UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C., 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010
 
OR
  
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
For the transition period from ___________ to __________
  
 
Commission
File
Number
_______________
Exact Name of
Registrant
as specified
in its charter
_______________
 
State or other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
______________
 
IRS Employer
Identification
Number
___________
    
1-12609PG&E CorporationCalifornia94-3234914
1-2348Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyCalifornia94-0742640
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
77 Beale Street
P.O. Box 770000
San Francisco, California 94177

PG&E Corporation
One Market, Spear Tower
Suite 2400
San Francisco, California 94105

Address of principal executive offices, including zip code
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
(415) 973-7000

PG&E Corporation
(415) 267-7000

Registrant's telephone number, including area code
 
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  [X] Yes     [  ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive DateData File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  [X]
PG&E Corporation[X] Yes [  ] No
Pacific Gas and Electric Company:[  ] Yes  [  ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
PG&E Corporation:
[X] Large accelerated filer
[  ] Accelerated Filer
 
[  ] Non-accelerated filer
[  ] Smaller reporting company
Pacific Gas and Electric Company:
[  ] Large accelerated filer
[  ] Accelerated Filer
 
[X] Non-accelerated filer
[  ] Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
PG&E Corporation:
[  ] Yes [X] No
  
Pacific Gas and Electric Company:
[  ] Yes [X] No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
  
Common Stock Outstanding as of October 27, 2009:April 30, 2010: 
  
PG&E Corporation370,960,212372,345,954
Pacific Gas and Electric Company264,374,809
  

 

PG&E CORPORATION AND
PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009MARCH 31, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPAGE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 PG&E Corporation 
  3
  4
  6
 Pacific Gas and Electric Company 
  8
  9
  11
 NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 13
 13
 15
Debt18
 Equity19
Earnings Per Share20
Derivatives and Hedging Activities22
 23Fair Value Measurements26
 23
NOTE 7:25
NOTE 8:29
NOTE 9:3332
 32
Commitments and Contingencies33
 NOTE 11:
34
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 4139
 4341
 4442
 5147
 5551
 5551
 5652
 5652
 5652
53
55
 6056
 61
61
6358
 
58
65
ITEM 4.6558
 
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
 
66
ITEM 1A.66
ITEM 2.59
66OTHER INFORMATION59
67
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS6860


2



PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1:1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 PG&E CORPORATION 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME  
 
(Unaudited)
  
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Operating Revenues                  
Electric $2,630  $2,880  $7,610  $8,039  $2,510  $2,426 
Natural gas  605   794   2,250   2,946   965   1,005 
Total operating revenues  3,235   3,674   9,860   10,985   3,475   3,431 
Operating Expenses                        
Cost of electricity  997   1,282   2,763   3,406   920   883 
Cost of natural gas  134   351   879   1,613   495   557 
Operating and maintenance  1,047   983   3,144   3,010   991   1,059 
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  450   419   1,298   1,240   451   419 
Total operating expenses  2,628   3,035   8,084   9,269   2,857   2,918 
Operating Income  607   639   1,776   1,716   618   513 
Interest income  1   23   27   82   2   9 
Interest expense  (174)  (178)  (533)  (550)  (168)  (181)
Other income (expense), net  23   (14)  63   (4)
Other (expense) income, net  (6)  18 
Income Before Income Taxes  457   470   1,333   1,244   446   359 
Income tax provision  136   163   376   413   185   115 
Net Income  321   307   957   831   261   244 
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary  3   3   10   10 
Preferred dividend requirement of subsidiary  3   3 
Income Available for Common Shareholders $318  $304  $947  $821  $258  $241 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Basic  370   357   367   356   371   364 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding, Diluted  388   358   386   357   389   366 
Net Earnings Per Common Share, Basic $0.84  $0.83  $2.53  $2.25  $0.69  $0.65 
Net Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted $0.83  $0.83  $2.49  $2.24  $0.67  $0.65 
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $0.42  $0.39  $1.26  $1.17  $0.46  $0.42 
   
