement that 100 percent of all retail electricity sales must come from RPS-eligible or carbon-free resources by 2045;

    how the CPUC and the California Air Resources Board implement state environmental laws relating to GHG, renewable energy targets, energy efficiency standards, DERs, EVs, and similar matters, including whether the Utility is able to continue recovering associated compliance costs, such as the cost of emission allowances and offsets under cap-and-trade regulations; and whether the Utility is able to timely recover its associated investment costs;

    the impact of the California governor's executive order issued on January 26, 2018, to implement a new target of five million zero-emission vehicles on the road in California by 2030;

    the ultimate amount of unrecoverable environmental costs the Utility incurs associated with the Utility’s natural gas compressor station site located near Hinkley, California;

    California and the Utility's fossil fuel-fired generation sites;

    67






    the impact of wildfires, droughts, floods, or other weather-related conditions or events, climate change, natural disasters, acts of terrorism, war, vandalism (including cyber-attacks), downed power lines, and other events, that can cause unplanned outages, reduce generating output, disrupt the Utility’s service to customers, or damage or disrupt the facilities, operations, or information technology and systems owned by the Utility, its customers, or third parties on which the Utility relies, and the reparation and other costs that the Utility may incur in connection with such conditions or events; the impact of the potential inadequacyadequacy of the Utility’s emergency preparedness; whether the Utility incurs liability to third parties for property damage or personal injury caused by such events; whether the Utility is subject to civil, criminal, or regulatory penalties in connection with such events; and whether the Utility’s insurance coverage is available for these types of claims and sufficient to cover the Utility’s liability;


    whether the Utility’s climate change adaptation strategies are successful;

    the breakdown or failure of equipment that can cause damages, including fires, and unplanned outages (such as the power outage on April 21, 2017 in San Francisco, that initial information suggests was due to an equipment failure that led to a fire at Larkin Street substation, and that impacted approximately 88,000 customers);outages; and whether the Utility will be subject to investigations, penalties, and other costs in connection with such events;

    the impact that reductions in customer demand for electricity and natural gas have on the Utility’s ability to make and recover its investments through rates and earn its authorized return on equity, and whether the Utility is successful in addressing the impact of growing distributed and renewable generation resources, changing customer demand for natural gas and electric services, and an increasing number of customers departing PG&E’sthe Utility’s procurement service for CCAs;


    the supply and price of electricity, natural gas, and nuclear fuel; the extent to which the Utility can manage and respond to the volatility of energy commodity prices; the ability of the Utility and its counterparties to post or return collateral in connection with price risk management activities; and whether the Utility is able to recover timely its electric generation and energy commodity costs through rates, including its renewable energy procurement costs;


    the amount and timing of charges reflecting probable liabilities for third-party claims; the extent to which costs incurred in connection with third-party claims or litigation can be recovered through insurance, rates, or from other third parties; and whether the Utility can continue to obtain adequate insurance coverage for future losses or claims, especially following a major event that causes widespread third-party losses;


    the ability of PG&E Corporation and the Utility to access capital markets and other sources of debt and equity financing in a timely manner on acceptable terms;


    changes in credit ratings which could, among other things, result in increasedcash collateral postings, higher borrowing costs and fewer financing options, especially if PG&E Corporation or the Utility were to lose their investment grade credit ratings;


    68




    the outcome of federal or state tax audits and the impact of any changes in federal or state tax laws, policies, regulations, or their interpretation;


    changes in the regulatory and economic environment, including potential changes affecting renewable energy sources and associated tax credits, as a result of the newcurrent federal administration; and


    the impact of changes in GAAP, standards, rules, or policies, including those related to regulatory accounting, and the impact of changes in their interpretation or application.


    Additional information about risks and uncertainties, including more detail about the factors described in this report, is included throughout MD&A, in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and in the 20162017 Form 10-K, including the “Risk Factors” section.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise. 




    Additionally, PG&E Corporation and the Utility routinely provide links to the Utility’s principal regulatory proceedings before the CPUC and the FERC at http://investor.pgecorp.com,, under the “Regulatory Filings” tab, so that such filings are available to investors upon filing with the relevant agency. PG&E Corporation and the Utility also routinely post or provide direct links to presentations, documents, and other information that may be of interest to investors at http://investor.pgecorp.com, under the “News & Events: Events & Presentations” tab and links to certain documents and information related to the Northern California wildfires and the Butte fire which may be of interest to investors, at http://investor.pgecorp.com, under the “Wildfire Updates” tab, in order to publicly disseminate such information. It is possible that any of these regulatory filings or information included therein could be deemed to be material information. The information contained on this website is not part of this or any other report that PG&E Corporation or the Utility files with, or furnishes to, the SEC. PG&E Corporation and the Utility are providing the address to this website solely for the information of investors and do not intend the address to be an active link.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility also routinely post or provide direct links to presentations, documents, and other information that may be of interest to investors at http://investor.pgecorp.com, under the “News & Events: Events & Presentations” tab, in order to publicly disseminate such information.


    69


    PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s primary market risk results from changes in energy commodity prices.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility engage in price risk management activities for non-trading purposes only.  Both PG&E Corporation and the Utility may engage in these price risk management activities using forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps to hedge the impact of market fluctuations on energy commodity prices and interest rates.  (See the section above entitled “Risk Management Activities” in MD&A and in Note 7: Derivatives and Note 8: Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.1.)



    Based on an evaluation of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017, 2018, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s respective principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by PG&E Corporation and the Utility in reports that the companies file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s management, including PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s respective principal executive officers and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


    There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s internal control over financial reporting.


    70




    PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



    In addition to the following legal proceedings, PG&E Corporation and the Utility are involved inparties to various legallawsuits and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of their business. For more information regarding PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s contingencies, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 and Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,MD&A: “Enforcement and Litigation Matters.”

    Butte Fire Litigation

    In September 2015, a wildfire (known as the “Butte fire”) ignited


    Order Instituting an Investigation into PG&E Corporation's and spread in Amador and Calaveras Counties in Northern California.  On April 28, 2016, Cal Fire released its report of the investigation of the origin and cause of the wildfire.  According to Cal Fire’s report, the fire burned 70,868 acres, resulted in two fatalities, destroyed 549 homes, 368 outbuildings and four commercial properties, and damaged 44 structures.  Cal Fire’s report concluded that the wildfire was caused when a gray pine tree contacted the Utility’s electric line which ignited portions of the tree, and determined that the failure by the Utility and/or its vegetation management contractors, ACRT Inc. and Trees, Inc., to identify certain potential hazards during its vegetation management program ultimately led to the failure of the tree.

