Convenience Big Store: ABC10’s investigation reveals how Gov. Newsom responded to PG&E’s deadly crimes

For nearly three years, ABC10's Fire - Power - Money team has been at the forefront covering California's wildfire crisis, the danger of PG&E's power lines, and how the company avoids accountability. Now, ABC10’s award-winning investigative series reveals in a three-part series how California’s state government, under Gov. Gavin Newsom, responded to PG&E’s deadly crimes by giving the company rewards and protection.

In episode 1, "MORE THAN A BAILOUT," confidential documents reveal how Gov. Gavin Newsom led the state government to do more than bail PG&E out: the company was offered reward and protection in the wake of its deadly crimes. Draft versions of the state’s bailout law show safety and accountability being removed while strengthening PG&E’s financial protections.

In episode 2, "THE FRENCH LAUNDRY CONNECTION," we uncover how Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a PG&E bankruptcy plan that prioritized the fortunes of his friend and PG&E shareholders over the company’s 70,000 wildfire victims.

In episode 3, "THE PG&E POLICE," ABC10 shows how Gov. Newsom’s office exerted direct control over the California Public Utilities commission, the state agency that is supposed to independently regulate PG&E. Our investigation uncovered evidence of the agency submitting its work to the governor’s office for approval and taking direction from the governor’s lawyers to help write state laws protecting PG&E’s finances from the cost of future wildfires.
(Brandon Rittiman, ABC10)

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