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

3

PG&E CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
  
Balance At
 
 
Balance At
  March 31,  December 31, 
(in millions) 
September 30,
2009
  
December 31, 2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
ASSETS            
Current Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $700  $219  $258  $527 
Restricted cash  569   1,290   629   633 
Accounts receivable:                
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $68 million in 2009 and $76 million in 2008)  1,609   1,751 
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $69 million in 2010 and $68 million in 2009)  1,528   1,609 
Accrued unbilled revenue  807   685   638   671 
Regulatory balancing accounts  882   1,197   1,468   1,109 
Inventories:                
Gas stored underground and fuel oil  141   232   59   114 
Materials and supplies  204   191   196   200 
Income taxes receivable  58   120   112   127 
Prepaid expenses and other  640   718   733   667 
Total current assets  5,610   6,403   5,621   5,657 
Property, Plant, and Equipment                
Electric  29,875   27,638   30,918   30,481 
Gas  10,524   10,155   10,823   10,697 
Construction work in progress  1,767   2,023   1,993   1,888 
Other  15   17   14   14 
Total property, plant, and equipment  42,181   39,833   43,748   43,080 
Accumulated depreciation  (13,997)  (13,572)  (14,371)  (14,188)
Net property, plant, and equipment  28,184   26,261   29,377   28,892 
Other Noncurrent Assets                
Regulatory assets  5,931   5,996   5,602   5,522 
Nuclear decommissioning funds  1,870   1,718   1,929   1,899 
Income taxes receivable  506   -   596   596 
Other  450   482   415   379 
Total other noncurrent assets  8,757   8,196   8,542   8,396 
TOTAL ASSETS $42,551  $40,860  $43,540  $42,945 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

PG&E CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
  
Balance At
 
 
Balance At
  March 31,  December 31, 
(in millions, except share amounts)
 
September 30,
2009
  
December 31, 2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
Current Liabilities            
Short-term borrowings $500  $287  $1,251  $833 
Long-term debt, classified as current  342   600   842   342 
Energy recovery bonds, classified as current  382   370   390   386 
Accounts payable:                
Trade creditors  864   1,096   882   984 
Disputed claims and customer refunds  816   1,580   772   773 
Regulatory balancing accounts  629   730   312   281 
Other  370   343   481   349 
Interest payable  794   802   795   818 
Income taxes payable  589   -   268   214 
Deferred income taxes  172   251   506   332 
Other  1,491   1,567   1,281   1,501 
Total current liabilities  6,949   7,626   7,780   6,813 
Noncurrent Liabilities                
Long-term debt  9,839   9,321   9,882   10,381 
Energy recovery bonds  928   1,213   730   827 
Regulatory liabilities  4,152   3,657   4,190   4,125 
Pension and other postretirement benefits  2,221   2,088   1,968   1,773 
Asset retirement obligations  1,545   1,684   1,603   1,593 
Income taxes payable  -   35 
Deferred income taxes  4,321   3,397   4,656   4,732 
Deferred tax credits  90   94 
Other  2,092   2,116   2,110   2,116 
Total noncurrent liabilities  25,188   23,605   25,139   25,547 
Commitments and Contingencies                
Equity                
Shareholders’ Equity                
Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 80,000,000 shares, $100 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, none issued  -   -   -   - 
Common stock, no par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares, issued 370,877,751 common and 670,552 restricted shares in 2009 and issued 361,059,116 common and 1,287,569 restricted shares in 2008  6,265   5,984 
Common stock, no par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares, issued 371,222,918 common and 480,848 restricted shares in 2010 and issued 370,601,905 common and 670,552 restricted shares in 2009  6,307   6,280 
Reinvested earnings  4,097   3,614   4,302   4,213 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (200)  (221)  (240)  (160)
Total shareholders’ equity  10,162   9,377   10,369   10,333 
Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiary  252   252   252   252 
Total equity  10,414   9,629   10,621   10,585 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $42,551  $40,860  $43,540  $42,945 
 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5

PG&E CORPORATIONPG&E CORPORATION PG&E CORPORATION 
  
 
(Unaudited)
  
(Unaudited)
 
