The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) started as a post-Gold Rush enterprise in California and became the largest electric utility in the U.S. by 1984. Founded by George H. Roe, PG&E is headquartered in the iconic Pacific Gas & Electric Building in San Francisco. Today, PG&E serves the northern two-thirds of California, delivering natural gas and electricity to around 5.2 million households. The company operates under the oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission and is part of the PG&E Company holding group, which had a market capitalization of $3.242 billion as of January 16, 2019.
A Historic Merger and Expanding Horizons
On October 10, 1905, the merger of the San Francisco Gas and Electric Company and the California Gas and Electric Corporation marked the creation of PG&E. This strategic move provided access to the lucrative San Francisco market and laid the groundwork for future investments. The merger also allowed PG&E to enhance its electrical infrastructure, moving away from steam-generated power to more efficient hydroelectric sources. Although the two entities operated under separate corporate identities until 1911, this consolidation was pivotal in shaping PG&E’s growth trajectory.
Pioneering Natural Gas: A New Era
PG&E revolutionized energy delivery by introducing natural gas to San Francisco and northern California in 1930 through the world’s longest pipeline. Spanning from Texas gas fields to northern California, this pipeline included compressor stations with cooling towers positioned every 300 miles. This advancement enabled PG&E to phase out older, polluting gas manufacturing facilities. Today, PG&E’s extensive network includes 40,000 miles of distribution pipelines and over 6,000 miles of transportation pipelines, serving 4.2 million customers from Bakersfield to the Oregon border.
Environmental Challenges and Controversies
In the 1950s and 1960s, PG&E used hexavalent chromium in its cooling towers at the Topock and Hinkley compressor stations for rust prevention. This led to significant groundwater contamination, particularly in Hinkley, where the contaminated cooling water was disposed of improperly. This environmental issue has been a notable chapter in PG&E’s history, highlighting the challenges associated with industrial practices and environmental responsibility.
A Legacy of Literature: PG&E’s Centennial Story
Charles M. Coleman, a notable figure in PG&E’s advertising department in 1952, chronicled the company’s journey in his book, P. G. And That’s E. From California: Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Centennial Story, 1852–1952. This publication offers a comprehensive look at PG&E’s evolution over a century, providing insights into the company’s historical significance and growth.
Considering Going Solar? Solar Harmonics is Here to Help
Most of our clients are looking for a company they can trust to help them go solar. Based on our decade in business, online reviews, and Diamond Certification, Solar Harmonics is the best choice to trust to complete your solar project on time, on budget, and with the expected results. It is our mission to design the best value solar panel system that produces reliably over the next 30 – 40 years and saves the most money for our clients. If the financial goals of our clients intersect with the global and environmental goals of our founder, it is a win for everyone except the utility companies. Contact us today for your free quote!
