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, 2017

OR

 

 

[     ]

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

 

 

For the transition period from ___________ to __________

 

 


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

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 whether the registrant (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) ha s been sub ject 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, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

PG&E Corporation:

[X] Large accelerated filer

[     ] Accelerate d 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:

[  ]

Pacific Gas 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 number of 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 :

 

PG&E Corporation:

514,422,806

Pacific Gas and Electric Company:

264,374,809


 

PG&E CORPORATION AND
PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GLOSSAR Y

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PG&E CORPORATION

CONDENS ED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

P ACIFIC 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

IT EM 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

R EGULATORY MATTERS

FEDERAL INITIATIVES

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

CONTRA CTUAL COMMITMENTS

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET ADOPTED

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIV E DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDU RES

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURIT IES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

SIGNATURES

 


GLOSSAR Y

 

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

 

2016 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

AFUDC

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

California Air Resources Board

CCA

Community Choice Aggregator

CEC

California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission

CO 2

carbon dioxide

CEMA

Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account

CP

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

DOI

U.S. Department of the Interior

DRP

electric distribution resources plan

DTSC

Department of Toxic Substances Control

EDA

equity distribution agreement

EPS

earnings per common share

EV

electric vehicle

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

GAAP

U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

GHG

greenhouse gas

GRC

general rate case

GT&S

gas transmission and storage

IOU(s)

investor-owned utility(ies)

IRS

Internal Revenue Service

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

net asset value

NDCTP

Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceedings

NEIL

Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited

NERC

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

Office of Ratepayer Advocates

PCIA

Power Charge Indifference Adjustment

PD

proposed decision

PFM

petition for modification

PHMSA

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

 

 


ROE

return on equity

SEC

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SED

Safety and Enforcement Division of the CPUC

TE

transportation electrification

TO

transmission owner

TURN

The 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

 

 

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.


 

 

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.


 


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.

 


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.


 

 


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.


 

 

P ACIFIC 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.

 
 

 

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

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

 

$

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.

 
                               

 

 


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.

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.

 


P ACIFIC 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


 

 


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.


 

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 no rthern and central California.  The Utility generates revenues mainly through the sale and delivery of electricity and nat ural gas to customers.  The Utility is primarily regu lated 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 own ed and controlled subsidiaries.   The Utility’s Condens ed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Utility and its wholly own ed and controlled subsidiaries.   All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements a pply 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 St atements 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 f air presentation of PG&E Corporation ’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods pre sented.   The information at December 31, 201 6 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in this quarterly rep ort was derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheets in the 201 6 Form 10-K.  This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the 201 6 Form 10-K. 

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimat es and assumptions that affect the re ported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent asse ts 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 postretirem ent benefit plans obligations.  Management believes that its estimates and assumptions reflected in the Co ndensed 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 res ults 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, Humbold t, Mendocino, Del Norte , Lake, Nevada, and Yuba Counties, as we ll as in the area surrounding Y uba 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 California that, in total,   b urned 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.   Se e Note 10 below. 

 

NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The significant accounting policies used by PG&E Corporation and the Utility are discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2016 Fo rm 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 , 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 th e 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 Util ity’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 per formance of any of these VIEs.  Since the Utility was not the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs at September 30, 2017 , 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 Ca nyon, 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.  Th e 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 decommissionin g cost is discounted for GAAP purposes and recognized as an ARO on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The total nuclear decommissioning obligation accrue d 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 - 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, 2017 and 2016 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 


 

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

 

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

 

 


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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefi t costs.  (See the “Pension and O ther Postretirement 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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs.  (See the “Pension and Other Postretirement 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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs.  (See the “P ension and Other Postretirement 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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs.  (See the “P ension and Other Postretirement Benefits” table above for additional details.)

 

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

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

Share- B ased Payment Accounting

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) , which amends the existing guidance relating to the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees, including the income tax consequences, classifi cation of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statements of cash flows.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility have adopted this standard as of the fourth quarter of 2016. 

 

ASU 2016-09 requires, on a retrospective basis, that emp loyee 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 Utility for the prior periods presented were re trospectively adjusted .  This change resulted in an increase to cash flows from operating activities and a decrease to cash flows from financing activities of $ 35 million for the nine months ended Septem ber 30 , 2016.

 

 

 


Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

 

Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost

 

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 postretirement benefit cost. On a retrospective basis, t he amendment requires an employer to disaggregate the service cost component from the o ther 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, on a prospective basis, the ASU limits the component of net benefit cost eligible to be capitalized to service costs.  The ASU will be 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 the impact the guidance will have on th e Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures , it is not expected to have a material impact to financial results .

 

Restricted Cash

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash (Topic 230) , which amends the existing guidance relating to the disclosure of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows.  The ASU will be effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted.   PG&E Corporation and the Utility will adopt this ASU 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 .

 

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 b e effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted.   PG&E Corporation and the Utility plan to early adopt this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2018 using a modified retrospective approach.   The modified ret rospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply.   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 impact the guidance will have on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, Statements of Cash Flows and lease disclosures.  

 

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instr uments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which amends the existing guidance relating to the recognition, measurement, pre sentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.   The amendment s 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.  These investments are classified as “available-for-sale” and gains or losses are refundable, or recoverable, from customers t hrough rates.  The ASU will be effective for PG&E Corporation and the Utility on January 1, 2018.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not expect a material impact to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures as a result of th is ASU.

 

Revenue Recognition Standard

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which amends existing revenue recognition guidance, effective January 1, 2018 .  The objective of the new standard is t o provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model 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 th rough 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 arrangem ents, 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 result in a significant shift in the timing of revenue recognition 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.  PG&E Corporation and the Utili ty expect that the impact of the new guidance will be immaterial to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.   Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Utility plans to disclose revenues from contracts with customers separately from regulatory balancing ac count revenue and disaggregate customer contract revenue by customer class.

 

NOTE 3: REGULATORY ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND BALANCING ACCOUNTS

 

Regulatory Assets and 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 manag ement 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 catastrophic event-related costs incurred 2012 through 2017 that the Utility believ es is recoverable through CEMA based on historical experience in recovering costs for these types of events. 

 

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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financ ial Statements in Item 8 of the 201 6 Form 10-K .

 

 

24



 
 

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  

 

For more information, see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financ ial Statements in Item 8 of the 201 6 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, 2 017 :

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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, the Utility’s $250 million floating rate unse cured term loan, issued in March 2016, matured and was repaid.

 

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

 

Senior Notes Issuances

 

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. 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, the Utility repurchased and retir ed $345 million principal amount of pollution control bonds Series 2004 A through D.  Additionally in June 2017, the Utility remarketed three series of pollution control bonds, previously held in treasury, totaling $145 million in principal amount.  Series 2008 F 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.

 

At September 30, 2017, 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 % to 0.95 % .  At September 30, 2017, the interest rates on the $ 149 million principal amount of pollution control bonds Series 2009 A and B, and t he related loan agreements , were 0.89 %.

 

NOTE 5: EQUITY

 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were as follo ws:

 

 

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 February 2017, PG& E Corporation amended its February 2015 EDA providing 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.  As of September 30, 2017, the remaining sales available under this agreement were $ 246.3 m illion.

 

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.

 

NOTE 6: EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

PG&E Corporation’s basic EPS is 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 me thod 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 outstandi ng 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  

 

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 agre ements, 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.  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 ris k 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 re gulatory 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 dire ctives.   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 g ains 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 p urchase 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 pric ing 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.

 

 

 


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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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 Inst ruments in the Financial Statements

 

At September 30, 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.

 

 

 


Cash i nflows 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 contain collateral posting provisions tied to the Utility’s cr edit rating from each of th e major credit rating agencies.  At September 30, 2017 , the Utility’s credit rating was investment grade.  If the Utilit y’s 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 that the Utility would be requir ed to post if 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 impact of closed but unpaid positions, as their settlement is not impacted by any of the Utility’s credit risk-related contingencies.

 

NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

PG& E Corporation and the Utility measure their cash equivalents, trust assets, and pri ce 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 v alue:

 

  • 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 ar e 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.


 

 


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 C orporation 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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 million, primarily related to deferred taxes on appreciat ion of investment value.

 

 

 


 

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 $3 33 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 liabi lities 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 th e end of the reporting period.  There were no material transfers between any levels for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 .

 

 

 


Trust Assets

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value

 

In general, invest ments held in the trusts are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, cred it, and market volatility risks. N uclear decommissioning trust assets and other trust assets are composed primarily of equity and fixed-income securities and also include sho rt-term investments that are money market funds valued at Level 1.

 

Global e quity securities primarily include i nvestments 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

 

Pri ce 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, forw ards, 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 t o 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 classif ied 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 ma nagement utilizes models to derive pricing inputs for the valuation of the Utility’s Level 3 instrume nts using pricing inputs from br okers 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; th erefore, 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 thes e instruments.  (See Note 7 above.)

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (1) Represents price per megawatt-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

Po wer purchase agreements

 

$

-  

 

$

91  

 

Discounted cash flow

 

Forward prices

 

$

18.07 - 38.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents price per megawatt-hour

 

Level 3 Reconciliation

 

The following table present s the re conciliation for Level 3 price risk management instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)   The costs related to price risk management activities are fully passed through to customers in rates .  Accordingly, u nrealized gains and losses are deferred in re gulatory 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)   The costs related to price risk management activities are fully passed through to customers in rates .  Accordingly, u nrealized gains and losses are deferred in re gulatory 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 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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-ra te 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 carryin g 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 Investments

 

The following table provides a summary of 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

$

9  

 

$

-  

 

$

-  

 

$

9  

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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents amounts before deducting $ 387 million and $3 33 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , res pectively, 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  

 

The following table provid es 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

 

8  

 

 

6  

 

 

50  

 

 

15  

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

 

-  

 

 

(14)

 

 

(8)

 

 

(17)

 

 


 

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 loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.     A gain contingency is recorded in the period in which all uncertainties have been resolved.  The Utility also has substantial financial commitments in connecti on 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 finan cial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be materially affected by the outcome of the following matt ers.

 

Enforcement and Litigation Matters

 

Litigation and Regulatory Citations in Connection with the Butte Fire

 

In September 2015, a wildf ire (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, 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 p ine tree contacted   the Utility’s   e lectric 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 ultimate ly led to the failure of the tree.

 

Third-Party Claims

 

O n 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 kn own 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 o n 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.

 

Estimated Losses from Third-Party Claims

 

In connection with this matter, the Utility may be liable for property damages, interest, and attorneys’ fe es without having been found negligent, through the theory of inverse condemnation.  On June 22, 2017, the Superior Court for the County of Sacramento rul ed on a motion of several plaintiffs and found that the Utility is liable for inverse condemnation. Wh ile the ruling is binding only   between the Uti lity and the plaintiffs in the coordination p roceeding, others could file law suit s and make similar claims.   In addition, the Utility may be liable for fire suppression costs, personal injury damages, and other damages if the Utility were 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 inc ur a loss of at least $ 1.1 b illion , increased from the $750 million previously estimated as of December 31, 2016, in connection with the Butte fire.  The Utility’s updated estimate resulted primarily from an increase in the number of claims filed against t he Utility and experience to date in resolving claims.  This amount 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 not include punitive damages for which the Utility could be liable.  In addition, w hile this   amount includes the Utility’s ear ly 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 informatio n to reasonably estimate any liability it may have for these additional claims.

