Default rule and exceptions
PG&E says it is generally responsible for losses that occur due to its negligence, but in many instances is not responsible for property damage that occurs due to forces outside its control. The California Public Utilities Commission says it cannot award damages for property damage and points to the utility company process or a civil court claim.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Utility (PG&E) | Generally responsible for losses that occur due to its negligence; reviews claims for property damage |
| Customer | Submit a claim; PG&E states tangible property damage claims have a statute of limitations of three years |
| Exceptions | PG&E says that in many instances it is not responsible for power outages, voltage fluctuations, food loss, or property damage caused by forces outside its control. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 22, 2026.
Generally, we are responsible for losses that occur due to our negligence. However, in many instances, we are NOT responsible for power outages, voltage fluctuations, food loss, or property damage that occur due to forces outside our control
Tangible property damage claims have a statute of limitations of three years.
The CPUC, by law, cannot award damages for things like personal injury, property damage, emotional distress, or loss of wages or profits. To request compensation for damages, you can utilize the utility company’s process, or file a civil court claim.
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for utility damage: claims against the utility in Statewide, CA?
It depends on the specific facts. Generally responsible for losses that occur due to its negligence; reviews claims for property damage
Are there exceptions in Statewide, CA?
PG&E says that in many instances it is not responsible for power outages, voltage fluctuations, food loss, or property damage caused by forces outside its control.
Is there any cost help for utility damage: claims against the utility in Statewide, CA?
PG&E accepts property damage claims; the CPUC says compensation for damages can be sought through the utility company process or a civil court claim.
What is this based on for Statewide, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Claims and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Claimsofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-22
- Claimsofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-22
- Filing a Formal Complaintofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-22
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