    On May 23, 2016, individual plaintiffs filed a master complaint against the Utility and its two vegetation management contractors in the Superior Court of California for Sacramento County. Subrogation insurers also filed a separate master complaint on the same date. The California Judicial Council had previously authorized the coordination of all cases in Sacramento County. As of September 30, 2017, 77 known complaints have been filed against the Utility and its two vegetation management contractors in the Superior Court of California in the Counties of Calaveras, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Amador.  The complaints involve approximately 3,770 individual plaintiffs representing approximately 2,080 households and their insurance companies. These complaints are part of or are in the process of being added to the two master complaints. Plaintiffs seek to recover damages and other costs, principally based on inverse condemnation and negligence theories of liability.  Plaintiffs also seek punitive damages.  The number of individual complaints and plaintiffs may increase in the future. The Utility continues mediating and settling cases

    Safety Culture

    In addition, on April 13, 2017, Cal Fire filed a complaint with the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Calaveras, seeking to recover $87 million for its costs incurred on the theory that the Utility and its vegetation management contractors were negligent, among other claims. 

    Also, in May 2017, the OES indicated that it intends to bring a claim against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount of $190 million.  This claim would include costs incurred by the OES for tree and debris removal, infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other claims related to the Butte fire.  Also, in June 2017, the County of Calaveras indicated that it intends to bring a claim against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount of $85 million.  This claim would include costs that the County of Calaveras incurred or expects to incur for infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other costs related to the Butte fire. 

    On April 28, 2017, the Utility moved for summary adjudication on plaintiffs’ claims for punitive damages. 

    On August 10, 2017,27, 2015, the Court deniedCPUC began a formal investigation into whether the Utility’s motion on the grounds that plaintiffs might be able to show conscious disregard for public safety based on the fact that the Utility relied on contractors to fulfill their contractual obligation to hireorganizational culture and train qualified employees.  On August 16, 2017, the Utility filed a writ with the Courtgovernance of Appeals challenging this novel theory of punitive damages liability.  The Court of Appeals accepted the writ on September 15, 2017 and ordered the trial court and plaintiffs to show cause why the relief requested by the Utility should not be granted.  Briefing on the writ should be completed by early 2018.

    In the third quarter of 2017, the Utility reached settlements with plaintiffs in the “preference” trial involving six households and with the plaintiffs in the representative trial that had been scheduled for August 2017 and October 2017, respectively.  While there are no trials related to the Butte fire currently scheduled, one plaintiff has moved for a preference trial involving one household.  The motion is set for hearing on December 1, 2017.

    On October 25, 2017, the Utility filed a motion to stay the trial court proceedings pending a decision by the Court of Appeals on the pending writ of mandate regarding punitive damages.  A hearing on the stay motion is calendared for December 1, 2017.

    For more information regarding the Butte fire, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 


    San Bruno Derivative Litigation

    As previously disclosed, on July 18, 2017, the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (the “Court”) approved the settlement agreement reached by the parties in the San Bruno Fire Derivative Cases to resolve the consolidated shareholder derivative lawsuit and certain additional claims against certain current and former officers and directors (the “Individual Defendants”).  Also, as of July 19, 2017, the three cases, Tellardin v. Anthony F. Earley, Jr., et al., Iron Workers Mid-South Pension Fund v. Johns, et al., and Bushkin v. Rambo, et al (the “Additional Derivative Cases”) were dismissed.  The settlement will become effective when all procedural conditions specified in the settlement stipulation are satisfied.  PG&E Corporation recorded $65 million in proceeds from insurance, net of plaintiff costs to its Condensed Consolidated Income Statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

    PG&E Corporation and the Utility also agreed, under their indemnification obligationsprioritize safety and adequately direct resources to promote accountability and achieve safety goals and standards. The CPUC directed the SED to evaluate the Utility’s and PG&E Corporation’s organizational culture, governance, policies, practices, and accountability metrics in relation to the Individual Defendants,Utility’s record of operations, including its record of safety incidents. The CPUC authorized the SED to pay $18.3 millionengage a consultant to assist in the SED’s investigation and the preparation of a report containing the SED’s assessment.


    On May 8, 2017, the CPUC released the consultant’s report, accompanied by a scoping memo and ruling. The scoping memo establishes a second phase in this OII in which the CPUC will evaluate the safety recommendations of the Individual Defendants’ costs, fees,consultant that may lead to the CPUC’s adoption of the recommendations in the report, in whole or in part. This phase of the proceeding will also consider all necessary measures, including, but not limited to, a potential reduction of the Utility’s return on equity until any recommendations adopted by the CPUC are implemented.

    On November 17, 2017, the CPUC issued a phase two scoping memo and expenses incurredprocedural schedule. The scoping memo directed the Utility to file testimony addressing a number of issues including: adoption of the safety recommendations from the consultant, the Utility’s implementation process for the safety recommendations of the consultant, the Utility’s Board of Director’s actions and initiatives related to safety culture and the consultant’s recommendations, the Utility’s corrective action program, and the Utility’s response to certain specified safety incidents that occurred in 2013 through 2015.

    The CPUC retained the same consultant to prepare a second report on the Utility's safety culture and governance with respect to the Utility's implementation plan in response to the consultant's recommendations. The consultant's report is expected to be completed by the end of November 2018.

    On October 25, 2018, the assigned ALJ issued a PD in connection with respondingthis proceeding. If adopted, the Utility would be required to defendingimplement the recommendations set forth in the May 2017 consultant report no later than July 1, 2019, and settlingto submit quarterly reports on the San Bruno Fire Derivative Casesstatus of their implementation beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018. The PD, if adopted, would not result in the adoption of safety performance metrics and targets at this time, but they could be considered in the future. Additionally, the PD directs the assigned CPUC commissioner and the Additional Derivative Cases, including certain feesALJ to develop a process for a remedial phase and expenses for investigating these claims.  The $18.3 million has been paid, with the majority reflected in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial statements through December 31, 2016.

    In addition, pursuant to the settlement agreement, issue a scoping memo.


    PG&E Corporation and the Utility will implement certain corporate governance therapeutics for five years, and the Utility will implement certain gas operations therapeutics and maintain certain of them for three years, at an estimated cost of upare unable to approximately $32 million.  The Court also directed PG&E Corporation to provide at least quarterly reports to the Court and to the City of San Bruno summarizing the progresspredict whether additional fines, penalties, or other ratemaking tools such as a potential reduction of the implementation ofUtility's return on equity will be adopted by the corporate governance and gas operations therapeutics.

    For additional information regarding these matters, see “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” inCPUC.


    The earliest the 2016 Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reportsCPUC could vote on Form 10-Q and Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

    Other Enforcement Matters

    Fines may be imposed, or other regulatory or governmental enforcement action could be taken, with respect to the Utility’s self-reports of non-compliance with electric and natural gas safety regulations and other enforcement matters.  See the discussion entitled “Enforcement and Litigation Matters” above in Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  In addition, see “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the 2016 Form 10-K.

    this PD is November 29, 2018.


    Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant


    For more information regarding the status of the 2003 settlement agreement between the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Utility, and the California Attorney General’s Office, see “PartPart I, Item 3. Legal"Legal Proceedings” in the 20162017 Form 10-K.



    For information about the significant risks that could affect PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows, see the section of the 20162017 Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors,” as supplemented below, and the section of this quarterly report entitled “Cautionary Language Forward-Looking“Forward-Looking Statements.”




    PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulting from the impact of the Northern California wildfires.  ThePG&E Corporation and the Utility also expect to be the subject of additional lawsuits and could be the subject of lawsuits, additional investigations, citations, fines or enforcement actions.

    PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulting from the impact of the multiple wildfires that spread through Northern California, wildfires.  The Utility estimates that it will incur costsincluding Napa, Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Nevada, and Yuba Counties, as well as in the range of $160 million to $200 million for service restoration and repairsarea surrounding Yuba City, beginning on October 8, 2017 (the “Northern California wildfires”).  According to the Utility’s facilities (includingCal Fire California Statewide Fire Summary dated October 30, 2017, at the peak of the wildfires, there were 21 major wildfires in Northern California that, in total, burned over 245,000 acres and destroyed an estimated $60 million to $80 million8,900 structures. The wildfires resulted in capital expenditures) in44 fatalities. 
    Cal Fire issued its determination on the causes of 17 of the Northern California wildfires, and alleged that each of these fires involved the Utility's equipment. The remaining wildfires remain under Cal Fire's investigation, including the possible role of the Utility's power lines and other facilities. Additionally, the Northern California wildfires are under investigation by the CPUC's SED.
    In connection with these fires.  While the Utility believes that such costs are recoverable through CEMA, its CEMA requests are subject to CPUC approval.  The Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affectedNorthern California wildfires, if the Utility were unable to recover such costs.

    If the Utility’s facilities, such as its electric distribution and transmission lines, are determined to be the cause of one or more fires, and the theorydoctrine of inverse condemnation applies, the Utility could be liable for property damages,damage, interest, and attorneys’ fees without having been found negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial.  Courtssubstantial and have imposed liability undera material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  (See “The doctrine of inverse condemnation, policyif applied by courts in litigation to actions by property holders against utilities onwhich PG&E Corporation or the grounds that losses borne byUtility are subject, could significantly expand the person whose property was damaged through a public use undertaking should be spread across the community that benefittedpotential liabilities from such undertakinglitigation and based onmaterially negatively affect PG&E Corporation’s and the assumption that utilities haveUtility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows” in PG&E Corporation and the ability to recover these costs from their customers.Utility’s 2017 Form 10-K, Item 1A, Risk Factors.)  In addition to such claims for property damage, interest, and attorneys’ fees, as well as claims under other theories of liability, the Utility could be liable for fire suppression costs, evacuation costs, medical expenses, personal injury damages, and other damages under other theories of liability, including if the Utility were found to have been negligent, which liability, in the aggregate, could be substantial.  Thesubstantial and have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  Further, the Utility also could be subject to material fines or penalties if the CPUC or any other law enforcement agency brought an enforcement action, including as a result of the referral by Cal Fire of certain investigation reports to the appropriate county District Attorney's offices, and determined that the Utility failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

    On September 6, 2018, the California Department of Insurance issued a news release announcing an update on property losses in connection with the October and December 2017 wildfires in California. As of that date, insurers have received nearly 55,000 insurance claims totaling more than $12.28 billion in losses, of which approximately $10 billion relates to statewide claims from the Northern California wildfires. The balance relates to claims from the Southern California December 2017 wildfires. That news release reflected insured property losses only. Also, that amount did not account for uninsured losses, interest, attorneys’ fees, fire suppression and clean-up costs, personal injury and wrongful death damages or other costs. If PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unablewere to reasonably estimatebe found liable for certain or all of such other costs and expenses, including the potential liabilities outlined above, the amount of possiblethe liability could significantly exceed the approximately $10 billion in estimated insured property losses (or range of amounts) given the preliminary stages of the investigations and uncertainty aswith respect to the causes of the firesNorthern California wildfires. As a result, PG&E Corporation’s and the extentUtility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and magnitude of damages.

    cash flows could be materially affected.
     

    As of October 31, 2017,PG&E Corporation and the Utility is awarealso are the subject of ninea still increasing number of lawsuits one of which seeks to be designated as a class action, that have been filed against PG&E Corporation and the Utility in Sonoma, Napa and San Francisco Counties’ Superior Courts.  The lawsuits allege, among other things, negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass, and private nuisance.  They principally assert that PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s alleged failureCourts, several of which seek to maintain and repair their distribution and transmission lines and failure to properly maintain the vegetation surrounding such lines were the cause of the fires.  The plaintiffs seekbe certified as class actions, asserting damages that include wrongful death, personal injury, property damage, evacuation costs, medical expenses, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and other damages. In addition, two insurance carriers who have made payments to their insureds for property damage arising out of the fires have filed 36 subrogation complaints in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Further, several derivative lawsuits alleging claims for breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment were filed in the San Francisco County Superior Court and two purported securities class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. PG&E Corporation and the Utility mayexpect to be the subject of additional lawsuits in connection with the Northern California wildfires.

    The Utility has approximately $800 million in liability insurance for potential losses that may result from these fires.  Ifwildfire litigation could take a number of years to be resolved because of the Utility were held liable for one or morecomplexity of the matters, including the ongoing investigation into the causes of the fires and the Utility’s insurance were insufficient to cover that liability orgrowing number of parties and claims involved. 




    PG&E Corporation and the Utility have liability insurance from various insurers, which provides coverage for third-party liability attributable to the Northern California wildfires in an aggregate amount of approximately $840 million, subject to an initial self-insured retention of $10 million per occurrence and further retentions of approximately $40 million per occurrence. In addition, coverage limits within these wildfire insurance policies could result in further material self-insured costs in the event each fire were deemed to be a separate occurrence under the terms of the insurance policies. Further, the $2.5 billion charge recorded by PG&E Corporation and the Utility for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 exceeds the amount of their insurance coverage. 
    In addition, it could take a number of years before the Utility’s final liability is known and the Utility could apply for recovery of costs in excess of insurance. While the CPUC has authorized the Utility to track certain wildfire costs in its WEMA, the Utility will be required to submit a separate request with the CPUC in the future for recovery of those costs.  The Utility may be unable to fully recover costs in excess of insurance through regulatory mechanisms either of whichand, even if such recovery is possible, it could take a number of years to resolve and a number of years to collect. 