 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities            
Net income $957  $831  $261  $244 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  1,455   1,388   506   463 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction  (71)  (51)  (28)  (25)
Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net  301   482   137   235 
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities  61   87   (113)  (51)
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable  20   (181)  114   301 
Inventories  78   (153)  59   166 
Accounts payable  (159)  (100)  87   (116)
Disputed claims and customer refunds  (700)  - 
Income taxes receivable/payable  658   177   69   209 
Regulatory balancing accounts, net  226   (94)  (377)  (180)
Other current assets  27   (123)  35   32 
Other current liabilities  (50)  (68)  (381)  (390)
Other  4   (3)  26   2 
Net cash provided by operating activities  2,807   2,192   395   890 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities                
Capital expenditures  (3,022)  (2,691)  (855)  (1,079)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash  732   (3)
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust sales  1,177   1,121 
Decrease in restricted cash  4   11 
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  337   387 
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  (1,219)  (1,161)  (343)  (412)
Other  14   (41)  9   7 
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,318)  (2,775)  (848)  (1,086)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities                
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility  -   283 
Net (repayment) issuance of commercial paper, net of discount of $3 million in 2009 and $9 million in 2008  (290)  524 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt, net of issuance costs of $1 million in 2009  499   - 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of premium, discount, and issuance costs of $16 million in 2009 and $2 million in 2008  1,193   693 
Borrowings under revolving credit facility  -   300 
Repayments under revolving credit facility  -   (300)
Net issuance of commercial paper, net of discount of $2 million in 2009  418   96 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs
of $16 million in 2009
  -   884 
Long-term debt matured or repurchased  (909)  (454)  -   (600)
Energy recovery bonds matured  (273)  (260)  (93)  (89)
Common stock issued  211   150   10   96 
Common stock dividends paid  (435)  (406)  (157)  (138)
Other  (4)  (41)  6   (1)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (8)  489 
Net cash provided by financing activities  184   248 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  481   (94)  (269)  52 
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1  219   345   527   219 
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30 $700  $251 
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31 $258  $271 
 
6

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information      
Cash received (paid) for:      
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $(193) $(190)
Income taxes, net  -   294 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities        
Common stock dividends declared but not yet paid $169  $154 
Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable  215   235 
Noncash common stock issuances  -   33 
         
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information      
Cash received (paid) for:      
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $(493) $(449)
Income taxes, net  437   146 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities        
Common stock dividends declared but not yet paid $156  $140 
Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable  229   224 
Noncash common stock issuances  50   6 
         
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

7


PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANYPACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY 
  
 
(Unaudited)
  
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Operating Revenues                  
Electric $2,630  $2,880  $7,610  $8,039  $2,510  $2,426 
Natural gas  605   794   2,250   2,946   965   1,005 
Total operating revenues  3,235   3,674   9,860   10,985   3,475   3,431 
Operating Expenses                        
Cost of electricity  997   1,282   2,763   3,406   920   883 
Cost of natural gas  134   351   879   1,613   495   557 
Operating and maintenance  1,047   982   3,143   3,009   990   1,059 
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  450   419   1,298   1,239   451   419 
Total operating expenses  2,628   3,034   8,083   9,267   2,856   2,918 
Operating Income  607   640   1,777   1,718   619   513 
Interest income  3   20   29   77   2   9 
Interest expense  (162)  (170)  (501)  (528)  (156)  (173)
Other income (expense), net  16   (2)  52   24 
Other (expense) income, net  (6)  21 
Income Before Income Taxes  464   488   1,357   1,291   459   370 
Income tax provision  111   167   374   421   195   131 
Net Income  353   321   983   870   264   239 
Preferred stock dividend requirement  3   3   10   10 
Preferred dividend requirement  3   3 
Income Available for Common Stock $350  $318  $973  $860  $261  $236 
   
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

8


PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
  
Balance At
 
 
Balance At
  March 31,  December 31, 
(in millions)
 
