PG&E Chief Assures California the Utility Is Safer Than Ever

As California hurtles toward the height of wildfire season, the state’s largest utility says its infrastructure is safer than ever before.

PG&E Corp., which was forced into bankruptcy four years ago following a series of deadly fires caused by its equipment, has made great strides in reducing the risk of catastrophe, Chief Executive Officer Patti Poppe said.

Patti Poppe during an interview in San Francisco on July 27.

Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

“We know that the system is safer,” Poppe said during an interview with editors and reporters at the San Francisco office of Bloomberg LP. “We know that we’ve reduced 94% of the wildfire risk. That’s not a make believe number.”

Poppe ...