    PG&E Corporation and the Utility have considered certain actions that might be taken to attempt to address liquidity needs of the business in such circumstances, but the inability to recover costs in excess of insurance through increases in rates and by collecting such rates in a timely manner, or any negative assessment by the Utility of the likelihood or timeliness of such recovery and collection, could have a material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.  (See “If the Utility is unable to recover all or a significant portion of its excess costs in connection with the Northern California wildfires and the Butte fire through ratemaking mechanisms, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.  If the Utility were to determine that it is both probable that a material loss has occurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, a liability would be recorded consistentaffected” below.)
    Losses in connection with the principles discussed in Note 9 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  To the extent not offset by insurance recoveries determined to be similarly probable and estimable, the liabilitywildfires would affect the balance sheet equity oflikely require PG&E Corporation and the Utility to seek financing, which could adversely impactmay not be available on terms acceptable to PG&E Corporation’s andCorporation or the Utility’s credit ratings and their ability to declare and pay dividends, efficiently raise capital, comply with financial covenants, and meet financial obligations.Utility, or at all, when required.  (See “Risks Related to Liquidity and Capital Requirements” in the 2016Item 1A Risk Factors in 2017 Form 10-K.)


    Uncertainties relating to and market perception of these matters and the disclosure of findings regarding these matters over time, also could lead tocontinue or increase volatility in the market for PG&E Corporation’s common stock and other securities, and for the securities of the Utility, and could materially affect the price of such securities.


    For additionalmore information about risksthe Northern California wildfires, see Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1.

    If the Utility is unable to recover all or a significant portion of its excess costs in connection with the Northern California wildfires and the Butte fire through ratemaking mechanisms, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially affected.

    As of September 30, 2018, the Utility incurred substantial costs in connection with the Northern California wildfires and the Butte fire in excess of costs currently in rates, some of which currently are or are expected to be recorded in the future in its WEMA, 2018 CEMA and FHPMA accounts.

    There can be no assurance that the Utility will be allowed to recover costs recorded in those accounts in the future.  For example, while the CPUC previously approved WEMA tracking accounts for San Diego Gas & Electric Company in 2010, in December 2017, the CPUC denied recovery of costs that San Diego Gas & Electric Company stated it incurred as a result of the doctrine of inverse condemnation, holding that the inverse condemnation principles of strict liability are not relevant to the CPUC’s prudent manager standard.  San Diego Gas & Electric, the Utility, and Southern California Edison filed requests for rehearing of that decision. On July 12, 2018, the CPUC voted out a decision denying the requests for rehearing. 

    PG&E Corporation and the Utility facehave considered certain actions that might be taken to attempt to address liquidity needs of the business in such circumstances, but the inability to recover all or a significant portion of costs in excess of insurance through increases in rates and by collecting such rates in a timely manner, or any negative assessment by the Utility of the likelihood or timeliness of such recovery and collection, could have a material effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.



    PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial results will be affected by their ability to continue accessing the capital markets and by the terms of debt and equity financings.

    PG&E Corporation and the Utility will continue to seek funds in the capital and credit markets to enable the Utility to make capital investments, and to pay fines that may be imposed in the future, as well as legal and regulatory costs. PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s ability to access the capital and credit markets and the costs and terms of available financing depend primarily on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s credit ratings and outlook. Their credit ratings and outlook can be affected by many factors, including pending or anticipated litigation, the pending Cal Fire and CPUC investigations and CPUC ratemaking proceedings, substantial legislative or judicial changes to the application of inverse condemnation, and by the December 20, 2017 decision of the Boards of Directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility to suspend dividends, as well as the perceived impact of all such matters on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, whether or not such perception is accurate.

    During 2018, PG&E Corporation's and the Utility's credit ratings were subject to multiple downgrades by Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. If PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s credit ratings were to be further downgraded, in particular to below investment grade, their ability to access the capital and credit markets would be negatively affected and could result in higher borrowing costs, fewer financing options, including reduced, or lack of, access to the commercial paper market and additional collateral posting requirements, which in turn could affect liquidity and lead to an increased financing need. Other factors can affect the availability and terms of debt and equity financing, including changes in the federal or state regulatory environment affecting energy companies generally or PG&E Corporation and the Utility in particular, the overall health of the energy industry, an increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve Bank, and general economic and financial market conditions.

    The reputations of PG&E Corporation and the Utility continue to suffer from the negative publicity about matters discussed under “Enforcement and Litigation Matters” in Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings and Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1. The negative publicity and the uncertainty about the outcomes of these matters may undermine confidence in management’s ability to execute its business strategy and restore a constructive regulatory environment, which could adversely impact PG&E Corporation’s stock price. Further, the market price of PG&E Corporation common stock could decline materially depending on the outcome of these matters. The amount and timing of future share issuances also could affect the stock price.

    PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial results could be materially affected as a result of legislative and regulatory developments.
    The Utility’s financial results could be materially affected as a result of SB 901 recently adopted by the California legislature. Following SB 901, in applications for cost recovery in connection with respectthe 2017 wildfires, the CPUC is expected to consider the Utility’s financial status and determine the maximum amount the Utility can pay without harming customers or materially impacting its ability to provide adequate and safe service, and ensure that the costs or expenses that are disallowed for recovery in rates assessed for the wildfires, see “in the aggregate, do not exceed that amount. The Utility is unable to predict the timing or outcome of such future determination by the CPUC and its impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

    In addition, SB 901 requires utilities to submit annual wildfire mitigation plans for approval by the CPUC on a schedule to be established by the CPUC.  The wildfire mitigation plan must include the components specified in SB 901, such as identification and prioritization of wildfire risks, and drivers for those risks; plans for vegetation management; actions to harden the system, prepare for, and respond to events; and protocols for disabling reclosers and deenergizing the system.  The CPUC has three months to approve a utility’s plan, with the ability to extend the deadline.  The CPUC will conduct an annual compliance review, which will be supported by an independent evaluator’s report.  The CPUC will complete the compliance review within 18 months.  SB 901 establishes factors to be considered by the CPUC when setting penalties for failure to substantially comply with the plan.  Costs associated with the wildlife mitigation plan are tracked in a memorandum account, and the costs of implementing the plan will be assessed in each utility’s General Rate Case proceeding.  The Utility is unable to predict the timing or outcome of the CPUC’s review of the wildfire mitigation plan, the results of the CPUC compliance review of wildfire mitigation plan implementation, or the timing or extent of cost recovery for wildfire mitigation plan activities.



    Finally, SB 901 established a Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery to evaluate wildfire reforms, including inverse condemnation reform, a potential state wildfire insurance fund, and other wildfire mitigation measures. The commission, which will be composed of members with demonstrated expertise in insurance, public and private utilities, or allocation of costs and reduction of damage associated with wildfires, will hold multiple meetings throughout the state to accept public and expert testimony and develop recommendations. The commission, in consultation with the CPUC and California Insurance Commissioner, will prepare a report on or before July 1, 2019, that contains an assessment of issues surrounding catastrophic wildfire costs and damages and makes recommendations for changes to the law. The recommendations of the commission and the response by the Governor and legislature to those recommendations could materially affect PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. (See “Regulatory Matters -Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives” in Item 7. MD&A.)