September 30,
2009
  
December 31,
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
ASSETS            
Current Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents $511  $52  $60  $334 
Restricted cash  569   1,290   629   633 
Accounts receivable:                
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $68 million in 2009 and $76 million in 2008)  1,609   1,751 
Customers (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $69 million in 2010 and $68 million in 2009)  1,528   1,609 
Accrued unbilled revenue  807   685   638   671 
Related parties  2   2   1   1 
Regulatory balancing accounts  882   1,197   1,468   1,109 
Inventories:                
Gas stored underground and fuel oil  141   232   59   114 
Materials and supplies  204   191   196   200 
Income taxes receivable  63   25   121   138 
Prepaid expenses and other  635   705   732   662 
Total current assets  5,423   6,130   5,432   5,471 
Property, Plant, and Equipment                
Electric  29,875   27,638   30,918   30,481 
Gas  10,524   10,155   10,823   10,697 
Construction work in progress  1,767   2,023   1,993   1,888 
Total property, plant, and equipment  42,166   39,816   43,734   43,066 
Accumulated depreciation  (13,983)  (13,557)  (14,358)  (14,175)
Net property, plant, and equipment  28,183   26,259   29,376   28,891 
Other Noncurrent Assets                
Regulatory assets  5,931   5,996   5,602   5,522 
Nuclear decommissioning funds  1,870   1,718   1,929   1,899 
Related parties receivable  26   27   24   25 
Income taxes receivable  518   -   610   610 
Other  365   407   326   291 
Total other noncurrent assets  8,710   8,148   8,491   8,347 
TOTAL ASSETS $42,316  $40,537  $43,299  $42,709 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

9

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
  
Balance At
 
 
Balance At
  March 31,  December 31, 
(in millions, except share amounts) 
September 30,
2009
  
December 31,
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
Current Liabilities            
Short-term borrowings $500  $287  $1,251  $833 
Long-term debt, classified as current  95   600   595   95 
Energy recovery bonds, classified as current  382   370   390   386 
Accounts payable:                
Trade creditors  864   1,096   882   984 
Disputed claims and customer refunds  816   1,580   772   773 
Related parties  14   25   24   16 
Regulatory balancing accounts  629   730   312   281 
Other  371   325   478   347 
Interest payable  777   802   779   813 
Income tax payable  612   53   283   223 
Deferred income taxes  177   257   511   334 
Other  1,289   1,371   1,079   1,307 
Total current liabilities  6,526   7,496   7,356   6,392 
Noncurrent Liabilities                
Long-term debt  9,491   9,041   9,534   10,033 
Energy recovery bonds  928   1,213   730   827 
Regulatory liabilities  4,152   3,657   4,190   4,125 
Pension and other postretirement benefits  2,170   2,040   1,912   1,717 
Asset retirement obligations  1,545   1,684   1,603   1,593 
Income taxes payable  -   12 
Deferred income taxes  4,353   3,449   4,686   4,764 
Deferred tax credits  90   94 
Other  2,057   2,064   2,080   2,073 
Total noncurrent liabilities  24,786   23,254   24,735   25,132 
Commitments and Contingencies                
Shareholders’ Equity                
Preferred stock without mandatory redemption provisions:                
Nonredeemable, 5.00% to 6.00%, outstanding 5,784,825 shares  145   145   145   145 
Redeemable, 4.36% to 5.00%, outstanding 4,534,958 shares  113   113   113   113 
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares, issued 264,374,809 shares in 2009 and 2008  1,322   1,322 
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 800,000,000 shares, issued 264,374,809 shares in 2010 and 2009  1,322   1,322 
Additional paid-in capital  3,022   2,331   3,076   3,055 
Reinvested earnings  6,597   6,092   6,786   6,704 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (195)  (216)  (234)  (154)
Total shareholders’ equity  11,004   9,787   11,208   11,185 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $42,316  $40,537  $43,299  $42,709 

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

10



PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY 
 
  
(Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended 
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2010
  
2009
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities      
Net income $264  $239 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  491   456 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction  (28)  (25)
Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net  138   234 
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities  (98)  (48)
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  114   298 
Inventories  59   166 
Accounts payable  94   (107)
Income taxes receivable/payable  77   95 
Regulatory balancing accounts, net  (377)  (180)
Other current assets  35   34 
Other current liabilities  (387)  (386)
Other  26   1 
Net cash provided by operating activities  408   777 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Capital expenditures  (855)  (1,079)
Decrease in restricted cash  4   11 
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  337   387 
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  (343)  (412)
Other  5   2 
Net cash used in investing activities  (852)  (1,091)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Borrowings under revolving credit facility  -   300 
Repayments under revolving credit facility  -   (300)
Net issuance of commercial paper, net of discount of $2 million in 2009  418   96 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs of $12 million in 2009  -   538 
Long-term debt matured or repurchased  -   (600)
Energy recovery bonds matured  (93)  (89)
Preferred stock dividends paid  (4)  (3)
Common stock dividends paid  (179)  (156)
Equity contribution  20   528 
Other  8   2 
Net cash provided by financing activities  170   316 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (274)  2 
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1  334   52 
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31 $60  $54 
PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY 
 
