Amid liability fight, CA wildfire survivors urge state leaders to hold power companies accountable

As California leaders revisit the question of who should pay and how much when investor-owned utility companies cause catastrophic wildfires, wildfire victims are urging state officials to ensure the companies don't start fires in the first place. PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric have been pushing state leaders to shift some wildfire costs onto insurance companies, but lawmakers excluded this proposal from a plan that was expected to pass during the final hours of the legislative session. After the utility companies’ stocks plummeted, losing billions in value, the California Assembly decided to scrap the plan entirely to continue discussions. This debate stems from the assumption that one of the state’s major power companies may cause another catastrophic fire soon. The companies argue that California’s wildfire liability system exposes them to higher costs, worsened credit ratings, and potential bankruptcy.

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