 


 

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 liabilities in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’ s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

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, 2017 the Utility entered into settlement agreements in connection with the Butte fire corresponding to approximately $ 515 million of which $ 398 million has been paid by the Utility.

 

In addition to the amounts reflected in the table above, the Utility has incurred cumulative legal expenses of $ 72 million in connection with the Butte fire.   For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Utility has incurred legal expenses in connection with the Butte fire of $18 million and $45 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 $9 22 million.  The Utilit y 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 connec tion 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 polic ies of one of its vegetation management contractors ( excluded from t he table below) .   Recoveries of additional amounts under the insurance poli cies of the Utility’s vegetation management contractor s , including policies where the Utility is listed as an add itional 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:

 

Ins urance 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, depending on whether the Utility is able to record or collect insurance recoveries in amounts sufficient to offset such additional accruals.

 

Regulatory Ci tations

 

On April 25, 2017, the SED issued two citations to the Utility in connection with the Butte fire, totaling $8.3 million.  The SED’s investigation found that neither the Utility nor its vegetation management contractors took appropriate steps to pr event the gray pine from leaning and contacting the Utility’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 aga inst 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 d efendants.  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 it s meters there, (2) should not have permitted sub-meters in the building 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 Jun e 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 f iled its answer with the court. The governmental entities (City of Oakland, County of Alameda and State of California) filed d emurrers on September 12, 2017.  On October 9, 2017, the plaintiffs di smissed, 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.

 

 


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 bel ieve 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 al leges 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 refi nery 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 n egligence 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 wi th initial disclosures stating Valero ’s total claim is $114 million i n 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 bec ause 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 betwe en 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 District of California advising that the Utility 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, Californ ia, on March 18, 2016.  The U tility is cooperating with this investigation.  It is uncertain whether any charges will be brought against the Utility as a result of these investigations.

 

CPUC Matters

 

Order Instituting an In vestigation into Compliance with Ex Parte Communication Rules

 

On September 1, 2017, the assigned ALJ issued a PD in this proceeding adopting, with one modification, the settlement agreement jointly submitted to the CPUC on March 28, 2017, by the Utility , the Cities of San Bruno and San Carlos, the 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 in a total penalty of $97.5 million comprised of: (1) a $1 2 million payment to the California Genera l Fund, (2) forgoing collection of $63.5 million of GT&S revenue requirements for the years 2018 ($31.75 million) and 2019 ($31.75 mi llion), (3) a $10 million one-time revenue requirement adjustment to be amortized in equivalent annual amounts ov er the Utility’s next GRC cyc le (i.e. , the GRC following the 2017 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 set tlement 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 CPU C 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 a motion to the CPUC accepting the proposed modification of the settlement agreement to increase the Ut ility’s payment to the California General Fund from $1 million to $12 million. Further, t he Utility also reported that it has identified several communications that appear to raise issues similar to other communications that are part of this proceedi ng.

 

 

 


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 regarding communications that the Utility reported to the CPUC on September 21, 2017.  Also on November 1, 2017, the non-Utility parties to the settlement requested that the CPUC approve the settlement, as modified by the PD, and open a second phase of the OII 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. The Utility is unable to predict the outcome o f this proceeding.

 

At September 30 , 2017, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include a $ 24 million accrual for the amounts payable to the California General Fund and the Citie s of San Bruno and San Carlos.  In ac cordance with accounting rules, adjustments related to revenue requirements would be recorded in the perio ds in which they are incurred.

 

For more information about the proceeding, see Note 13 “Contingencies and Commitments” of the Notes to the Consolidat ed Financial Statements in the 2016 Form 10-K.

 

Order Instituting an Investigation into 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 Corporation an d 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, prac tices, and accountability metrics in relation to the Utility’s record of operations, including its record of safety incidents.  The CPUC authorized the SED to engage a consult ant to assist in the SED’s investigation and the preparation of a report containi ng 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 phase in this OII in which th e CPUC will evaluate the safety recommendations o f the consultant that may lead to the CPUC’s adoption of the recommendations in th e 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 adop ted by the CPUC are implemented.  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 pr esented its report and answered stakeholders’ questions.  T he 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 Corpo ration and the Utility are unable to predict the outcome 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 equi ty for the Utility be dependent on making safety progress as the CPU C may define in this proceeding. 

 

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 t he 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 th e 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 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 a ct.  This includes 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 impose 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 by the SED with respect to these matters given the wide discretion 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, bu t if it 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.  The SED may, at its discretion, impose penalties on a daily basis, or on less th an 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 h arm 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.  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 after the SED has issued a citation.  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.

 

O n 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, and local fire and police officials have investigated the incident.   Following SED’s investiga tion which included a review of the third-party engineering firm’s report, on October 20, 2017, the SED 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 p er violation.  The Utility may incur material costs, including as   a result of these investigations or any proceedings that could be commenced in connection with this incident.  

 

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 m illion at September 30, 2017 , and $45 million at December 31, 2016.  These amounts are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material impact on PG&E Co rporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Disallowance of Plant Costs

 

In May 2017, the Utility filed a settlement agreement with the CPUC related to the recovery of license renewal costs and cancelled proje ct 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 Janua ry 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 Sept ember 30, 2017, th e Utility incurred 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 capi tal 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 amo unt of disallowance can be reasonably estimated.  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 St atements in the 2016 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 composed 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) See “Natural Gas Compressor Station Sites” below.

 

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 E nvironmental P rotection A gency under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and/or other state hazardous waste laws.   The Utility ha s 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, 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 b oards, 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 remedia te the site.  The Utility’s environmental remediation liability at September 30, 2017 reflects its best estimate of probable future costs associated with its remediation plan s .  Future costs will depend on many factors, including the extent of work necessary to implement final remediation plans and the time frame for remediation.  Future changes in cost estimates and the assumptions on which they are based may have a material impact on t he Utility’s future financial condition and cash flows.

 

At September 30, 2017 , the Utility expected to recover $ 698 m illion of its environmental remediation liability for certain sites through various ratemaking mech anisms authorized by the CPUC.  Some of the Utility’s environmental remediation costs, such as the remediation costs associated with the Hinkley natural gas c ompressor site, fossil fuel-fired generation sites, and certain facilities formerly owned by the Utility, are not recoverable through rates.

 

For more information, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the 2016 For m 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 ne ar 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 contaminati on on the environment.

 

 

 


Topock Site

 

The Utility’s remediation and abatement efforts at the Topock site are subject to the regulatory authority of the DTSC and the DOI. In November 2015, the Utility submitted its final remediation design to the agencies for approval.  The Utility’s design proposes that the Utility construct an in-situ gro undwater treatment system to convert hexavalent chromium into a non-toxic and non-soluble form of chromium.   The DTSC conducted an additional environmental review of the proposed design and issued a draft environmental impact report for public comment in J anuary 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 app roval to begin construction of the new in-situ treatment system in 2018.

 

Hinkley Site

 

The Utility has been implementing interim remediation measures at the Hinkley site to reduce the mass of the chromium plume and to monitor and control movement of the p lume.   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 Boa rd , Lahontan Region adopted a final clean-up and abatement order 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 remediati on efforts, define the boundaries of the chromium plume, and take other action. Additionally, the final order requires setting plume capture requirements, requires establishing a monitoring and reporting program, and finalizes deadlines for the Utility to meet interim cleanup targets.

 

Reasonably Possible Environmental Contingencies

 

Although the Utility has provided for known environmental obligations that are probable and reasonably estimable, the Utility’s undiscounted future costs could increase by as much as $ 1.0 billion (including amounts related to the Topock and Hinkley sites described above) if the extent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated or if the other potentially responsible partie s are not financially able to contribute to these costs.  The Utility may incur actual costs in the future that are materially different than this estimate and such costs could have a material impact on results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows during the period in which they are recorded.

 

Nuclear Insurance

 

The Utility maintains multiple insurance policies through NEIL and the European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance , covering   nuclear or non-   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 maximum aggregate annual retrospective premium obligation of approximately $ 58 million.     The European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance provides $ 200 million for any one accident and in the annual aggregate the excess of the combined amount recoverable und e r the Utility’s NEIL policies .     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 2016 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 proceedin gs 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 res olve the Utility’s refund claims agains t these electricity suppliers. Under these settlement agreements, a mounts payable by the parties are, in some instances, subject to adjustment based on the outcome of the various refund offset and interest issues bei ng considered by the FER C.  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 cu stomers through rates in future periods.

 

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

 

 

 


Tax Matters

 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s unrecognized tax benefits may change significantly within the next 12 months due t o the resolution of audits.  As of September 30, 2017 , it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $ 70 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

 

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 add itional 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 Bush kin 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 insu rance, 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 obligations to the Individual Defendants, to p ay $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 inve stigating 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, PG&E Corporation and the Util ity 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 r eports to the Court and to the C ity of San Bruno summarizing the progress of the implementation of the corporate governance an d gas operations therapeutics. 

 

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 service s; and various other commitments.  At December 31, 2016, t he Utility had undiscounted future expected obligations of approximately $47 billion.  (See Note 1 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financ ial Statements in Item 8 of the 201 6 Form 10-K . ) The Utili ty has not entered into any new material commitments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

 

 


NOTE 10: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Investigation of Recent Northern California wildf ires

 

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 Ca lifornia 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 cause s 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 the y 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 in formation 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 3 1 , 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 ca uses 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 (includin g an esti mated $60 million to $8 0 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 impos ed 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 liabili ty, 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 cause s 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 condem nation, 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 Ca lifornia 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 insuran ce 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 reinst ated 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 Pacifi c 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 licens ing, 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 Corpor ation 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 2016 Form 10-K.

 

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 Yu ba 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 California that, in total, burned over 245,000 acres, resulte d 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 cond ucting 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 3 1 , 2 017, 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) in volve 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 ongo ing.  See Note 10 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulti ng from the impact of the Northern California wildfires.  See Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

 

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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2 016 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, 2017 as compared to the same periods in 2016.  “Earnings from ope rations” 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 opera tions 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, sho rt and long-term operating plans, and employee incentive compensation.   PG&E Corporation believes that earnings from operations provide additional insight into the underlying trends of the business allowing for a better comparison against historical result s and expectations for future performance.  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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparab ility: (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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All amounts presented in the table above are tax adjusted at PG&E Corporatio n’s statutory tax rate of 40.75 percent, exce pt as indicated below.

 

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

 

(2)  The Utility incurred costs of $20 mill ion (before the tax impact of $8 million) and $76 million (before the tax impact of $31 million) during the three and nine mont hs ended September 30 , 2017, 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)  The Utility incurred costs of $2 mill ion (before the tax impact of $1 million) and $9 million (before the tax impact of $4 million) during the three and nine months ended September 30 , 2017, respectively, for legal and regulatory related expenses incurred in connection with various enforcement, regulato ry, and litigation activities regardin g natural gas matters and regulatory communications.