  
(Unaudited)
 
  Nine Months Ended 
  
September 30,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities      
Net income $983  $870 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  1,439   1,388 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction  (71)  (51)
Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net  274   470 
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities  95   55 
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  20   (179)
Inventories  78   (153)
Accounts payable  (151)  (85)
Disputed claims and customer refunds  (700)  - 
Income taxes receivable/payable  534   208 
Regulatory balancing accounts, net  226   (94)
Other current assets  26   (125)
Other current liabilities  (62)  (80)
Other  3   (4)
Net cash provided by operating activities  2,694   2,220 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Capital expenditures  (3,022)  (2,691)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash  732   (3)
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust sales  1,177   1,121 
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  (1,219)  (1,161)
Other  7   21 
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,325)  (2,713)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility  -   283 
Net (repayment) issuance of commercial paper, net of discount of $3 million in 2009 and $9 million in 2008  (290)  524 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt, net of issuance costs of $1 million in 2009  499   - 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of premium, discount, and issuance costs of $12 million in 2009 and $2 million in 2008  847   693 
Long-term debt matured or repurchased  (909)  (454)
Energy recovery bonds matured  (273)  (260)
Preferred stock dividends paid  (10)  (10)
Common stock dividends paid  (468)  (426)
Equity contribution  688   90 
Other  6   (31)
Net cash provided by financing activities  90   409 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  459   (84)
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1  52   141 
Cash and cash equivalents at September 30 $511  $57 

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Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information      
Cash received (paid) for:      
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $(193) $(190)
Income taxes, net  -   163 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities        
Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable $215  $235 
         
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information      
Cash received (paid) for:      
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $(481) $(436)
Income taxes, net  297   138 
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities        
Capital expenditures financed through accounts payable $229  $224 
         
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 
 
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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

PG&E Corporation is a holding company whose primary purpose is to hold interests in energy-based businesses.  PG&E Corporation conducts its business principally through Pacific Gas and Electric Company (“Utility”), a public utility operating in northern and central California.  The Utility engages ingenerates revenues mainly through the businessessale and delivery of electricity and natural gas distribution; electricity generation, procurement, and transmission; and natural gas procurement, transportation, and storage.to customers.  The Utility is primarily regulated primarily by the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”).  The Utility’s accounts for electric and gas operations are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the FERC.

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  Therefore, the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both PG&E Corporation and the Utility.  PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and other wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries.  The Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Utility and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries, as well as, the accounts of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Utility absorbs a majority ofis the risk of loss or gain.primary beneficiary.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and therefore do not contain all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP and the SEC for annual financial statements.  PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments that management believes are necessary for the fair presentation of their financial condition, and results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented.  The information at December 31, 20082009 in both PG&E Corporation’sCorp oration’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in this quarterly report was derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheets incorporated by reference into their combined 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.filed on February 19, 2010.  PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s combined 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2008, together with the information incorporated by reference into such report, is referred to in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q as the “2008“2009 Annual Report.”

The significant accounting policies used by PG&E Corporation and the Utility are discussed in Notes 1 and 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20082009 Annual Report.  Any significant changes to those policies or new significant policies are described in Note 2 below.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on a wide range of factors, including future regulatory decisions and economic conditions that are difficult to predict.  Some of the more critical estimates and assumptions discussed further below in these notes, relate to the Utility’s regulatory assets and liabilities, environmental remediation liability, asset retirement obligations (“ARO”), income tax-related assets and liabilities, pension plan and other postretirement plan obligations, and accruals for legal matters.  Management believes that its estimates and assumptions reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are appropriate and reasonable.  A change in management’s estimates or assumptions could result in an adjustment thatth at would have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations during the period in which such change occurred.

This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statementsrelated notes included in the 20082009 Annual Report.

