I have heard the pain and the anguish of victims as they’ve described the loss they continue to endure, and the wounds that can’t be healed. No words from me could ever reduce the magnitude of such devastation or do anything to repair the damage. But I hope that the actions we are taking here today will help bring some measure of peace.
Our equipment started the fire that destroyed the towns of Paradise and Concow and severely burned Magalia and other parts of Butte County. That fire took the lives of 85 people. Thousands lost their homes and businesses, and many others were forced to evacuate under horrific circumstances.
I wish there were some way to take back what happened or take away the pain of those who’ve suffered. But I know there’s not.
What I can say is this: First, PG&E will never forget the Camp Fire and all that it took from this region. We remain deeply, deeply sorry for the terrible devastation we have caused.”
PG&E’s admission of wrongdoing is part of its plea agreement with the Butte County District Attorney. The agreement included a maximum penalty of $3.5 million for its crimes and $500,000 to cover the cost of the investigation.
PG&E’s reorganization plan included $25.5 billion payment to wildfire claimants
Its guilty plea comes as it hoping to receive court approval for its plan to exit bankruptcy. Under the plan, PG&E will pay approximately $25.5 billion to all wildfire claimants related to the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 Northern California Wildfires such as the Tubbs Fire, and the 2018 Camp Fire.
