Pacific Gas & Electric has reached a proposed settlement requiring the utility to pay a $22 million penalty for its role in the 2022 Mosquito Fire, according to Utility Dive. The fire, which sparked in Northern California, burned more than 75,000 acres and destroyed dozens of structures, making it one of the region's significant wildfire events in recent years.
An investigation into PG&E's operations identified violations of California state regulations governing the design, construction, and maintenance of overhead electrical lines. The findings suggest that infrastructure deficiencies contributed to fire risk conditions, prompting regulators to pursue enforcement action against the utility operator.
The settlement represents continued regulatory pressure on PG&E as California intensifies oversight of utility infrastructure standards tied to wildfire prevention. The penalty underscores the financial consequences utilities face when investigations reveal non-compliance with state electrical safety requirements.