    Severe weather conditions, extended drought and shifting climate patterns could materially affect PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.
    Extreme weather, extended drought and shifting climate patterns have intensified the challenges associated with wildfire management in California. The Utility's service territory encompasses some of the most densely forested areas in California and, as a consequence, is subject to higher risk from vegetation-related ignition events than other California IOUs. Further, environmental extremes, such as drought conditions followed by periods of wet weather, can drive additional vegetation growth (which can then fuel fires) and influence both the likelihood and severity of extraordinary wildfire events.  In California, over the past five years, inconsistent and extreme precipitation, coupled with more hot days, have increased the wildfire risk and made wildfire outbreaks increasingly difficult to manage.  In particular, the risk posed by wildfires has increased in the Utility’s service area as a result of an extended period of drought, bark beetle infestations in the California forest and wildfire fuel increases due to record rainfall following the drought, and strong wind events, among other environmental factors. Contributing factors other than environmental can include local land use policies and historical forestry management practices.  The combined effects of extreme weather and climate change also impact this risk. For example, in 2017, there were nearly double the number of wildfires than the annual average, including five of the most devastating wildfires in California's history. On January 19, 2018, the CPUC approved a statewide fire-threat map that shows that most of the Utility's service territory is facing "elevated" or "extreme" fire danger. Approximately 25,000 circuit miles of the Utility's nearly 81,000 distribution overhead circuit miles and approximately 5,500 miles of the nearly 18,000 transmission overhead circuit miles are in such high-fire threat areas, significantly more in total than other California IOUs.
    Severe weather events and other natural disasters, including wildfires and other fires, storms, tornadoes, floods, heat waves, drought, earthquakes, tsunamis, rising sea levels, pandemics, solar events, electromagnetic events, or other natural disasters such as wildfires, could result in severe business disruptions, prolonged power outages, property damage, injuries or loss of life, significant decreases in revenues and earnings, and/or significant additional costs to PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  Any such event could have a material effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.  Any of such events also could lead to significant claims against the Utility. Further, these events could result in regulatory penalties and disallowances, particularly if the Utility encounters difficulties in restoring power to its customers on a timely basis or if the related losses are found to be the result of the Utility’s practices and/or the failure of electric and other equipment of the Utility.

    Further, the Utility has been studying the potential effects of climate change (increased temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, rising sea levels) on the Utility’s operations and is developing contingency plans to adapt to those events and conditions that the Utility believes are most significant.  Scientists project that climate change will increase electricity demand due to more extreme, persistent and hot weather.  As a result, the Utility’s hydroelectric generation could change and the Utility would need to consider managing or acquiring additional generation.  If the Utility increases its reliance on conventional generation resources to replace hydroelectric generation and to meet increased customer demand, it may become more costly for the Utility to comply with GHG emissions limits. In addition, flooding caused by rising sea levels could damage the Utility’s facilities, including gas, generation, and electric transmission and distribution assets.  The Utility could incur substantial costs to repair or replace facilities, restore service, or compensate customers and other third parties for damages or injuries.  The Utility anticipates that the increased costs would be recovered through rates, but as rate pressures increase, the likelihood of disallowance or non-recovery may increase. 
    Events or conditions caused by climate change could have a greater impact on the Utility’s operations than the Utility’s studies suggest and could result in lower revenues or increased expenses, or both.  If the CPUC fails to adjust the Utility’s rates to reflect the impact of events or conditions caused by climate change, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially affected.



    The Utility’s electricity and natural gas operations are inherently hazardous and involve significant risks which, if they materialize, can adversely affect PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial results.condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. 
    The Utility owns and operates extensive electricity and natural gas facilities, including two nuclear generation units and an extensivehydroelectric generating system.  (See “Electric Utility Operations” and “Natural Gas Utility Operations” in Item 1. Business of the Form 10-K.)  The Utility’s ability to earn its authorized ROE depends on its ability to efficiently maintain, operate, and protect its facilities, and provide electricity and natural gas services safely and reliably.  The Utility undertakes substantial capital investment projects to construct, replace, and improve its electricity and natural gas facilities.  In addition, the Utility is obligated to decommission its electricity generation facilities at the end of their useful operating lives, and the CPUC approved retirement of Diablo Canyon by 2024 and 2025. 

    The Utility’s ability to safely and reliably operate, maintain, construct and decommission its facilities is subject to numerous risks, many of which are beyond the Utility’s control, including those that arise from: 
    the breakdown or failure of equipment, electric transmission or distribution lines, or natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines, that can cause explosions, fires, or other catastrophic events;
    an overpressure event occurring on natural gas facilities due to equipment failure, incorrect operating procedures or failure to follow correct operating procedures, or welding or fabrication-related defects, that results in the failure of downstream transmission pipelines or distribution assets and uncontained natural gas flow;
    the failure to maintain adequate capacity to meet customer demand on the gas system that results in customer curtailments, controlled/uncontrolled gas outages, gas surges back into homes, serious personal injury or loss of life;
    a prolonged statewide electrical black-out that results in damage to the Utility’s equipment or damage to property owned by customers or other third parties;
    the failure to fully identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards that result in serious injury or loss of life for employees or the public, environmental damage, or reputational damage;
    the release of radioactive materials caused by a nuclear accident, seismic activity, natural disaster, or terrorist act;
    the failure of a large dam or other major hydroelectric facility, or the failure of one or more levees that protect land on which the Utility’s assets are built;
    the failure to take expeditious or sufficient action to mitigate operating conditions, facilities, or equipment, that the Utility has identified, or reasonably should have identified, as unsafe, which failure then leads to a catastrophic event (such as a wild land fire or natural gas explosion);
    inadequate emergency preparedness plans and the failure to respond effectively to a catastrophic event that can lead to public or employee harm or extended outages;
    operator or other human error;
    an ineffective records management program that results in the failure to construct, operate and maintain
    a utility system safely and prudently;
    construction performed by third parties that damages the Utility’s underground or overhead facilities, including, for example, ground excavations or “dig-ins” that damage the Utility’s underground pipelines;
    the release of hazardous or toxic substances into the air, water, or soil, including, for example, gas leaks from natural gas storage facilities; releases of greenhouse gases; flaking lead-based paint from the Utility’s facilities, and leaking or spilled insulating fluid from electrical equipment; and
    attacks by third parties, including cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism, vandalism, or war.


