PG&E Says It’s Cutting Contracted Workers by 5% (1)

PG&E Corp. said it has cut its contracted workforce by about 5% as the California utility giant looks to streamline its tree-trimming programs.

The Oakland, California-company has reduced the number of contracted workers by about 800 down to total of about 15,500, spokesman Matt Nauman confirmed in an emailed statement. Reductions aren’t being made to in-house workers, Nauman said.

PG&E said it is looking to do more of its tree work in-house, including hiring 150 vegetation management inspectors this year. The utility is also burying more of its power lines in high-fire risk areas that will reduce the need for ...