PG&E CEO Patti Poppe on how to mitigate fire risks

Core Insights - The CEO of PG&E, Patty Poppy, discusses the complexities of managing utility demands, particularly in California, while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness [1][4]. Infrastructure and Cost Management - PG&E has implemented a "simple affordable model" that allows for infrastructure investment offset by reductions in operating maintenance costs, resulting in significant savings [2][3]. - The company has lowered rates three times in the last 15 months and plans to continue this trend into 2026, with earnings growth projected at over 9% annually [4]. Safety and Fire Risk Mitigation - PG&E has buried 1,000 miles of power lines, reducing costs to $1 million per mile, which enhances safety and reduces fire risks [5]. - Ignition incidents have decreased by 35% compared to the previous year, indicating that the company's protective measures are effective [6]. Load Growth and Data Centers - The company is experiencing "rate reducing load growth," where large data centers pay their full utility costs, benefiting residential customers without subsidies [8][10]. - The demand for compute power from tech companies in the area is increasing, with PG&E positioned to support this growth [11][12]. Nuclear Energy and Regulatory Status - Diablo Canyon, California's only remaining nuclear plant, has received a 5-year extension from the state and a 20-year operational license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, pending further state legislative action [14][15][17].