SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Building on ongoing sustainability efforts, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced a new goal to reduce 1 million tons of greenhouse-gas emissions from company operations through 2022. The goal advances PG&E’s progress toward meeting the challenge of climate change and creating a sustainable energy future.

“At PG&E, a sustainable energy future is our North Star and this new goal directly aligns with our company’s vision. By reducing our emissions by roughly 10 percent, we are extending our ongoing sustainability efforts and doing our part to protect the environment. Achieving sustainability means addressing climate change in the way we work every day as we continue to provide safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy to our customers,” said Geisha Williams, CEO and President of PG&E Corporation.

Called the Million Ton Challenge, PG&E aims to reduce emissions from its operations over a five-year period. Through the company’s operational plans, PG&E aims to:

• Make its facilities more energy efficient and sustainable
• Reduce methane emissions from natural gas operations
• Increase clean vehicles and fuels in its fleet
• Adopt environmentally responsible products, with an early focus on electric substation equipment

Additionally, PG&E is encouraging employees to join the challenge by making a pledge to reduce their carbon footprint at work and home.

“It’s more critical than ever to see companies like PG&E step forward with states, cities and others to demonstrate leadership in the fight against climate change. In pledging to reduce its climate impact, it’s clear that PG&E is making a concerted effort to lead by example across its business operations,” said Heather Zichal, Managing Director of Corporate Engagement, The Nature Conservancy and a member of PG&E’s Sustainability Advisory Council.

Supporting Sustainability for PG&E Customers

As part of the company’s ongoing efforts, PG&E continues to support sustainability for its customers by integrating more clean and renewable energy onto the grid and offering clean energy options.

Thirty-three percent of PG&E’s electricity came from renewable resources including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric sources in 2017. The milestone comes three years ahead of the state’s 2020 mandate for energy companies to reach 33 percent of retail electric deliveries from eligible renewable sources.

Additionally, nearly 80 percent of PG&E's total electric power mix is from greenhouse-gas free sources including nuclear, large hydro and renewable sources of energy. The company is also on pace to reach California's 2030 goal of 50 percent renewables and a separate company goal of 55 percent renewables by 2031 ahead of schedule.

PG&E offers additional clean energy options to its customers. Through PG&E’s Solar Choice and Regional Renewable Choice programs, all customers have the option of solar and renewable energy without having to install private rooftop solar panels or other onsite generation.

Through targeted electric vehicle (EV) programs, PG&E aims to help accelerate the adoption of EVs to support clean transportation in California. For example, through its EV Charge Network program, PG&E will install 7,500 EV chargers at condominiums, apartment buildings and workplaces across Northern and Central California, including at sites in disadvantaged communities.

Sustainability Recognition

PG&E has been recognized in nationwide sustainability and corporate responsibility rankings including:

• Newsweek Green Ranking: PG&E was named the greenest energy provider in the nation and the No. 4 greenest company overall in 2017. The annual rankings assess the sustainability performance of the 500 largest publicly-traded companies in the United States.
• Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index: PG&E Corporation was named to the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index in 2017, which lists North American companies that lead their industries in corporate economic, environmental and social performance. This marked the eighth time that PG&E was selected for the North America Index, which serves as a benchmark for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios.
• 100 Best Corporate Citizens: PG&E was named to the list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens by Corporate Responsibility Magazine in 2018, the fourth straight year PG&E earned this distinction. PG&E ranked No. 54 on the list.
• Civic 50: PG&E was once again named to The Civic 50 list of America’s 50 most community-minded companies in 2017.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Media Relations, 415-973-5930

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

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