 

 

 


(4)  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 Sep tember 30, 2017, respectively, for fines and penalties.  This includes 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 t he 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 disallow ances 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 th e three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, in connection with the proposed decision and the settlement in the Order Instituting an Investigation into Compliance with Ex Parte Communication Rules.  Future fines or penalties may be impos ed in connection with other enforcement, regulatory, and litigation activities regar ding regulatory communications.

 

(5) The Utility incurred costs of $71 million (before the tax impact of $29 million) and $46 million (before the tax impact of $19 million ), during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, associated with the Butte fire, net of insurance. This includes accrued charges of $350 million (before the tax impact of $143 million), during the three and nine months ended Sep tember 30, 2017, related to estimated third-party claims .   The Utility also incurred charges of $18 million (before the tax impact of $7 million) and $46 million (before the tax impact of $19 million), during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2 017, respectively, for legal costs.   These costs were partially offset by insurance recoveries of $297 million (before the tax impact of $121 million) and $350 million (before the tax impact of $143 million) recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

 

( 6 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 settle ment agreement in connection with the shareholder derivative litigation that was approved by the Superior C ourt of California, County of San Mateo on July 18, 2017. This includes $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 ) 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 reve nue 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 di sallowed license renewal costs of $23 million (before the tax impact of $9 million), with no corresponding charges during the same period s in 2016. A portion of the cancelled projects and disallowed license renewal costs currently is not tax deductible.

 

  (9 )   “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)

201 6 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

( 1 ) See first table above for a reconciliation of EPS on a GAAP basis to EPS from Operations.  All amounts presented in the table above are tax adjusted at PG&E Corporation’s statutory tax rate of 40.75 percent, except for tax benefits on stock compensation.  See Footnote 6 below.

 

(2 )   Represents the timing of taxes reportable in quarterly statements in accordance with A ccounting Standards Codification 740 and results from variance in percentage of quarterly earn ings to annual earnings .

 

(3 )   Represents the timing of operational expense spend ing during the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.

 

 

 


(4 )   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 t wo decision on December 1, 2016, delaying recognition of the full 2016 revenue increase until the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

(6 )   Represents the incremental tax benefit related to share-based compensation awards that vested during the nine months ended Septe mber 30, 2017. Pursuant to ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) , which PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted in 2016, excess tax benefits associated with vested awards are reflected in net income.

 

(7 )   Represents the impact of low er tax repair benefits as a result of the CPUC’s final decisio n 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’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cas h flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulting from the impact of the Northern California wildfires.  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 (includin g an estimated $60 million to $8 0 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 flows could be materially adversely affected if t he 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 Util ity could be liable for property damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees with out 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 Util ity 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 pe nalties 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.   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 consistent with the principles discussed in Note 9 to Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  To the extent not offset by insurance recoveries de termined to be similarly probable and estimable, the liability would affect the balance sheet equity of PG&E Corporation and the Utility .  (See Note 10 to Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q. )  

 

  • 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, incl uding 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 result of the phase two of the proceeding, the ex parte OII and the related proposed decision, the potential recomme ndations that the third-party monitor (appointed in the first quarter of 2017 as a result of the Utility’s conviction in the federal criminal trial) may make related to the Utility’s conviction i n the federal criminal trial , and potential penalties in conn ection 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. )

 

  • The Timing and Ou tcome of Ratemaking Proceedings.  The Utility’s future results may be impacted by the ti ming and o utcome of its FERC TO18 and TO19 r ate cases.  (S ee “Transmission Owner Rate Cases” in “Regulatory Matters” below for more information.)   The outcome of regulatory proceedings can be affected by many factors, including intervening parties ’ testimonies , pote ntial rate impacts, the Utility’s reputation, the regulatory and political environments, and other factors.

 

  • The Ability of the Utility to Control and Recover Operating Costs and Capital Expenditures.  In any given year the Utility’s ability to earn its au thorized rate of return depends on its ability to manage costs within the amounts auth orized in rate case decisions .  The Utility also forecasts that in 2017 it will incur unrecovered pipeline-related expenses of approximately $90 million which primarily r elate to costs to identify and remove encroachments from transmission pipeline rights-of-way.  Also, the CPUC decision in the Utility’s 2015 GT&S rate case establishes various cost caps that will increase the risk of overspend over the rate case cycle thro ugh 2018. (See “Disallowance of Plant Costs” in Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

 

 


  • The Amount and Timing of the Utility's Financing Needs.   PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s ability to access the capital markets, to borrow under its loan finan cing arrangements and the terms and rates of future financings could be materially adversely affected by the outcome of or market perception of the matters discussed in Note 9 and Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, inc luding liabilities, if any, incurred in relation to the recent Norther n California wildfires, adverse e ffects on their ability to comply with consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio covenants in their financing arrangements and regulatory capital s tructure requirements resulting therefrom, adverse changes in their respective credit ratings, general economic and market conditions, and other factors.  PG&E Corporation contributes equity to the Utility as needed to maintain the Utility’s CPUC-authorize d capital structure.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, PG&E Corporation issued $361 million of common stock and made equity contributions of $405 million to the Utility.  PG&E Corporation forecasts that it will need to continue to issue a mate rial amount of equity in future years, primarily to support the Utility’s capital expenditures.  PG&E Corporation may seek to issue additional equity to fund unrecoverable pipeline-related expenses and to pay claims, losses, fines and penalties that may be required by the outcome of litigation and enforcement matters.  Additional issuances of equity, if any, could have a material dilutive impact on PG&E Corporation’s EPS.

 

  • Changes in the Utility Industry .   The Utility is committed to deliverin g safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable electric and gas services to its customers.  Increasing demands from state laws and policies relating to increased renewable energy resources, the reduction of GHG emissions, the expansion of energy efficiency programs, the development and widespread deployment of distributed generation and self-generation resources, and the development of energy storage technologies have increased pressure on the Utility to achieve efficiencies in its operations while continuin g to provide customers with safe, reliable, and affordable service.  The utility industry is also undergoing a transformative change driven by technological advancements enabling customer choice (for example, customer-owned gen eration and energy storage) a nd 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 su pport California's climate change and GHG reduction objectives, which continue to be publicly supported by California policy makers notwithstanding a recent change in the fed eral approach to such matters.  In order to enable the California clean energy eco nomy, sustained investments are required in grid modernization, renewable integration projects, energy efficiency programs, energy s torage options, EV infrastructure and State infrastructure modernization (e.g. rail and water projects).   The Utility foreca sts ove r $1 billion in gri d investments through 2020, that would include increased remote control and sensor technology of the grid, integration inv estments in connection with DER bi-directional energy flows and voltage fluctuations , advanced grid data ana lytics, grid storage that enables renewable integration, expanded infrastructure for light, medium , and heavy-duty EVs, transmission integration for renewables, and energy efficiency and demand response programs.  In addition, these changes brought about b y technological advancements and climate policy may cause a reduction in natural gas usage and increase natural gas costs.  The combination of reduced natural gas load and increased costs could result in higher natural gas customer bills and potential cost recovery risk.

 

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 diffe r from historical results, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2016 Form 10-K and in Part II below under “Item 1A. Risk Factors .   In addition, t his quarterly r eport contains forward-looking statements that are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties.  These statements reflect manageme nt’s judgment and opinions that are based on current estimates, expectations, and projections about future events and assumptions regard ing 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 informati on, 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 available for common shareholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 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  

 

PG&E Corporation’s net income primarily consists of income taxes and interest expense on long-term d ebt .  The increase in PG&E Corporation’s net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2016 is primarily due to the impact of the San Bruno Derivative Litigation, partially offset by additional income tax expense and interest expense.

 

Utility

 

The tables below show certain items from th e Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 .  The tables separately identify the r evenues and costs that impact ed 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 electr icity 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 recov er 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.

 

 

 


 

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

 

-  

 

1,46 6  

 

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  

Incom e 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, 2017 and 2016 .

 

 

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

 

-  

 

3,43 6  

 

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  

Incom e 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) These items impacted earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 .

 

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, 2017 and 2016 , focusing on revenues and expenses that impact ed earnings for these periods.  

 

 

 


Operating Revenues

 

The Utility’s electric and natural gas operating revenues that impacted earnings increased by $ 17 million, or 1% , and by $ 528 million, or 7% , in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016 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 author ized 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 r evenues 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 recogni zed.

 

Operating and Maintenance

 

The Utility’s operating and maintenance e xpenses that impacted earnings decreas ed by $ 193 million, or 14% , in the three mo nths 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 simi lar charge s in the same period of 2017 .  T he 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 decre ases 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 e xpenses that impacted earnings decreased by $ 845 million, or 19% , in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 20 16.  For the nine m onths 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 continu e 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 Con solidated Financial Statements.)  Additionally, the Utility’s financial condition,  results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulti ng 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, an d 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 , 201 7 compared to the same per iod s in 201 6 primarily due to higher depreciation rates as authorized in the 2017 GRC and capital addit ions.

 

Int erest Expense

 

The Utility’s interest expense for the periods presented increased by $ 8 million, or 4% , and by $ 41 million, or 7% , in the thre e 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 201 7 compared to 201 6 .

 

Interest Income, and Other Income , Net

 

There were no material changes to interest income   and other income,   net for the periods presented.

 

 

 


Income Tax Provision

 

T he income tax provision increased by $ 65 million in the three mont hs ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016.  The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were 21% and 1 6%, respectively.  The increases in the income tax provision and the effective tax rate primar ily resul ted from higher pre-tax income in 2017 as compared to 2016 and lower repairs deductions in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.

 

The income tax provision increased by $ 493 million in the nine months ended September 30 , 201 7 as compared to the same period in 201 6 The effective tax rate s for the nine months ended September 30 , 201 7 and 2016 were 21% and (16%), respectively.  The increase in the income tax provision and the effective tax rate primarily resulted from higher pre-tax income in 2017 as compared to 2016 and the impact of audit settlements during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 with no similar settlements during the same period in 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, c osts 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.) 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ende d 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 resource s 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 purchase d 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 po wer 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 e lectricity.

 

 

 


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.)   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 Septembe r 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) One thousand cubic feet

(2) The increase in natural gas sold for the nine months ended September 30, 20 17, compared to the same period in 2016, was prima rily due to cooler temperatures and resulted in additional customer heating demand.

 

Operating and Maintenance Expense s

 

The Utility’s operating expenses also include certain recoverable costs that the Utility incurs as part of its operations such as pension contributions a nd public purpose programs costs.   If the Utility were to spend over authorized amounts, these expenses could have an impact on earnings. 

 

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

 

Overview

 

The Utility’s ability to fund operations, finance capital expenditures, 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 st ructure, 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 Corporatio n 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 nee ds.  