    The occurrence of any of these events could interrupt fuel supplies; affect demand for electricity or natural gas; cause unplanned outages or reduce generating output; damage the Utility’s assets or operations; damage the assets or operations of third parties on which the Utility relies; damage property owned by customers or others; and cause personal injury or death.  As a result, the Utility could incur costs to purchase replacement power, to repair assets and restore service, and to compensate third parties.  Any of such incidents also could lead to significant claims against the Utility.
    Further, although the Utility often enters into agreements for third-party contractors to perform work, such as patrolling and inspection of facilities or the construction or demolition or facilities, the Utility may retain liability for the quality and completion of the contractor’s work and can be subject to penalties or other enforcement action if the contractor violates applicable laws, rules, regulations, or orders.  The Utility may also be subject to liability, penalties or other enforcement action as a result of personal injury or death caused by third-party contractor actions. 
    Insurance, equipment warranties, or other contractual indemnification requirements may not be sufficient or effective to provide full or even partial recovery under all circumstances or against all hazards or liabilities to which the Utility may become subject.  An uninsured loss could have a material effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. 

    The Utility’s insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover losses caused by an operating failure or catastrophic event,events, including severe weather events, or may not becomebe available at a reasonable cost, or available at allall.
    The Utility has experienced increased costs and difficulties in Item 1A. Risk Factorsobtaining insurance coverage for wildfires that could arise from the Utility’s ordinary operations.  PG&E Corporation, the Utility or its contractors and customers could continue to experience coverage reductions and/or increased wildfire insurance costs in future years.  No assurance can be given that future losses will not exceed the limits of the 2016 Form 10-K.

    Utility’s insurance coverage.  Uninsured losses and increases in the cost of insurance may not be recoverable in customer rates.  A loss which is not fully insured or cannot be recovered in customer rates could materially affect PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

    As a result of the potential application to investor-owned utilities of a strict liability standard under the doctrine of inverse condemnation, recent losses recorded by insurance companies, the risk of increase of wildfires including as a result of the ongoing drought, the Northern California wildfires, and the Butte fire, the Utility may not be able to obtain sufficient insurance coverage in the future at a reasonable cost, or at all.  In addition, the Utility is unable to predict whether it would be allowed to recover in rates the increased costs of insurance or the costs of any uninsured losses.
    If the amount of insurance is insufficient or otherwise unavailable, or if the Utility is unable to obtain insurance at a reasonable cost or recover in rates the costs of any uninsured losses, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially affectedaffected.

    A cyber incident, cyber security breach, severe natural event or physical attack on the Utility’s operational networks and information technology systems could have a material effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

    The Utility’s electricity and natural gas systems rely on a complex, interconnected network of generation, transmission, distribution, control, and communication technologies, which can be damaged by natural events-such as severe weather or seismic events-and by malicious events, such as cyber and physical attacks.  Private and public entities, such as the ultimate amountNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation, and U.S. Government Departments, including the Departments of third-party liabilityDefense, Homeland Security and Energy, and the White House, have noted that cyber-attacks targeting utility systems are increasing in sophistication, magnitude, and frequency.  The Utility’s operational networks also may face new cyber security risks due to modernizing and interconnecting the existing infrastructure with new technologies and control systems.  Any failure or decrease in the functionality of the Utility’s operational networks could cause harm to the public or employees, significantly disrupt operations, negatively impact the Utility’s ability to safely generate, transport, deliver and store energy and gas or otherwise operate in the most safe and efficient manner or at all, and damage the Utility’s assets or operations or those of third parties. 


    The Utility also relies on complex information technology systems that allow it to create, collect, use, disclose, store and otherwise process sensitive information, including the Utility’s financial information, customer energy usage and billing information, and personal information regarding customers, employees and their dependents, contractors, and other individuals. In addition, the Utility incurs in connections withoften relies on third-party vendors to host, maintain, modify, and update its systems, and to provide other services to the Butte fire.

    In September 2015, a wildfire (known as the “Butte fire”) ignited and spread in Amador and Calaveras Counties in Northern California.  On April 28, 2016, Cal Fire released its report of the investigation of the origin and cause of the wildfire.  Cal Fire’s report concluded that the wildfire was caused when a gray pine tree contactedUtility or the Utility’s electric line which ignited portions ofcustomers.  These third-party vendors could cease to exist, fail to establish adequate processes to protect the tree,Utility’s systems and determined thatinformation, or experience security incidents or inadequate security measures.  Any incidents or disruptions in the failure byUtility’s information technology systems could impact the Utility and/Utility’s ability to track or its vegetation management contractors, ACRT Inc.collect revenues and Trees, Inc., to identify certain potential hazards during its vegetation management program ultimately led to the failure of the tree.

    As of September 30, 2017, 77 known complaints have been filed against themaintain effective internal controls over financial reporting.

    The Utility and its two vegetation management contractorsthird-party vendors have been subject to, and will likely continue to be subject to breaches and attempts to gain unauthorized access to the Utility’s information technology systems or confidential data (including information about customers and employees), or to disrupt the Utility’s operations.  None of these breaches or attempts has individually or in the Superior Court of Californiaaggregate resulted in the Counties of Calaveras, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Amador.  The complaints involve approximately 3,770 individual plaintiffs representing approximately 2,080 households and their insurance companies.  These complaints are part of or are in the process of being added to two master complaints.  Plaintiffs seek to recover damages and other costs, principally based on inverse condemnation and negligence theories of liability.  Plaintiffs also seek punitive damages.  The number of individual complaints and plaintiffs may increase in the future.  The Utility continues mediating and settling cases.

    In addition, on April 13, 2017, Cal Fire filed a complaintsecurity incident with the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Calaveras, seeking to recover $87 million for its costs incurred on the theory that the Utility and its vegetation management contractors were negligent, among other claims.  Also, in May 2017, the OES indicated that it intends to bring a claim against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount of $190 million.  This claim would include costs incurred by the OES for tree and debris removal, infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other claims related to the Butte fire.  Also, in June 2017, the County of Calaveras indicated that it intends to bring a claim against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount of $85 million.  This claim would include costs that the County of Calaveras incurred or expects to incur for infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other costs related to the Butte fire. 


    The Utility currently believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss of at least $1.1 billion, increased from the $750 million previously estimated as of December 31, 2016, in connection with the Butte fire.  In addition, while this amount includes the Utility’s early assumptions about fire suppression costs (including its assessment of the Cal Fire loss), it does not include any significant portion of the estimated claims from the OES and the County of Calaveras.  The Utility still does not have sufficient information to reasonably estimate any liability it may have for these additional claims.

    The process for estimating costs associated with claims relating to the Butte fire requires management to exercise significant judgment based on a number of assumptions and subjective factors. As more information becomes known, including additional discovery from the plaintiffs and results from the ongoing mediation and settlement process, management estimates and assumptions regarding the financial impact of the Butte fire may change. A change in management’s estimates or assumptions could result in an adjustment that could have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition and the results of operations during the period such change occurred. 

