OAKLAND – November 10, 2026 -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has installed and energized 1,500 miles of underground power lines in high fire-threat districts since launching its undergrounding program in 2021, cutting wildfire ignition risk on those lines by approximately 98%.
Customers served by the underground lines also experience approximately 90% fewer outages, according to the utility.
CPUC proposed decision would cut PG&E's eligible undergrounding from 5,000 to about 1,100 miles
The milestone arrives as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) weighs a Proposed Decision in the SPD-37 Joint IOU Application proceeding. If adopted, it would reduce eligible undergrounding in PG&E's plan from 5,000 miles to approximately 1,100 miles. PG&E says this would hinder permanent risk reduction in the areas of highest wildfire vulnerability.
PG&E recently filed a 10-year Electrical Undergrounding Plan (EUP) to underground 5,000 miles of powerlines across more than 30 counties in Northern and Central California. The company says the plan would permanently reduce wildfire risk by 98% and cut approximately 90% of outages for customers on those lines.
Plan targets fewer shutoffs and protects hospitals, fire and police stations
PG&E says the plan would help prevent disruptions to hospitals, fire stations, police stations and other essential community services. It would also reduce the need for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and outages tied to Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS).
PG&E completes 325 miles in 2026 as new communities switch to underground service
PG&E has completed 325 miles of undergrounding in 2026 so far. Communities recently moved to underground service include Foresthill (Placer County), Middletown (Lake County), Apple Hill (El Dorado County), Arnold (Calaveras County) and Angwin (Napa County).
Matt Pender, PG&E Undergrounding and System Hardening Vice President, said the company will keep focusing on work where it can deliver the greatest safety and reliability benefits.