 

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 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 contributions to the Utility are funded primarily t hrough common stock issuances. PG&E Cor poration forecast s that it will have issue d bet ween $400 million and $ 5 00 milli on in common stock by the end of 2017 , primarily to fund equity contributions to the Utility.  The Utility’s equity needs will continue to be affec ted by the timing and outcome of unrecover able pipeline-related expenses , and by fines, penalties and claims that may be imposed in connection with the matters described in “Enforcement and Litigation Matters” below .  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 marke ts in a manner consistent with its past practices, if at all, could be adversely affected by such matters. (See Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-Q.)  

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term, highly liqui d 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

 

Debt and Equity Financings

 

In February 2017, PG&E Corporation amended its February 2015 EDA providing for the sale of PG&E Corporation common stock having an aggregate gross price of up to $275 million.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , PG&E Corporation sold 0.4 mill ion 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.  As of September 30, 2017 , the remaining gross sales av ailable 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, including the contribution of e quity to the Utili ty.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , PG&E Corporation made equity contributions to the Utility of $ 405 million.

 

In February 2017, the Utility’s $250 million floating rate unsecured term loan, issued in March 201 6, matured and was repaid.  Additionally, in February 2017, the Utility entered into a $ 250 million floating rate unsecured term loan that matures 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.  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, the Utility repurchased and retired $345 million principal amount of pollution control bonds Series 2004 A through D.  Additionally, in June 2017, the Utility remarketed three series of pollution control bonds, previously held in treasury, totaling $145 million in principal amount. Series 2008 F 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.

 

Revolving Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper Programs

 

In May 2017, PG&E Corporation and the Utility each extended the termination dates of their exist ing revolving credit facilities by one year from April 27, 2021 to April 27, 2022.  At September 30, 2017 , PG&E Corporation and the Utility ha d $ 300 million and $ 2.6 billion available under their respective $300 mil lion and $3.0 billion revolving credit facilities.  (See Note 4 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)

 

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

 

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 , PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s total consolidated debt to total consolidated capitalization was 49 % and 48 %, respectively.   PG&E Corporation’s revolving credit facility agreement also requires that PG&E Corpo ration 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 facil ities 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 , PG&E Corporation and the Utility were in compliance with all covenants under their respective revolving credit facilities.

 

 

 


Divi dends

 

In May 2017, the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation approved a new annual common stock cash dividend of $2.12 per share ($0.53 per share quarterly), an increase from the previous annual cash dividend of $1.96 per share ($0.49 per share quarterl y), and the Board of Directors of the Utility approved a new annual common stock cash dividend of $1.08 billion ($270 million quarterly), an increase from the previous annual cash dividend of $976 million ($244 million quarterly).

 

In September 2017, the B oard 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, i n 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 o n its outstanding series of preferred stock, payable on November 15 , 2017, to shareholders of record on October 31 , 2017.

 

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  

 

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 cour se 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 , net cash provided by operating activities in creased by $ 1.5 b i llion c ompared to th e same period in 2016.  This in crease 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 re fund 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.

 

 

 


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

 

  • the timing and amount of costs in connection with the Norther n California wildfires, including costs in connection with restoration of service to customers and repairs of the Utility’s facilities, as well as potential liabilities in connection with third-party claims and fines or penalties that could be imposed on t he 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 inc urred in connection with the current and future enforcement, litigation, and regulatory matters, including the impact of the Butte fire and the timing and amount of related insurance recoveries, the safety culture OII, including other ratemaking tools that could be imposed by the CPUC as a result 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 related to the Utility’s conviction in t he federal criminal trial, and potential penalties in connection with the Utility’s safety and other self-reports ;
     
  • the timing and outcome s of the TO 18 and TO19 rate cases and other ratemaking and regulatory proceedings ;

 

  • the timing and amount of costs the Utility incurs, but does not recover, associated with its electric and natural gas system s, including amounts related to cancelled projects 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 t he amount of principal and interest on these claims that the Utility will be required to pay.

 

Investing Activities

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash used in investing activities decreased by $ 133 million compared to the same period in 201 6 .  The Utility’s investing activities primarily consist of construction of new and replacement facilities necessary to provide safe and reliable electricity and natural gas services to its customers.  Cash used in invest ing 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.

 

Future cash flows used in investing activities are largely dependent on the timing and amount of capital expenditures.  The U tility estimates that it will incur approximately $5.7 billion in capital expenditures in 2017, $6.3 billion in 2018 and $6.0 billion 2019 .  

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $ 1.6 billion from $ 851 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $743 million of net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  Cash provided by or used in financing activities is d riven 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 d ebt 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.

 

ENFORCEMENT AND L ITIGATION MATTERS

 

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.  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.  In additi on, PG&E Corporation and the Utility are involved in other enforcement and litigati on matters described in the 2016 Form 10-K and “Part II. Other Information, Item 1. Legal Proceedings .

 

 

 


Department of Interior Inquiry

 

In September 2015, the Utility was n otified 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 inq uiry, alleged poor record-keeping, poor identification and evaluation of threats to gas l ines and obstruction of the National Transportation Safety Board ’s investigation.  The Utility filed its initial response on November 2, 2015 , to demonstrate that it i s 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 t he 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 go vernment’s business interests.  On May 8, 2017, DOI sent a serie s 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 ma terial 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 .

 

R EGULATORY MATTERS

 

The Utility is subject to substantial regulation by the CPUC, the FERC, the NRC and other federal and state regulatory agencies.     Significant regulatory developments that have occurred since the 2016 Form 10-K was filed with the SEC are discussed below.

 

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 authorize d rate of return.  The final decision approved, with certain modifi cations, the settlement agreement that the Utility, the ORA, TURN, and 12 other intervening parties jointly submitted to the CPUC on August 3, 2016 (the “settlement agreement”).  Modifications from 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 dur ing 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, in line with the amounts proposed in the settlement agreement.  The following table shows the revenue requirement amounts approved in the final decision base d 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 2017 $300 million expense reduction announcement and on July 10, 2017, providing an update of the cost effectiv eness study for the SmartMeter™ Upgrade project.  The Utility is unable to predict what, if any, actions the CPUC will take regarding these submissions.

 

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

 

2015 Gas Transmission and Storage Rate Case

 

During 2016, the CPUC issued final decision s in phase one and phase two of the Utility’s 2015 GT&S rate case .  T he 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 the 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 2014 in excess of the amount adopted.  The decision permanently disallow ed $120 m illion of that amount and ordered that the remaining $57 6 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 expected in the first quarter of 2018.  The decision also established various cost caps that will increase the risk of overspend 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 out come 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 th e 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 requiremen ts.  As a result of the IRS private letter ruling, the Utility will file an advice letter with the CPUC in the fourth quarter of 2017, requesting a rate base adjustment of $7 million, $28 million, $49 million, and $61 million, in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 , respectively.

In August 2016 and January 2017, TURN, ORA and Indicated Shippers filed applications for rehearing of the phase one and phase two decisions, respectively.  The Utility cannot predict when or if the CPUC will grant the rehearing s or if it w ill adop t the parties’ recommendations.  Additionally, in June 2017, the Utility filed a PFM of the phase one decision to eliminate the requirement that the Utility install new CP systems in 2018 because the Utility is not in a position to identify the opt imal location for such new systems in 2018.  Instead, the Utility requested to be allowed to continue its current CP program.  As directed by the CPUC, on August 23, 2017, the Utility provided supplemental information to the CPUC regarding the PFM.  The Utility is unable to predict if and when the CPUC would adopt the PFM In the event the PFM is not adopted and the Utility fails to perform the mandated new CP systems, the Utility could incur fines and penalties, the amount of which the Utility is unable to predict. 

 

With the addition 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 q uarter 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

 

Transmission Owner Rate Case for 2017

 

On July 29, 2016, the Utility filed a rate case (the “TO18 rate case”) at the FERC requesting a 2017 retail electric transmission revenue requirement of $1.718 billion, a $387 million increase over the 2016 revenue requirement of $1.331 billion.  The forecasted network transmission rate base for 2017 is $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 will make i nvestments of $1.296 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 .  Th e 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 settlem ent negotia tions reported by the parties. 

 

On August 22, 2017, the FERC trial staff submitted testimony.  The table below summarizes the differences between the amount of revenue requirement increases included in the Utility’s request and the testimony submitted by the 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, intervenors provided testimony on July 5, 2017 and the Utility submitted rebuttal testimony on October 9, 2017.  Hearings are scheduled to take place starting January 9, 2018, with an initial decision expected on or before June 1, 2018.

 

Also , on March 31, 2017, several of the parties that had already intervened in the TO18 rate case filed a complaint at the FERC, and requested that the complaint be consolidated with the rate case.   The complaint asserts that the Utility’s revenue requirement request in TO18 is unreasonably high and should be reduced.   T he 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 settl ement , that the FERC order refunds to that lower level determined in TO18 litigation.  On April 20, 2017, the Utility answered the complaint, re questing that FERC dismiss it.  The Utility is unable to predict when and how the FERC will respond to the compl aint.

 

 

 


Trans mission Owner Rate Case for 2018

 

On July 2 7 , 2017, the Utility filed a rate case (the “TO19 rate case”) at the FERC requesting a 2018 retail electric transmission revenue requirement of $1.792 billion, a $74 million increase over the proposed 2017 revenue requirement of $1.718 billion.  The forecasted network transmission rate base for 2018 is $6.9 billion.  The Utility is also seeking a n ROE of 10.75%, which includes an incentive component of 50 basis points for the Utility’s continuing particip ation 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 September 29, 2017 , several of the parties that have intervened in the TO18 rate case filed a complaint at the FERC, and requested that the complaint be consolidated with 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 TO1 8 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 TO1 8 litigation.  On October 17, 2017, the Utility answered the complaint, requesting that FERC dismiss it.  The Utility is unable to predict when and how 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 sub sequent 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 Cali fornia 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 f or 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 ope n 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.

 

On September 29, 2017, the Utility submitted an advice letter to the CPUC, updati ng its cost of capital and the estimated revenue requirement impacts with an effective date of January 1, 2018.  The long-term debt cost reset reflects actual embedded costs as of the end of August 2017 and forecasted interest rates for the new long-term d ebt expected to be issued for the remainder of 2017 and all of 2018.  The Utility estimates that its annual revenue requirement will be reduced by approximately $120 million, beginning in 2018.  This estimate is based on the updated cost of capital in the September 29, 2017 advice letter and current rate base.  In the fourth quarter 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 cost of the Utility’s future financings, but will not affect the authorized cost of capital in 2018.

 

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.

 

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 testimony to move consideration of two tranches of post-2025 replacement procurement to the CPUC’s Integrated Resource Plan proceeding.

 

 

More than 40 parties have submitted responses and protests to the Utility’s application.  Rebuttal testimony and comments on the community impact mitigation program settlement agreement were submitted to the CPUC on March 17, 2017.  Evidentiary hearings took place in April 2017.  Certain intervenors argued that a por tion 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 the 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 license renewal project cost of $53 million evenly over an 8-year period beginning January 1, 2018.  Related to cancelled project costs, the settlement agreement would allow 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.  On June 22, 2017, the Green Power Institute filed comments on the settlement agreement recommending that only $9.3 million of the license renewal project costs be recovered from customer s.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, t he Utility incurred charges of $47 million related 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 unable to predict whether the CPUC will approve the application.