NOTE 2: NEW AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are required to consolidate any entity over which it has control.  In most cases, control can be determined based on majority ownership.  However, for certain entities, control is difficult to discern based on voting equity interests only.  These entities are referred to as VIEs.  Characteristics of a VIE include equity investment at risk that is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or equity investors that lack any of the characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  The primary beneficiary, defined as the entity that absorbs a majority of the expected losses of the VIE, receives a majority of the expected residual returns of the VIE, or both, is required to consolidate the VIE.
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    The Utility’s exposure to VIEs relates primarily to entities with which it has a power purchase agreement.  For those entities, the Utility assesses operational risk, commodity price risk, credit risk, and tax benefit risk on a qualitative basis to determine whether the Utility is a primary beneficiary of the entity and is required to consolidate the entity.  This qualitative assessment also typically involves comparing the contract life to the economic life of the plant to consider the significance of the commodity price risk that the Utility might absorb.  As of September 30, 2009, the Utility is not the primary beneficiary of any entities with which it has power purchase agreements.

Although the Utility is not required to consolidate any of these VIEs as of September 30, 2009, it held a significant variable interest in three VIEs as a result of being a party to the following power purchase agreements:

·  A 25-year power purchase agreement approved by the CPUC in 2009 to purchase energy from a 250-megawatt (“MW”) solar photovoltaic energy facility beginning on the date of commercial operations (expected in 2012);

·  A 20-year power purchase agreement approved by the CPUC in 2009 to purchase energy from a 550-MW solar photovoltaic energy facility beginning on the date of commercial operations (expected in 2013); and

·  A 25-year power purchase agreement approved by the CPUC in 2008 to purchase energy from a 554-MW solar trough facility beginning on the date of commercial operations (expected in 2011).

Each of these VIEs is a subsidiary of another company whose activities are financed primarily through equity from investors and proceeds from non-recourse project-specific debt financing.  Activities of the VIEs consist of renewable energy production from electric generating facilities for sale to the Utility.  Under each of the power purchase agreements, the Utility is obligated to purchase as-delivered electric generation output from the VIEs.  The Utility does not provide any other financial or other support to these VIEs.  The Utility’s financial exposure is limited to the amounts paid for delivered electricity.

Asset Retirement Obligations

See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2008 Annual Report for a discussion of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s accounting policy for ARO.  A reconciliation of the changes in the ARO liability is as follows:

(in millions)   
ARO liability at December 31, 2008 $1,684 
Revision in estimated cash flows  (172
Accretion  73 
Liabilities settled  (40
ARO liability at September 30, 2009 $1,545 

Detailed studies of the cost to decommission the Utility’s nuclear power plants are conducted every three years in conjunction with the filing of the Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceedings.  Estimated cash flows were revised as a result of the studies completed in the first quarter of 2009.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

PG&E Corporation and the Utility provide a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for certaineligible employees and retirees (referred to collectively as “pension benefits”), contributory postretirement medical plans for certaineligible employees and retirees and their eligible dependents, and non-contributory postretirement life insurance plans for certaineligible employees and retirees (referred to collectively as “other benefits”).  PG&E Corporation and the Utility use a December 31 measurement date for all plans.

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The net periodic benefit costs as reflected in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of Operating and maintenance for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

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Pension Benefits
  
Other Benefits
  
Pension Benefits
  
Other Benefits
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
  
2010
  
2009
 
Service cost for benefits earned $62  $59  $7  $7  $69  $66  $10  $8 
Interest cost  158   148   23   21   161   155   23   21 
Expected return on plan assets  (144)  (173)  (17)  (22)  (156)  (145)  (18)  (17)
Amortization of transition obligation  -   -   6   6   -   -   6   6 
Amortization of prior service cost  16   12   4   4   13   11   6   4 
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss  27   1   1   (3)  11   25   1   1 
Net periodic benefit cost  119   47   24   13   98   112   28   23 
Less: transfer to regulatory account (1)
  (78)  (5)  -   -   (58)  (71)  -   - 
Total $41  $42  $24  $13  $40  $41  $28  $23 
                                
(1) For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Utility recorded $78 million as an addition to the existing pension regulatory asset and $5 million as a reduction to the existing pension regulatory liability, respectively, to reflect the difference between pension expense or income for accounting purposes and pension expense or income for ratemaking purposes, which is based on a funding approach.
 
