Regulators in California are seeking $22 million from PG&E, alleging the utility provider committed violations linked to the 2022 Mosquito fire in Placer County.The fire, which ignited near the Oxbow Reservoir on September 6, 2022, burned over 76,788 acres and destroyed 78 structures.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) found evidence that PG&E failed to repair or maintain certain power lines, though these failures did not directly cause the fire.The utility was criticized for delaying fire notifications and destroying critical equipment before investigators could examine it.

PG&E's director of risk and electric compliance, Daniel Kushner, stated the pole and equipment were mistakenly destroyed due to internal miscoordination.

The proposed settlement includes a $21 million penalty to the state’s general fund and up to $1 million for a third-party review of PG&E’s policies.The CPUC will vote on the proposal on August 13.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of utility companies’ safety practices and their accountability for wildfires, particularly in regions prone to drought and high temperatures.