 

California State Lands Commission Lands Lease

 

On June 28, 2016, California State Lands Commission approved a new lands lease for the intake and discharge structures at Diab lo 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 will 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 term lease extension for an existing facility was exempt from review under t he California Environmental Quality Ac t and alleging that the State Lands Commission should be required to perform an environmental review of the new lands lease.  The trial took place on July 11, 2017, in Los Angeles Superior Court and the j udge dismissed the petition on all grounds, ruling that the State Lands Commission properly determined the short term lease extension was subject to the existing facilities exemption under the California Environmental Quality Ac t .  World Business Academy ha d 60 days from entry of judgement to appeal the decision to the California Court of Appeals.

 

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 ND CTP .   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 t he Utility’s request, and $2.4 billion for Diablo Canyon, compared to the Utili ty’ s request of $3.8 billion, or 64 percent of its request.  On an aggregate basis, the final decision adopt ed a $3.5 billion total nuclear decommissioning cost estimate, compared to $4.8 billion requested by the Utility.  Compared to the Utility’s estimat ed 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 t hese 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.   

 

T he 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 accrue d 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 .

 

 

 


As of September 30, 2017 , the nuclear decommissioning trust acc ounts’ 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 e stimat ed total cost to decommission.

 

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

 

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.

 

A pplication to Establish a Wildfire Expense Memorandum Account  

 

On July 26 , 2017, the Utility filed an application with the CPUC req uesting to establish a W EMA to track wildfire expenses and to preserve the opportunity for the Utility to request recovery o f wildfire costs in exces s 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 that the Utility may begin recording costs to the account while the applicat ion is pending before the CPUC. 

 

Under the W E MA as proposed, the Utility would record incremental costs related to wildfire, 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 authorized in the Utility’s G RC ; (2) outside legal costs incurred in the defense of wildfire claims; (3) premium costs not in rates; and (4) the cost of financing these amounts. Insurance proceeds, as well as any payments received from third parties, would be credited to the W E MA as they are received.  The WEMA would not include the Utility’s costs for fire response and infrastructure costs which are tracked in CEMA.  Th e Utility would be required to file an application to seek approval to recover costs tracked in WEMA.  The CPUC has set a prehearing conference on this matter for December 8, 2017. The Utility cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.

 

Gas and Electr ic Safety Citation Program

 

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 op erations.  The CPUC has delegated authority to the SED to issue citations and impose penalties for violations identified through audits, investigations, or self-reports.  Under both the gas and electric programs, the SED has discretion whether to issue a p enalty 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 th at continued for more than one day.

 

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 i n determining whether to issue a citation and the amount of penalty, sets 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 volu ntarily 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 progra ms 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 with in 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 da ys 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 application with the CPUC on how 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 impleme nt CCA power arrangements and those served under direct access pay for their share of the costs.  The utilities believe that these customers are not paying their full share of costs associated with the long-term commitments , which results in other customer s 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 from the Utility or choose a CCA or direct acce ss provider.  The Utility projects that approximately 50 percent   of 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 with 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 s ystem 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 P CIA.  The OIR will focus on PCIA within the larger context of consumer choice in energy services, and should not be considered a follow-up to the CPUC and Energy Commission Joint En Banc on Customer Choice in California.  On September 25, 2017, the CPUC is sued a scoping memo and ruling establishing 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 fo r the second quarter of 2018 and a proposed decision is expected by the third quarter of 2018.

 

Customer Choice

 

On May 19, 2017, California energy companies, along with other stakeholders discussed customer choice 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 that are driving change within California’s electricity sector and overall clean-energy economy and to lay out elements of a path forward t o 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 anno unced 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 inpu t 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 Utili ty is unable to predict if and when the CPUC may open an OIR.

 

Electric Distribution Resources Plan

 

As required by California law, on July 1, 2015, the Utility filed its proposed DRP for approval by the CPUC.  The Utility’s plan identifies optimal locatio ns 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 CPUC issued a ruling that seeks 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 uti lities 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 Int egrated Energy Policy report forecast for the 2017-2018 distribution planning cycle.  The August 9, 2017 ruling also requires the Energy Division to work with the CEC to develop a preliminary proposal for DER growth scenarios.  The CPUC will begin workshop s to discuss the proposals 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 th e Utility’s DRP will be issued.

 

 

 


Integrated Distributed Energy Resources Proceeding – Regulatory Incentives Pilot Program

 

On April 4, 2016, the CPUC issued a ruling proposing to establish, on a pilot basis, an interim program offering regulatory incentives to the Utility and the other two large California IOUs 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.  On December 22, 2016, 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 payment s for DERs, as well as test a regulatory process that will allow the Utility to competitively solicit DER services to defer distribution infrastructure.  Each utility is required to conduct at least one pilot, but may conduct up to three additional pilots.

 

In June 2017, the Utility submitted a pilot project proposal to the CPUC for approval to begin solicitations. The p ilot aim s to evaluate the effectiveness of an earnings opportunity in motivating utilities to source DERs.  On October 17, 2017, the Utili ty 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, the CPUC issued a draft resolution that proposed modi fications to the Utility’s pilot program.  The CPUC is expected to issue a final resolution by the end of 2017.

 

Transportation Electrification Application

 

California Law (S enate B ill 350) requires the CPUC, 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 o ther 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 app lication 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) primarily related to make-ready infrastructure for TE in medium to heavy-duty vehicle sect ors.  The CPUC may issue a proposed decision on this request in the first quarter of 2018.

 

FEDERAL INITIATIVES

 

Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure Executive Order

 

On May 11, 2017, President Donald J. Trump si gned 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 manageme nt 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 cr itical 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 executi ve order will have on the Utilit y until the report is released and the federal administration takes steps to impleme nt 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 haz ardous wastes; the reporting and reduction of CO 2 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, sto rage, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.   (See Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2016 Form 10-K.)

 

 

CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS

 

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).  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 Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Contractual Commitments in the 201 6 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 h ave, 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 the 201 6 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 that changes in market conditions will adversely affect net income or cash flows.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility face market risk associated with their operations; their financing arrangements; the marketpl ace for elect ricity, 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 pric e risk” and “interest rate risk. ”  The Utility is also exposed to “credit risk,” the risk that counterparties fail to perform their contractual obligations.  

 

The Utility actively manages market risk through risk management program s designed to support business objectives, discourage unauthorized risk-taking, reduce commodity cost vola tility, and manage cash flows.  T he 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 accounte d 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 2016 Form 10-K.  There were no significan t developments to the Utility ’s and PG&E Corporation ’s risk management activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 .

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Sta tements 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 c ontingencies associated with environmental remediation liabilities and legal and regulatory matters, accounting policies for insurance recoveries, ARO s, and pension and other postretirement 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 requir e the use of ma terial judgments and estimates.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.  These accounting policies and their key characteristics are discussed in detail in the 2016 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.

 

 

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 which are based on current estimates, expectations, and projections about future e vents 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 inves tigations 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 ass ets 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 fact ors 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 is able to recover such costs through CEMA; the timing and outcome of the investigations by Cal Fire and the CPUC, including into the cause s of the wil dfires; and whether the Utility may have liability associated with these fires; and, if liable for one or more fires, whether the Utility would be able to recover all or part of such costs through insurance or through regulatory mechanisms, to the extent i nsurance is not available or exhausted; as well as potential liabilities in connection with 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 Utilit y failed to comply with applicable laws and regulation s;

 

  • t he Utility’s ability to efficiently manage capital expenditures and its operating and maintenance expenses within the authorized levels of spending and timely recover its costs through rates, and the extent to which the Utility incurs unrecoverable costs that are higher than the forecasts of such costs;

 

  • the timing and outcomes of the TO 18 and TO19 rate case s and other ratemaking and regulatory proceedings;

 

  • 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; the effect, if any, that the SED’s $8.3 million citations issued in connection with the Butte fire may have on 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 expenses and to preserve the opportunity for the Utility to request recovery of wildfire costs in excess of insurance at a future date, and the outcome of any potential request to recover such costs.  While the CPUC previously approved WEMA tracking accou nts for San Diego Gas & Electric Company in 2010, the CPUC currently is considering whether to approve recovery 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 Co mpany’s cost recovery request; 

 

  • the outcome of the probation and the monitorship imposed as a result of the Utility’s conviction in the federal criminal trial, the timing and outcomes of the debarment proceeding, 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 timing and outcomes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco and the California Attorney General’s office investigations in connection with communications between the Utility’s personnel and CPUC officials, whether additional criminal or regulatory investigations or enforcement actions are c ommenced with respect to allegedly improper communications, and the extent to which such matters negatively affect the final decisions to be issued in the Utility’s ratemaking proceedings , and the timing and outcome of the federal investigation regarding p ossible criminal violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and conspiracy to violate the act ;

 

 

 


  • the effects on P G&E Corporation and the Utility’s reputations caused by the Utility’s conviction in the federal criminal trial, the state and federal investig ations of natural gas incidents, matters relating to the criminal federal trial, improper communications between the CPUC and the Utility, and the Utility’s ongoing work to remove encroachments from transmission pipeline rights-of-way;

 

  • whether the Utilit y can control its costs within the authorized levels of spending, and successfully implement a streamlined organizational structure and achieve project savings, the extent to which the Utility incurs unrecoverable costs that are higher than the forecasts o f such 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 is able to successfully adapt its business model to signifi cant change that the electric industry is undergoing and the impact such change will have on the natural gas industry;

 

  • the impact of increased costs to comply with natural gas regulations, including the Senate Bill 887 directing DOGGR and CARB to develop permanent regulations for gas storage facility operations in California to comply with new safety and reliability measures, the PHMSA rules effective January 18, 2017 regulating gas storage facilities at the federal level; and the CPUC General Order 112-F that went into effect on January 1, 2017, that requires additional expenditures in the areas of gas leak repair, leak survey, high consequences area identification, and operator qualifications, and could impact the Utility’s ability to timely recover such costs;

 

  • wh ether 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 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 C A ISO’s Transmission Planning Process in order to allow for participation and input from interested parties;

 

  • 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 P G&E Corporation’s equity contributions to the Utility as the Utility incurs charges and costs, including fines, that it cannot recover through rates;

 

  • the outcome of the safety culture OII , including of its phase two proceeding opened on May 8, 2017 and future legislative or regulatory actions that may be taken to require the Utility to separate its electric and natural gas businesses, restructure into separate entities, undertake some other corporate restructuring, or implement corporate governance changes;

 

  • 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 app licable 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, env ironmental la ws and regulations; and the timing and outcome of notices of violations in connection with the Yuba City incident;

 

  • the outcomes of the CPUC’s data requests, including in connection with the Utility’s S martMeter™ cost-benefit analysis, and of the Utility’s PFMs, including in connection with the installation of new CP systems in 2018;

 

  • the timing and outcomes of the “Ghost Ship” and Valero refinery outage lawsuits;

 

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

 

 

 