(1) The Utility recorded $58 million and $71 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to a regulatory account as the amounts are probable of recovery from customers in future rates.
(1) The Utility recorded $58 million and $71 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, to a regulatory account as the amounts are probable of recovery from customers in future rates.
 

  
Pension Benefits
  
Other Benefits
 
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
 
Service cost for benefits earned $194  $177  $22  $22 
Interest cost  468   436   66   61 
Expected return on plan assets  (434)  (522)  (51)  (70)
Amortization of transition obligation  -   -   19   19 
Amortization of prior service cost  39   35   12   12 
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss  76   1   2   (11)
     Net periodic benefit cost  343   127   70   33 
     Less: transfer to regulatory account (1)
  (221)  (3)  -   - 
     Total $122  $124  $70  $33 
                 
(1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Utility recorded $221 million as an addition to the existing pension regulatory asset and $3 million as a reduction to the existing pension regulatory liability, respectively, to reflect the difference between pension expense or income for accounting purposes and pension expense or income for ratemaking purposes, which is based on a funding approach.
 
There was no material difference between PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s consolidated net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009.

On February 16, 2010, the Utility amended its defined benefit medical plans for retirees to provide for additional contributions towards retiree premiums.  The plan amendment was accounted for as a plan modification that required re-measurement of the accumulated benefit obligation, plan assets, and periodic benefit costs.  The inputs and assumptions used in re-measurement did not change significantly from December 31, 2009 and 2008.did not have a material impact on the funded status of the plans.  The re-measurement of the accumulated benefit obligation and plan assets resulted in an increase to pension and other postretirement benefits and a decrease to other comprehensive loss of $148 million as of February 16, 2010.  The impact to net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2010 w as not significant.

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging ActivitiesConsolidations (Topic 810) - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities

On January 1, 2009,2010, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Update (“SFAS”ASU”) No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities2009-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810) - an amendment of FASB StatementImprovements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities” (“ASU No. 133” (“SFAS2009-17”).  ASU No. 161”).  SFAS No. 161 requires an entity to provide qualitative disclosures about its objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments and quantitative disclosures that detail2009-17 amends the fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, derivative instruments.  SFAS No. 161 also requires disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features of derivative instruments.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
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Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”).  SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS No. 160 defines a “noncontrolling interest,” previously called a “minority interest,” as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  Among other items, SFAS No. 160 requires that an entity (1) include a noncontrolling interest in its consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from the parent’s equity, (2) report amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares in consolidated net income, and (3) separately report the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statement of operations.  If a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary must be measured at fair value, and a gain or loss must be recognized in net income based on such fair value.

PG&E Corporation has reclassified its noncontrolling interest in the Utility from Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries to equity in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with SFAS No. 160 for all periods presented.  The Utility had no material noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility applied the presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 160 retrospectively.  Other than the change in presentation of noncontrolling interests, adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 08-5, “Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement” (“EITF 08-5”).  EITF 08-5 clarifies the unit of account in determining the fair value of a liability.  Specifically, it requires an entity to exclude any third-party credit enhancements that are issued with, and are inseparable from, a debt instrument from the fair value measurement of that debt instrument.  Adoption of EITF 08-5 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity Method Investment Accounting

