PG&E on the hook for $20.25 million in Kincade Fire judgement

Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch announced on Monday that Pacific Gas & Electric has entered into a stipulated judgement to resolve pending criminal and civil charges related to causing the 2019 Kincade Fire.

The judgement orders PG&E to implement safety measures in Sonoma County, such as hiring at least 80 new wildfire safety related positions and making $20.25 million in mandated payments.

The $20,250,000 will go to nonprofit organizations that provide services to Sonoma County residents impacted by wildfires and evacuations as well as to Santa Rosa Junior College’s Fire Technology Program at its public safety center and to create a vegetation management program.

PG&E must also pay civil penalties “as punishment and deterrence for recklessly and negligently causing the Kincade Fire,” according to the DA.

PG&E is also required to reimburse the district attorney’s office for the cost of investigation and prosecuting the matter.

Ravitch notes that any payments made by PG&E “will not be charged to PG&E customers, nor may be recovered in rate increases.”

PG&E could not immediately be reached for comment.