  • the impact of new legislation or NRC regulations, recommendations, policies, decisions, or orders relating to the nuclear industry, including operations, seismic design, security, safety, relicensing, the storage of spent nuclear fuel, decommissioning, cooling water intake, or other issues; the impact of actions taken by state agencies that may affect the Utility’s ability to continue operating Diablo Canyon; whether the CPUC approves the joint proposal that will phase out the Utility’s Diablo Canyon nuclear units at the expiration of their licenses in 2024 and 2025; and whether the Utility will be able to successfully implement its retention an d retraining and development programs for Diablo Canyon employees, and whether these programs will be recovered in rates;

 

  • 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 informati on 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 inadequacy 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;

 

  • the breakdown or failure of equipment that can cause fires and unplanned outages (such as the power outage on Apri l 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); and whether the Utility will be subject to investigations, pen alties, and other costs in connection with such events;

 

  • how the CPUC and the CARB implement state environmental laws relating to GHG, renewable energy targets, energy efficiency st andards, 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;

 

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

 

  • 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 whethe r 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’s procurement service for C CAs ;

 

  • 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;

 

  • whether, as a result of Westinghouse’s Chapter 11 proceeding, the Utility will experience issues with nuclear fuel supply, nuclear fuel inventory, and related services and products that Westinghouse supplies, and whether such proceeding will affect the Utility’s contracts with Westinghouse;

 

  • t he 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 wheth er 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 result in increased borrowing costs especially if PG&E Corporation or the Utility were to lose their investment grade credit ratings;

 

 

 


  • the impact of federal or state laws or regulations, or their interpretation, on energy policy and the regulation of utilities and their holding companies, including how the CPUC interprets and enforces the financial and other conditions imposed on PG&E Co rporation when it became the Utility’s holding company, and whether the ultimate outcomes of the CPUC’s pending investigations, the Utility ’s conviction in the federal criminal trial , and other enforcement matters will impact the Utility’s ability to make distributions to PG&E Corporation, and, in turn, PG&E Corporation’s ability to pay dividends;

 

  • the impact of the corporate tax reform considered by the new federal administration and 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 new federal adm inistration; 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, inclu ding more detail about the factors described in this report, is included throughout MD&A, in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” below, and in the 2016 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 U tility’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.  It is possible that these regul atory 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 Cor poration 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, d ocuments, 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.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIV E DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

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 n on-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 ra tes.  (See the section above entitled “Risk Management Activities” in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Based on an evaluation of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017 , 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 tim e 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 officer s, 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 , that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s internal contro l over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

In addition to the following legal proceedings, PG&E Corporation and the Utility are involved in various legal 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 and Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “Enforcement and Litigation Matters.”

 

Butte Fire Litigation

 

In September 2015, a wildfire (known as the “Butte fire”) ignited and spread in Amador and Calaveras Counties in Northern Califo rnia.  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 c ommercial 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.

 

O n May 23, 2016, individual plaintiffs filed a master complaint ag ainst 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 author ized 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 ma ster 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 i n the future. The Utility continues mediating and settling cases

In addition, o n 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 mill ion.  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 clai m against the Utility that it estimates in the approximate amount of $85 million.  This claim would i nclude costs that the County of Calaveras incurred or expects to incur for infrastructure damage, erosion control, and other costs related to the Butte fir e. 

 

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 201 8.

 

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 o f the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

 


San Bruno Derivative Litigation

 

As previously disclosed, o n 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 “Individ ual 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 settlemen t 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 t hree and nine months ended September 30, 2017 .

 

PG&E Corporation and the Utility also agreed, under their indemnification obligations to the Individual Defendants, to pay $18.3 million of the Individual Defendants’ costs, fees, and expenses incurred in c onnection 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 through December 31, 2016.

 

In addition, pursuant to the settlement agreement, PG&E Corporation and the Utility will implement certain corporate governance therapeutics for five years, and the Ut ility 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.

 

For additional information regarding these matters, see “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the 2016 Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports 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 respec t 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 Analysi s 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.

 

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

 

For more info rmation regarding the 2003 settlement agreement between the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Utility, and the California Attorney General’s Office, see “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the 2016 Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

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 fl ows, see the section of the 2016 Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors,” as supplemented below, and the section of this quarterly report entitled “ Cautionary Language Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and c ash flows could be materially adversely affected by potential losses resulting from the impact of the Northern California wildfires.  The Utility also c ould 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 Northern California wildfires.  The Utility estimates that i t will incur costs in the range of $160 million to $200 million for service restoration and repairs to the Utility’s facilities (includin g an estimated $60 million to $8 0 million in capital expenditures) in connection with these fires.  While the Utility b elieves 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 damage s, 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 U tility 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 determine d 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 uncerta inty as to the cause s of the fires and the extent and magnitude of damages.

 
 
 
 

A s 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, N apa 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 mai ntain 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 in jury, property damage, evacuation costs , med ical 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 these fires.  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 .  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 consistent 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 probabl e and estimable, the liability would affect the balance sheet equity of PG&E Corporation and the Utility , which could adversely impact PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s credit ratings and their ability to declare and pay dividend s , efficiently raise capital, comply with financial covenants, and meet financial obligations.  (See “Risks Related to Liquidity and Capital Requirements” in the 2016 Form 10-K.)

 

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

 

For additional information about risks that PG&E Corporation and the Utility face with respect to wildfires, see 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.   The Utility’s insurance may not be sufficient to cover losses caused by an operating failure or catastrophic event, or may not become available at a reasonable cost, or available at all ” in Item 1A. Risk Factors of the 2016 Form 10-K.

 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially affected by the ultimate amount of third-party liabil ity that the Utility incurs in connections with 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 i nvestigation of the origin and cause of the wildfire.   Cal Fire’s   report concluded that the wildfire was caused when a gray p ine tree contacted   the Utility’s   electric line which ignited portions of the tree, and determined that the failure by the Utility   an d/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.

 

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 approx imately 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 c omplaints and plaintiffs may increase in the future.  The Utility continues mediating and settling cases.

 

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 cla im 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 b illion , increased from the $750 million previously estimated as of December 31, 2016, in connection with the Butte fire.  In addition, w hile 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 su fficient 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 o f 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 While the Utility filed an application with the CPUC requesting approval to establish a WEMA to track wildfire expenses and to preserve the opportunity for the Utility to request recovery of wildfire costs that have not otherwise been recovered through in insurance or other mechanisms , the Utility cannot predict the outcome of th is proceeding.  If the Utility is unable to recover all or a significant portion of such excess costs, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially affected .

 

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 a ccelerating 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 Cal ifornia policy makers notwithstanding a recent change in the federal approach to such ma tters.  California utilities 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 growth 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 ord er 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 State infrastructure modernization (e.g. r ail and water project s ).

 

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; consider future grid modernization and grid r einforcement 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 electr ic distribution grid operator.  The CPUC has also recently opened proceedings regarding the creation of a shared database or statewide census of utility poles and conduits in California and increased access by communications providers to utility rights-of-way.   This proceedin g 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.   The Utility is unable to predict the outcome of these p roceedings.  

 

In addition, the CPUC has recently opened 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.  While the CPUC had indicated intent to open an OIR related to customer choice, the Utility is unable to predict if and when the CPUC may open an OIR.

 


 

The industry change, costs associated with complying with new regulatory developments an d initiatives and with technologica l advancements, or the Utility’s inability to successful ly ada pt 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 cost s 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 natu ral 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 inciden t, 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 operat ional 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 manne r 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, i ncluding 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-p arty 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 di sruptions 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 l ikely 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 res ulted 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 network s , information technology systems o r data, or th e disruption of its operations.  Such events could subject the Utility to significant expenses, claims by customers or third parties, government inqui ries, 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 main tains 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 procee dings, 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   f or 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 analys is, 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 d isruptions   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 l osses 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 rej ect 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 custom ers.     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 cer tain 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 busin ess 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 supplie rs, 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 Ut ility’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, a nd 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 softw are, 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

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2017 , PG&E Corporation made 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 .

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2017 , 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 Septembe r 30, 2017 , 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 Combi ned 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 computatio n 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 ra tio 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

Separation Agreement between PG&E Corporation and Hyun Park dated August 7, 2017 and amended as of September 1, 2017

 

 

12.1

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for Pacific Gas and Electric Company

 

 

12.2

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

Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

31.2

Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

**32.1

Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

**32.2

Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

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.

 

 


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/ D AVID S. THOMASON

D avid S. Thomason

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller

(duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)

 

 

 

Dated: November 2, 2017


 


 

EXHIBIT 10.1


SEPARATION AGREEMENT
August 7, 2017

This Separation Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into by and between Hyun Park and PG&E Corporation (the "Corporation") (collectively the "Parties") and sets forth the terms and conditions of Mr. Park's separation from employment with the Corporation. The "Effective Date" of this Agreement is defined in paragraph 18(a).
1.   Resignation.   Mr. Park resigned from his position as Senior Vice President, General Counsel of PG&E Corporation on March 1, 2017 and assumed the position of PG&E Corporation Senior Vice President and Special Counsel to the Chairman of the Board ("Special Counsel.") Effective September 1, 2017, Mr. Park shall resign from the Special Counsel position. Mr. Park shall have until August 28, 2017, to accept this Agreement by submitting a signed copy to the Corporation. Regardless of whether Mr. Park accepts this Agreement, on September 1, 2017, he will be paid all salary or wages and vacation accrued, unpaid and owed to him as of that date, he will remain entitled to any other benefits to which he is otherwise entitled under the provisions of the Corporation's plans and programs, and he will receive notice of the right to continue his existing health-insurance coverage pursuant to COBRA.
The benefits set forth in paragraph 2 below are conditioned upon Mr. Park's acceptance of this Agreement and his execution of Exhibit A.
2.   Separation benefits.   In consideration of his acceptance of this Agreement, the Corporation will provide to Mr. Park the following separation benefits:
a.   Severance payment.   Under the terms of the 2012 PG&E Corporation Officer Severance Policy, Mr. Park's severance payment amount is $1,054,020 (One Million Fifty-Four Thousand Twenty Dollars.) Following his execution of this Agreement as set forth in paragraph 18(a) below and execution of Exhibit A on September 1, 2017, the Corporation will make the severance payment, less applicable withholdings and deductions, to Mr. Park.
b.   Bonus.  Mr. Park shall be entitled to receive a pro-rated bonus under the Corporation's 2017   short-term incentive plan based on the percentage of time Mr. Park was employed by the Corporation in 2017 , and at the time such bonus, if any, would otherwise be paid.
c.   Stock.   Upon the September 1, 2017 resignation date, but conditioned on the occurrence of the Effective Date of this Agreement as set forth in paragraph 18(a) below, all unvested restricted stock unit grants and performance share grants provided to Mr. Park under the Corporation's 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), including his 2017 LTIP grant, shall continue to vest, terminate, or be canceled as provided in the LTIP award agreements.


  d.   Career transition services.   For a maximum period of one year following September 1, 2017, the Corporation will provide Mr. Park with executive career transition services from Lee Hecht Harrison , with total payments to the firm not to exceed $12,000 (Twelve Thousand Dollars.). Lee Hecht Harrison shall bill the Corporation directly for their services to Mr. Park. Mr. Park's entitlement to services under this Agreement will terminate when he becomes employed, either by another employer or through self-employment other than consulting with the Corporation.