    Through September 30, 2017, the amounts accrued in connection with claims relating to the Butte fire have exceeded the Utility’s liability insurance coverage.  Whileoperations.  Despite implementation of security and control measures, there can be no assurance that the Utility filed an application withwill be able to prevent the CPUC requesting approvalunauthorized access to establish a WEMA to track wildfire expenses and to preserveits operational networks, information technology systems or data, or the opportunity fordisruption of its operations.  Such events could subject the Utility to request recoverysignificant expenses, claims by customers or third parties, government inquiries, penalties for violation of wildfire costsapplicable privacy laws, investigations, and regulatory actions that could result in material fines and penalties, loss of customers and harm to PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s reputation, any of which could have not otherwise been recovered through in insurance or other mechanisms, the Utility cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.  If the Utility is unable to recover all or a significant portion of such excess costs,material adverse effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations,operations.

    The Utility maintains cyber liability insurance that covers certain damages caused by cyber incidents.  However, there is no guarantee that adequate insurance will continue to be available at rates the Utility believes are reasonable or cash flows couldthat the costs of responding to and recovering from a cyber incident will be materially affected.

    covered by insurance or recoverable in rates.


    The electric power industry is undergoing significant change driven by technological advancements and a decarbonized economy, which could materially impact the Utility’s operations, financial condition, and results of operations.

    The electric power industry is undergoing a transformative change driven by technological advancements enabling customer choice (for example, customer-owned generation and energy storage) and state climate policy supporting a decarbonized economy.  California's environmental policy objectives are accelerating the pace and scope of the industry change.  The electric grid is a critical enabler of the adoption of new energy technologies that support California's climate change and GHG reduction objectives, which continue to be publicly supported by California policymakers.  California's environmental policy makers notwithstandingobjectives are accelerating the pace and scope of the industry change.  For instance, Senate Bill 100, which was signed into law on September 10, 2018, increases from 50 percent to 60 percent, the percentage of California’s electricity portfolio that must come from renewables by 2030. SB 100 establishes a recent change in the federal approachfurther goal to such matters.have an electric grid that is entirely powered by clean energy by 2045. California utilities also are experiencing increasing deployment by customers and third parties of DERs, such as on-site solar generation, energy storage, fuel cells, energy efficiency, and demand response technologies.  This growthThese developments will require modernization of the electric distribution grid to, among other things, accommodate two-way flows of electricity, increase the grid's capacity, and interconnect DERs.

    In order to enable the California clean energy economy, sustained investments are required in grid modernization, renewable integration projects, energy efficiency programs, energy storage options, EV infrastructure and Statestate infrastructure modernization (e.g.(e.g.. rail and water projects).

    To this end, the CPUC is conducting proceedings to: evaluate changes to the planning and operation of the electric distribution grid in order to prepare for higher penetration of DERs;DERs and, consider future grid modernization and grid reinforcement investments; evaluate if traditional grid investments can be deferred by DERs, and if feasible, what, if any, compensation to utilities would be appropriate for enabling those investments; and clarify the role of the electric distribution grid operator. The CPUC has also recently opened proceedings regarding the creationauthorized development of a shared database or statewide census of utility polestwo new, five-year programs aimed at accelerating widespread electric vehicle adoption and conduits in California and increased access by communications providers to utility rights-of-way. This proceeding could require utilities to invest significant resources into inspecting poles and conduits, limit available capacity in existing rights-of-way, or impose other requirements on utilities facilities.combating climate change. The Utility is unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings. 

    new programs will increase fast charging options for consumers as well as electric charging infrastructure for non-light-duty fleet vehicles. 



    In addition, the CPUC has recently openedheld discussions on potential changes to California’s electricity market.  On May 19, 2017, California energy companies, along with other stakeholders, discussed customer choice and the future of the state’s electricity industry at a CPUC “en banc” meeting.  Specifically, the goal of the “en banc” was to frame a discussion on the trends that are driving change within California’s electricity sector and overall clean-energy economy and to lay out elements of a path forward to ensure that California achieves its reliability, affordability, equity, and carbon reduction imperatives while recognizing the important role that technology and customer preferences will play in shaping this future. After the “en banc,” the CPUC formed the California Customer Choice Project to examine the issues and develop a report evaluating choice in California’s current market. On August 7, 2018, the California Customer Choice Project released its report which includes an expanded discussion of policy implementation, procurement, resource adequacy, and information on a central buyer. The CPUC intends to issue a gap analysis to examine the questions raised by the Choice Paper to identify critical issues requiring solutions. The gap analysis will be accompanied by a draft action plan. The CPUC held an additional "en banc" on October 29, 2018, to discuss gap analysis and the draft action plan. While the CPUC had indicated its intent to open an OIRa proceeding related to customer choice, the Utility is unable to predict if and whenwhether that remains the CPUC may open an OIR.

    CPUC’s intent or the timing of any such proceeding.

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    The industry change, costs associated with complying with new regulatory developments and initiatives and with technological advancements, or the Utility’s inability to successfully adapt to changes in the electric industry, could materially affect the Utility’s operations, financial condition, and results of operations.

    State climate policy requires reductions in greenhouse gases of 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Various proposals for addressing these reductions have the potential to reduce natural gas usage and increase natural gas costs. The future recovery of the increased costs associated with compliance is uncertain.

    The CARB is the state’s primary regulator for GHG emission reduction programs. Natural gas providers have been subject to compliance with CARB’s Cap-and-Trade Program since 2015, and natural gas end-use customers have an increasing exposure to carbon costs under the Program through 2030 when the full cost will be reflected in customer bills.  CARB’s Scoping Plan also proposes various methods of reducing GHG emissions from natural gas. These include more aggressive energy efficiency programs to reduce natural gas end use, increased renewable portfolio standards generation in the electric sector reducing noncore gas load, and replacement of natural gas appliances with electric appliances, leading to further reduced demand. These natural gas load reductions may be partially offset by CARB’s proposals to deploy natural gas to replace wood fuel in home heating and diesel in transportation applications. CARB also proposes a displacement of some conventional natural gas with above-market renewable natural gas. The combination of reduced load and increased costs could result in higher natural gas customer bills and a potential mandate to deliver renewable natural gas could lead to cost recovery risk.

    A cyber incident, cyber security breach or physical attack on the Utility’s operational networks and information technology systems could have a material effect on its business and results of operations.

