PG&E Filed 10-Year Electrical Undergrounding Plan
The utility company aims to bury 5,000 miles of power lines to mitigate wildfire risks across California.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Utilities
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Pacific Gas and Electric Company has submitted a 10-year plan to the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety to move power lines underground. This initiative targets 5,000 miles of distribution lines across northern and central California to enhance grid reliability.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks to bolster wildfire safety while addressing financial concerns following a recent strategic business review. By burying infrastructure in high-risk areas, the company intends to secure long-term grid safety.
The plan spans 30 counties and targets 5,000 miles of lines between 2028 and 2037. The utility also announced a deferment of $2 billion in spending for the upcoming year.
The players
PG&E
This major utility company provides electricity and natural gas to millions of customers throughout California.
California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
This state regulatory agency oversees the safety standards and infrastructure plans of California utility providers.
The details
The project focuses on high-wildfire-risk areas in northern and central California, aiming to improve overall grid performance. This filing follows the launch of a strategic business review initiated by the utility in September 2026.
Timeline
PG&E emerged from bankruptcy in 2020.
The utility announced spending deferrals and a strategic business review in September 2026.
The proposed undergrounding work is scheduled to take place from 2028 to 2037.
Market Landscape
This large-scale infrastructure project reflects a shift toward hardening the state's power grid against environmental threats. The strategy marks a departure from traditional overhead maintenance, positioning the utility to mitigate future liabilities after its 2020 bankruptcy.
Customers in the 30 affected counties may see changes in grid reliability and service stability as the massive undergrounding project progresses. The $2 billion in deferred spending may also influence future utility operational budgets and rate planning.
The takeaway
Proactive infrastructure upgrades remain a critical component for utilities managing wildfire-prone territories. Residents in high-risk zones should monitor future regulatory filings for potential impacts on their service and utility costs.
Further reading
Learn more about grid safety and infrastructure projects in the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Journal.
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Should utility companies prioritize long-term grid safety improvements over deferring planned operational spending?