                             e.   Payment of COBRA premium.  In addition to the severance payment described in paragraph 2a, the Corporation will pay Mr. Park the amount of $42,451 (Forty Two Thousand Four Hundred Fifty-One Dollars), which is an estimated value of his monthly COBRA premiums for the eighteen-month period commencing the first full month after September 1, 2017.
3.   Defense and indemnification in third-party claim.  The Corporation and/or its affiliate, or subsidiary will provide Mr. Park with legal representation and indemnification protection in any legal proceeding in which he is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of the fact that he is or was an employee or officer of the Corporation and/or its affiliate or subsidiary, in accordance with the terms of the resolution of the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation dated July 19, 1995, any subsequent PG&E policy or plan providing greater protection to Mr. Park, or as otherwise required by law.
4.   Cooperation with legal proceedings.   Mr. Park will, upon reasonable notice, furnish information and reasonable assistance to the Corporation and/or its affiliate or subsidiary (including truthful testimony and document production) as may reasonably be required by them or any of them in connection with any legal, administrative or regulatory proceeding in which they or any of them is, or may become, a party, or in connection with any filing or similar obligation imposed by any taxing, administrative or regulatory authority having jurisdiction, provided, however, that the Corporation and/or its affiliate or subsidiary will pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Park in complying with this paragraph.
5.   Release of claims and covenant not to sue.
a.   In consideration of the separation benefits and other benefits the Corporation is providing under this Agreement, Mr. Park, on behalf of himself and his representatives, agents, heirs and assigns, waives, releases, discharges and promises never to assert any and all claims, liabilities or obligations of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected that he ever had, now has or might have as of the Effective Date against the Corporation or its predecessors, affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders, owners, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, or assigns. These released claims include, without limitation, any claims arising from or related to Mr. Park's employment with the Corporation, or any of its affiliates and subsidiaries, and the termination of that employment.  These released claims also specifically include, but are not limited, any claims arising under any federal, state and local statutory or common law, such as (as amended and as applicable) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, any other federal, state or local law governing the terms and conditions of employment or the termination of employment, and the law of contract and tort; and any claim for attorneys' fees.
b.   Mr. Park acknowledges that there may exist facts or claims in addition to or different from those which are now known or believed by him to exist.  Nonetheless, this Agreement extends to all claims of every nature and kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, past or present, and Mr. Park specifically waives all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code which provides that:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN TO HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
c.   With respect to the claims released in the preceding paragraphs, Mr. Park will not initiate or maintain any legal or administrative action or proceeding of any kind against the Corporation or its predecessors, affiliates, subsidiaries, shareholders, owners, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, or assigns, for the purpose of obtaining any personal relief, nor (except as otherwise required or permitted by law) assist or participate in any such proceedings, including any proceedings brought by any third parties.
6.   Re-employment.   Mr. Park will not seek any future re-employment with the Corporation, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.  This paragraph will not, however, preclude Mr. Park from accepting an offer of future employment from the Corporation, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
7.   Non-disclosure.
a.   Mr. Park will not disclose, publicize, or circulate to anyone in whole or in part, any information concerning the existence, terms, and/or conditions of this Agreement without the express written consent of the PG&E Corporation's Chief Executive Officer or, as reasonably necessary to enforce the terms of this Agreement, unless otherwise required or permitted by law or if this Agreement is publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Mr. Park may disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement to his family members, and any attorneys or tax advisors, if any, to whom there is a bona fide need for disclosure in order for them to render professional services to him, provided that the person first agrees to keep the information confidential and not to make any disclosure of the terms and conditions of this Agreement unless otherwise required or permitted by law or if this Agreement is publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

b.   Mr. Park will not use, disclose, publicize, or circulate any confidential or proprietary information concerning the Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates, which has come to his attention during his employment with the Corporation, unless doing so is expressly authorized in writing by PG&E Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, or is otherwise required or permitted by law.  Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Mr. Park from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory authority, including but not limited to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation. Before making any legally-required or permitted disclosure, Mr. Park will give the Corporation notice at least ten (10) business days in advance.

8.   Non-Disparagement.  Mr. Park agrees to refrain from performing any act, engaging in any conduct or course of action or making or publishing any statements, claims, allegations or assertions, which have or may reasonably have the effect of demeaning the name or business reputation of  the Corporation, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their respective employees, officers, directors, agents or advisors in their capacities as such or which adversely affects (or may reasonably be expected adversely to affect) the best interests (economic or otherwise) of any of them. Nothing in this paragraph 8 shall preclude Mr. Park from fulfilling any legal duty he may have, including responding to any subpoena or official inquiry from any court or government agency.
9.   No unfair competition.
a.   For a period of 12 months after September 1, 2017, Mr. Park will not engage in any unfair competition against the Corporation, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
b.   For a period of 12 months after September 1, 2017, Mr. Park will not, directly or indirectly, solicit or contact for the purpose of diverting or taking away or attempt to solicit or contact for the purpose of diverting or taking away:
(1)
any existing customer of the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries;
(2)
any prospective customer of the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries about whom Mr. Park acquired information as a result of any solicitation efforts by the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, or by the prospective customer, during Mr. Park's employment with the Corporation;
(3)
any existing vendor of the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries;
(4)
any prospective vendor of the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, about whom Mr. Park acquired information as a result of any solicitation efforts by the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, or by the prospective vendor, during Mr. Park's employment with the Corporation;
(5)
any existing employee, agent or consultant of the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, to terminate or otherwise alter the person's or entity's employment, agency or consultant relationship with the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries; or
(6)
any existing employee, agent or consultant of the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, to work in any capacity for or on behalf of any person, Corporation or other business enterprise that is in competition with the Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries.
        10.   Material breach by Employee.   In the event that Mr. Park breaches any material provision of this Agreement, including but not necessarily limited to paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and/or 9 and fails to cure said breach upon reasonable notice, the Corporation will be entitled to recover any actual damages and to recalculate any future pension benefit entitlement without the additional credited age he received or would have received under this Agreement. Despite any breach by Mr. Park, his other duties and obligations under this Agreement, including his waivers and releases, will remain in full force and effect. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Mr. Park of any of the provisions in paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9, the Corporation will, in addition to any other remedies provided in this Agreement, be entitled to equitable and/or injunctive relief and because the damages for such a breach or threatened breach will be difficult to determine and will not provide a full and adequate remedy, the Corporation will also be entitled to specific performance by Mr. Park of his obligations under paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9.
11.   Material breach by the Corporation.   Mr. Park will be entitled to recover actual damages in the event of any material breach of this Agreement by the Corporation, including any unexcused late or non-payment of any amounts owed under this Agreement, or any unexcused failure to provide any other benefits specified in this Agreement. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Corporation of any of its material obligations to him under this Agreement, Mr. Park will be entitled to seek, in addition to any other remedies provided in this Agreement, specific performance of the Corporation's obligations and any other applicable equitable or injunctive relief.
12.     No admission of liability.   This Agreement is not, and will not be considered, an admission of liability or of a violation of any applicable contract, law, rule, regulation, or order of any kind.
13.   Complete agreement.   This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject matter of  this Agreement and fully supersedes any prior or contemporaneous negotiations, representations, agreements, or understandings between the Parties with respect to any such matters, whether written or oral (including any that would have provided Mr. Park with any different severance arrangements). The Parties acknowledge that they have not relied on any promise, representation or warranty, express or implied, not contained in this Agreement. Parole evidence will be inadmissible to show agreement by and among the Parties to any term or condition contrary to or in addition to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

14.   Severability.   If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
15.   Arbitration.   With the exception of any request for specific performance, injunctive or other equitable relief, any dispute or controversy of any kind arising out of or related to this Agreement, Mr. Park's employment with the Corporation (or with the employing subsidiary), the separation of Mr. Park from that employment and from his positions as an officer and/or director of the Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate, or any claims for benefits, rights under, or interpretation of this Agreement, will be resolved exclusively by final and binding arbitration using one arbitrator in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association currently in effect, provided, however, that in rendering their award, the arbitrators will be limited to those legal rights and remedies provided for by law. The only claims not covered by this paragraph are any non-waivable claims for benefits under workers' compensation or unemployment insurance laws, which will be resolved under those laws. Any arbitration pursuant to this paragraph will take place in San Francisco, California.  The Parties may be represented by legal counsel at the arbitration but must bear their own fees for such representation in the first instance. The prevailing party in any dispute or controversy covered by this paragraph, or with respect to any request for specific performance, injunctive or other equitable relief in any forum, will be entitled to recover, in addition to any other available remedies specified in this Agreement, all litigation expenses and costs, including any arbitrator, administrative or filing fees and reasonable attorneys' fees, except as prohibited or limited by law. The Parties specifically waive any right to a jury trial on any dispute or controversy covered by this paragraph.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrators' award in any court of competent jurisdiction.  Subject to the arbitration provisions of this paragraph, the sole jurisdiction and venue for any action related to the subject matter of this Agreement will be the California state and federal courts having within their jurisdiction the location of the Corporation's principal place of business in California at the time of such action, and both Parties thereby consent to the jurisdiction of such courts for any such action.
16.   Governing law.   This Agreement will be governed by and construed under the laws of the United States and, to the extent not preempted by such laws, by the laws of the State of California, without regard to their conflicts of laws provisions.
17.   No waiver.   The failure of either Party to exercise or enforce, at any time, or for any period of time, any of the provisions of this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of that provision, or any portion of that provision, and will in no way affect that party's right to exercise or enforce such provisions. No waiver or default of any provision of this Agreement will be deemed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same or any other provisions of this Agreement.
18.   Acceptance of Agreement.
a.   Mr. Park was provided over 21 days to consider and accept the terms of this Agreement and was advised to consult with an attorney about the Agreement before signing it. The provisions of the Agreement are, however, not subject to negotiation. After signing the Agreement, Mr. Park will have an additional seven (7) days in which to revoke in writing acceptance of this Agreement. To revoke, Mr. Park will submit a signed statement to that effect to PG&E Corporation's Chief Executive Officer before the close of business on the seventh day. If Mr. Park does not submit a timely revocation, the Effective Date of this Agreement will be the eighth day after he has signed it.
b.   Mr. Park acknowledges reading and understanding the contents of this Agreement, being afforded the opportunity to review carefully this Agreement with an attorney of his choice, not relying on any oral or written representation not contained in this Agreement, signing this Agreement knowingly and voluntarily, and, after the Effective Date of this Agreement, being bound by all of its provisions.




Dated:            8/24/2017          .   PG&E CORPORATION
By:   /s/ JOHN R. SIMON                        

Dated:            8/8/2017            .   HYUN PARK
         /s/ HYUN PARK                              
 


EXHIBIT A

EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION CERTIFICATE

I entered into a SEPARATION AGREEMENT (" Separation Agreement ")   with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (" Company ") dated August 7, 2017. I hereby acknowledge that:

(1)        A blank copy of this Employment Termination Certificate was attached as Exhibit A to the Separation Agreement when the Company gave it to me for review.  I have been given sufficient and reasonable time to consider signing this Certificate.  I have been advised of my right to discuss the Separation Agreement and this Certificate with an attorney before executing either document.