    Private and public entities, such as the NERC, and U.S. Government Departments, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Energy, and the White House, have noted that cyber-attacks targeting utility systems are increasing in sophistication, magnitude, and frequency.  The Utility’s electricity and natural gas systems rely on a complex, interconnected network of generation, transmission, distribution, control, and communication technologies, which can be damaged by natural events—such as severe weather or seismic events—and by malicious events, such as cyber and physical attacks.  The Utility’s operational networks also may face new cyber security risks due to modernizing and interconnecting the existing infrastructure with new technologies and control systems.  Any failure or decrease in the functionality of the Utility’s operational networks could cause harm to the public or employees, significantly disrupt operations, negatively impact the Utility’s ability to safely generate, transport, deliver and store energy and gas, or otherwise operate in the most safe and efficient manner or at all, and damage the Utility’s assets or operations or those of third parties. 

    The Utility also relies on complex information technology systems that allow it to create, collect, use, disclose, store and otherwise process sensitive information, including the Utility’s financial information, customer energy usage and billing information, and personal information regarding customers, employees and their dependents, contractors, and other individuals.  In addition, the Utility often relies on third-party vendors to host, maintain, modify, and update its systems and these third-party vendors could cease to exist, fail to establish adequate processes to protect the Utility’s systems and information, or experience security incidents.  Any incidents or disruptions in the Utility’s information technology systems could impact our ability to track or collect revenues and to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting.

    The Utility and its third party vendors have been subject to, and will likely continue to be subject to attempts to gain unauthorized access to the Utility’s information technology systems, or confidential data, or to disrupt the Utility’s operations. None of these attempts or breaches has individually or in the aggregate resulted in a security incident with a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations. Despite implementation of security and control measures, there can be no assurance that the Utility will be able to prevent the unauthorized access to its operational networks, information technology systems or data, or the disruption of its operations.  Such events could subject the Utility to significant expenses, claims by customers or third parties, government inquiries, investigations, and regulatory actions that could result in fines and penalties, and loss of customers, any of which could have a material effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations.

    The Utility maintains cyber liability insurance that covers certain damages caused by cyber incidents.  However, there is no guarantee that adequate insurance will continue to be available at rates the Utility believes are reasonable or that the costs of responding to and recovering from a cyber incident will be covered by insurance or recoverable in rates.



    The Utility purchases its nuclear fuel assemblies from a sole source, Westinghouse. If Westinghouse experiences business disruptions as a result of Chapter 11 proceedings, the Utility could experience disruptions in nuclear fuel supply, delays in connection with its Diablo Canyon outages and refuelings, and rejection in bankruptcy of its contracts with Westinghouse.

    The Utility purchases its nuclear fuel assemblies for Diablo Canyon from a sole source, Westinghouse. The Utility also stores nuclear fuel inventory at the Westinghouse fuel fabrication facility.  In addition, Westinghouse provides the Utility with Diablo Canyon outage support services, nuclear fuel analysis, original equipment manufacturer engineering and parts support.  On March 29, 2017, Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. In the event that Westinghouse experiences business disruptions in its nuclear fuel business as a result of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise, the Utility could experience issues with its nuclear fuel supply and delays in connection with Diablo Canyon refueling outages. The Utility also could experience losses in connection with its nuclear fuel inventory and Westinghouse could seek to reject in bankruptcy its contracts with the Utility. Diablo Canyon’s Unit 2 refueling outage is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2018. If Westinghouse were to reject the Utility’s contracts or fail to deliver nuclear fuel or provide outage support to the Utility, the Utility’s operation of Diablo Canyon would be adversely affected. PG&E Corporation and the Utility also could experience additional costs, including decreased electricity market revenues, in the event that one or both Diablo Canyon units are unable to operate. There can be no assurance that any such additional costs would be recoverable in the rates the Utility is permitted to recover from its customers.  Furthermore, the Utility currently is not able to estimate the nature or amount of additional costs and expenses that it might incur in connection with the uncertainties surrounding Westinghouse but such costs and expenses could be material.

    For certain critical technologies, products and services, the Utility relies on a limited number of suppliers and, in some cases, sole suppliers. In the event these suppliers are unable to perform, the Utility could experience delays and disruptions in its business operations while it transitions to alternative plans or suppliers.

    The Utility relies on a limited number of sole source suppliers for certain of its technologies, products and services. Although the Utility has long-term agreements with such suppliers, if the suppliers are unable to deliver these technologies, products or services, the Utility could experience delays and disruptions while it implements alternative plans and makes arrangements with acceptable substitute suppliers. As a result, the Utility’s business, financial condition, and results of operations could be significantly affected. As an example, the Utility relies on Silver Spring Networks, Inc. and Aclara Technologies LLC as suppliers of proprietary SmartMeter™ devices and software, and of managed services, utilized in its advanced metering system that collects electric and natural gas usage data from customers.  If these suppliers encounter performance difficulties, are unable to supply these devices or maintain and update their software, or provide other services to maintain these systems, the Utility’s metering, billing, and electric network operations could be impacted and disrupted.

    ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

    PROCEEDS


    During the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation madedid not make any equity contributions totaling $215 million to the Utility in order to maintain the 52% common equity component of the Utility’s CPUC-authorized capital structure.  Neither PG&E Corporation nor the Utility made any sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

    Utility.


    Issuer Purchasesof Equity Securities


    During the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, PG&E Corporation did not redeem or repurchase any shares of common stock outstanding. PG&E Corporation does not have any preferred stock outstanding.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Utility did not redeem or repurchase any shares of its various series of preferred stock outstanding.


    ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

    Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

    The Utility’s earnings to fixed charges ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 2.60.  The Utility’s earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 2.58.  The statement of the foregoing ratios, together with the statements of the computation of the foregoing ratios filed as Exhibits 12.1 and 12.2 hereto, are included herein for the purpose of incorporating such information and Exhibits into the Utility’s Registration Statement No. 333-215427.

    PG&E Corporation’s earnings to fixed charges ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 2.62.  The statement of the foregoing ratio, together with the statement of the computation of the foregoing ratio filed as Exhibit 12.3 hereto, is included herein for the purpose of incorporating such information and Exhibit into PG&E Corporation’s Registration Statement No. 333-215425.

    77




    ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


    EXHIBIT INDEX

    *10.1

    3.1
    4.1
    4.2
    4.3
    10.1
    *10.2

    12.1

    *10.3

    *10.4

    12.2

    31.1

    Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends for Pacific Gas and Electric Company

    12.3

    Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for PG&E Corporation

    31.1

    31.2

    **32.1

    **32.2

    101.INS

    XBRL Instance Document

    101.SCH

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

    101.CAL

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

    101.LAB

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

    101.PRE

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

    101.DEF

    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

    *Management contract or compensatory agreement.

    **Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report.


    78




    SIGNATURES


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


    PG&E CORPORATION

    /s/ JASON P. WELLS

    Jason P. Wells
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)


    PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

    /s/ DAVIDDAVID S. THOMASON

    David S. Thomason

    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller


    (duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)


    Dated: November 2, 20175, 2018