(2)        The benefits payable under paragraph 2 of the Separation Agreement are only payable to me if I sign this Certificate on or within 5 business days after September 1, 2017.

(3)        I executed the Separation Agreement prior to my last day of employment. In exchange for the remaining benefits provided for in paragraph 2 of the Separation Agreement, I hereby agree that this Certificate will be a part of my Separation Agreement such that the release of claims and the covenants that I provided under paragraph 5 of the Separation Agreement will, by my signature below, extend to and cover any other claims that arose after the Effective Date, up to and including September 1, 2017 and the date this Certificate is signed, provided, however, by signing the Employment Termination Certificate I am not releasing any claim I have to receive any and all benefits otherwise due to me under the terms of the Separation Agreement, or otherwise required by law. 

(4)        Nothing in this Certificate alters, diminishes, or mitigates the scope and breadth of the releases and covenants that I previously provided to the Company under the Separation Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect regardless of whether I sign this Certificate. 

(5)        By signing below, I hereby extend the release of claims and the covenants that I provided to the Company and other released parties under the Separation Agreement to cover any other claims (as more fully described in paragraph 5 of the Separation Agreement) that arose or may have arisen at any time after the Effective Date, up to and including September 1, 2017 and the date this Certificate is signed.  I knowingly and voluntarily waive any and all rights or benefits which I may have had, may now have or in the future may have under the terms of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides as follows:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE WHICH, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
I understand that section 1542 gives me the right not to release existing claims of which I am not now aware, but I expressly and voluntarily choose to waive my rights under California Civil Code Section 1542, as well as under any other federal or state statute or common law principles of similar effect .

I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE A RIGHT TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF MY OWN CHOOSING AND TO HAVE THE TERMS OF THIS CERTIFICATE FULLY EXPLAINED TO ME PRIOR TO SIGNING, AND THAT I AM GIVING UP ANY LEGAL CLAIMS I HAVE AGAINST THE PARTIES RELEASED IN THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT BY SIGNING THIS CERTIFICATE. I AM SIGNING THIS CERTIFICATE KNOWINGLY, WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY IN EXCHANGE FOR THE BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN THE SEPARATION AGREEMENT.


    /s/ HYUN PARK                                  
HYUN PARK

Date:     9/1/2017                                        


EXHIBIT 12.1
PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

   
Nine
                               
   
Months Ended
                               
   
September 30,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Earnings:
                                   
Net income
 
$
1,491
   
$
1,402
   
$
862
   
$
1,433
   
$
866
   
$
811
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
   
394
     
70
     
(19
)
   
384
     
326
     
298
 
Fixed charges
   
1,177
     
1,417
     
1,260
     
1,176
     
971
     
891
 
Total earnings
 
$
3,062
   
$
2,889
   
$
2,103
   
$
2,993
   
$
2,163
   
$
2,000
 
Fixed charges:
                                               
Interest on short-term borrowings
                                               
  and long-term debt, net
 
$
1,148
   
$
1,363
   
$
1,208
   
$
1,125
   
$
917
   
$
834
 
Interest on capital leases
   
2
     
3
     
4
     
6
     
7
     
9
 
AFUDC debt
   
27
     
51
     
48
     
45
     
47
     
48
 
Total fixed charges
 
$
1,177
   
$
1,417
   
$
1,260
   
$
1,176
   
$
971
   
$
891
 
Ratios of earnings to fixed charges
   
2.60
     
2.04
     
1.67
     
2.55
     
2.23
     
2.24
 
                                                 
                                                 
Note:
For the purpose of computing Pacific Gas and Electric Company's ratios of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" represent net income adjusted for the income or loss from equity investees of less than 100% owned affiliates, equity in undistributed income or losses of less than 50% owned affiliates, income taxes and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest).  "Fixed charges" include interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings (including a representative portion of rental expense), amortization of bond premium, discount and expense, interest on capital leases, AFUDC debt, and earnings required to cover the preferred stock dividend requirements.  Fixed charges exclude interest on tax liabilities.



EXHIBIT 12.2
PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED
FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

   
Nine
                               
   
Months Ended
                               
   
September 30,
   
Year ended December 31,
 
(in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Earnings:
                                   
Net income
 
$
1,491
   
$
1,402
   
$
862
   
$
1,433
   
$
866
   
$
811
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
   
394
     
70
     
(19
)
   
384
     
326
     
298
 
Fixed charges
   
1,177
     
1,417
     
1,260
     
1,176
     
971
     
891
 
Total earnings
 
$
3,062
   
$
2,889
   
$
2,103
   
$
2,993
   
$
2,163
   
$
2,000
 
Fixed charges:
                                               
Interest on short-term borrowings
                                               
and long-term debt, net
 
$
1,148
   
$
1,363
   
$
1,208
   
$
1,125
   
$
917
   
$
834
 
Interest on capital leases
   
2
     
3
     
4
     
6
     
7
     
9
 
AFUDC debt
   
27
     
51
     
48
     
45
     
47
     
48
 
Total fixed charges
 
$
1,177
   
$
1,417
   
$
1,260
   
$
1,176
   
$
971
   
$
891
 
Preferred stock dividends:
                                               
Tax deductible dividends
 
$
7
   
$
9
   
$
9
   
$
9
   
$
9
   
$
9
 
Pre-tax earnings required to cover
                                               
non-tax deductible preferred
                                               
stock dividend requirements
   
4
     
5
     
5
     
6
     
7
     
7
 
Total preferred stock dividends
   
11
     
14
     
14
     
15
     
16
     
16
 
Total combined fixed charges
                                               
and preferred stock
                                               
dividends
 
$
1,188
   
$
1,431
   
$
1,274
   
$
1,191
   
$
987
   
$
907
 
Ratios of earnings to combined
                                               
  fixed charges and preferred
                                               
  stock dividends
   
2.58
     
2.02
     
1.65
     
2.51
     
2.19
     
2.21
 
                                                 
                                                 

Note:
For the purpose of computing Pacific Gas and Electric Company's ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, "earnings" represent net income adjusted for the income or loss from equity investees of less than 100% owned affiliates, equity in undistributed income or losses of less than 50% owned affiliates, income taxes and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest).  "Fixed charges" include interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings (including a representative portion of rental expense), amortization of bond premium, discount and expense, interest on capital leases, AFUDC debt, and earnings required to cover the preferred stock dividend requirements.  Fixed charges exclude interest on tax liabilities.

EXHIBIT 12.3
PG&E CORPORATION
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

   
Nine
                               
   
Months Ended
                               
   
September 30,
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
(in millions)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Earnings:
                                   
Net income
 
$
1,542
   
$
1,407
   
$
888
   
$
1,450
   
$
828
   
$
830
 
Income tax provision (benefit)
   
403
     
55
     
(27
)
   
345
     
268
     
237
 
Fixed charges
   
1,195
     
1,440
     
1,284
     
1,206
     
1,012
     
931
 
Pre-tax earnings required to
                                               
cover the preferred stock
                                               
dividend of consolidated
                                               
subsidiaries
   
(11
)
   
(14
)
   
(14
)
   
(15
)
   
(16
)
   
(15
)
Total earnings
 
$
3,129
   
$
2,888
   
$
2,131
   
$
2,986
   
$
2,092
   
$
1,983
 
Fixed charges:
                                               
Interest on short-term
                                               
borrowings and long-term
                                               
debt, net
 
$
1,155
   
$
1,372
   
$
1,218
   
$
1,140
   
$
942
   
$
859
 
Interest on capital leases
   
2
     
3
     
4
     
6
     
7
     
9
 
AFUDC debt
   
27
     
51
     
48
     
45
     
47
     
48
 
Pre-tax earnings required to
                                               
cover the preferred stock
                                               
    dividend of consolidated
                                               
subsidiaries
   
11
     
14
     
14
     
15
     
16
     
15
 
Total fixed charges
 
$
1,195
   
$
1,440
   
$
1,284
   
$
1,206
   
$
1,012
   
$
931
 
Ratios of earnings to
                                               
fixed charges
   
2.62
     
2.01
     
1.66
     
2.48
     
2.07
     
2.13
 
                                                 
                                                 
Note:
For the purpose of computing PG&E Corporation's ratios of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" represent income from continuing operations adjusted for income taxes, fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest), and pre-tax earnings required to cover the preferred stock dividend of consolidated subsidiaries.  "Fixed charges" include interest on long-term debt and short-term borrowings (including a representative portion of rental expense), amortization of bond premium, discount and expense, interest on capital leases, AFUDC debt, and earnings required to cover preferred stock dividends of consolidated subsidiaries.  Fixed charges exclude interest on tax liabilities.
EXHIBIT 31.1


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE 13a-14(a)

I, Geisha J. Williams, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of PG&E Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) ) for the registrant and have:

a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date:  November 2, 2017
/s/ GEISHA J. WILLIAMS
 
Geisha J. Williams
 
Chief Executive Officer and President



CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE 13a-14(a)

I, Jason P. Wells, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of PG&E Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date:  November 2, 2017
/s/ JASON P. WELLS
 
Jason P. Wells
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT 31.2


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE 13a-14(a)

I, Nickolas Stavropoulos, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of Pacific Gas and Electric Company;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) ) for the registrant and have:

a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date:  November 2, 2017
 
/s/ NICKOLAS STAVROPOULOS
 
Nickolas Stavropoulos
 
President and Chief Operating Officer


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE 13a-14(a)

I, David S. Thomason, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 of Pacific Gas and Electric Company;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  November 2, 2017
/s/ DAVID S. THOMASON
 
David S. Thomason
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller


EXHIBIT 32.1


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350


In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of PG&E Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 ("Form 10-Q"), I, Geisha J. Williams, Chief Executive Officer and President of PG&E Corporation, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

                 (1)
the Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
     
                 (2)
the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of PG&E Corporation.
 
     



    
 
 
/s/ GEISHA J. WILLIAMS
 
Geisha J. Williams
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
   

November 2, 2017



CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of PG&E Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 ("Form 10-Q"), I, Jason P. Wells, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

                 (1)
the Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
     
                 (2)
the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of PG&E Corporation.
 
     



 
 
 
/s/ JASON P. WELLS
 
Jason P. Wells
 
Senior Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer

November 2, 2017

EXHIBIT 32.2


CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350


In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pacific Gas and Electric Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 ("Form 10-Q"), I, Nickolas Stavropoulos, President and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

               (1)
the Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
     
                (2)
the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.


 

   
 
/s/ NICKOLAS STAVROPOULOS
 
Nickolas Stavropoulos
                               
President and Chief Operating Officer


November 2, 2017







CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pacific Gas and Electric Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 ("Form 10-Q"), I, David S. Thomason, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that:

                (1)
the Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
     
                (2)
the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.




   
 
/s/ DAVID S. THOMASON
 
David S. Thomason
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller
 
November 2, 2017