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted EITF 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” (“EITF 08-6”).  EITF 08-6 applies to investments accounted for under the equity method and requires an entity to measure its equity investment initially at cost.  Generally, contingent consideration associated with an equity method investment should only be included in the initial measurement of that investment if it is required to be recognized by specific authoritative guidance other than the Business CombinationsConsolidation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).  However, the investor in an equity method investment could be required to recognize a liability for the related contingent consideration features if the fair value of the investor’s share of the investee’s net assets exceeds the investor’s initial costs.  An equity method investor is required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments of an equity method investment and shall account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment.  Any gain or loss to the investor resulting from an investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings.  Adoption of EITF 08-6 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS No. 165”).  SFAS No. 165 does not significantly change the prior accounting practice for subsequent events, except for the requirement to disclose the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility have evaluated material subsequent events through October 29, 2009, the issue date of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  Other than this disclosure, adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) SFAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”  This FSP requires disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods that were previously only required for annual reporting periods.  In particular, an entity is required to disclose the fair value of financial assets and liabilities together with the related carrying amount and to disclose where the carrying amount is classified in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  (See Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
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Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted FSP SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.”  Under this FSP, to assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for a debt security, an entity must (1) evaluate the likelihood of liquidating the debt security prior to recovering its cost basis and (2) determine if any impairment of the debt security is related to credit losses.  In addition, this FSP requires enhanced disclosures of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  However, this FSP does not amend recognition and measurement guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  Adoption of this FSP did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted FSP SFAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.”  This FSP provides guidance on estimating fair value when the volume or the level of activity for an asset or a liability has significantly decreased or when transactions are not orderly, when compared with normal market conditions.  In particular, this FSP calls for adjustments to quoted prices or historical transaction data when estimating fair value in such circumstances.  This FSP also provides guidance to identify such circumstances.  Furthermore, this FSP requires fair value measurement disclosures made pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC to be categorized by major security type (i.e., based on the nature and risks of the security).  (See Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  Other than this change, adoption of this FSP did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Topic 105 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168 - The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

On July 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-01, “Topic 105 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168 - The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“ASU No. 2009-01”).  ASU No. 2009-01 re-defines authoritative GAAP for nongovernmental entities to be only comprised of the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification”) and, for SEC registrants, guidance issued by the SEC.  The Codification is a reorganization and compilation of all then-existing authoritative GAAP for nongovernmental entities, except for guidance issued by the SEC.  The Codification is amended to effect non-SEC changes to authoritative GAAP.  Adoption of ASU No. 2009-01 only changed the referencing convention of GAAP in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted

Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.”  This FSP amends and expands the disclosure requirements of the Compensation - Retirement Benefits Topic of the FASB ASC.  In particular, this FSP requires an entity to provide qualitative disclosures about how investment allocation decisions are made, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, and the concentration of risk within plan assets.  In addition, this FSP requires quantitative disclosures showing the fair value of each major category of plan assets, the levels in which each asset is classified within the fair value hierarchy, and a reconciliation for the period of plan assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs.  This FSP is effective prospectively for PG&E Corporation and the Utility for the annual period ending December 31, 2009 and for subsequent annual periods.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility will include the expanded disclosures described above in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the annual period ending December 31, 2009.

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS No. 166”).  SFAS No. 166 eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and clarifies the requirements for derecognizing a financial asset and for applying sale accounting to a transfer of a financial asset.  In addition, SFAS No. 166 requires an entity to disclose more information about transfers of financial assets, the entity’s continuing involvement, if any, with transferred financial assets, and the entity’s continuing risks, if any, from transferred financial assets.  SFAS No. 166 is effective prospectively for PG&E Corporation and the Utility beginning on January 1, 2010.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 166.
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Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“SFAS No. 167”).  SFAS No. 167 amends the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC regarding when and how to determine, or re-determine, whether an entity is a VIE.VIE, which could require consolidation.  In addition, SFASASU No. 1672009-17 replaces the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC’s quantitative approach for determining who has a controlling financial interest in a VIE with a qualitative approach.  Furthermore, SFASASU No. 167 requires2009-17 require s ongoing assessments of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  SFAS No. 167 is effective prospectively for PG&E Corporation and the Utility beginning on January 1, 2010.  

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are currently evaluatingrequired to consolidate any entities which the companies control.  In most cases, control can be determined based on majority ownership or voting interests.  However, for certain entities, control is difficult to discern based on voting equity interests alone.  These entities are referred to as VIEs.  A VIE is an entity which does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or whose equity investors lack any characteristics of a controlling financial interest.  An enterprise has a controlling financial interest if it has (1) the obligation to absorb expected losses or receive expected gains that could potentially be significant to the VIE and (2) the power to dir ect the activities that are most significant to the VIE’s economic performance.  The enterprise that has a controlling financial interest is known as the VIE’s primary beneficiary and is the enterprise that will consolidate the VIE.

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The Utility’s exposure to VIEs relates primarily to entities with which it has a power purchase agreement.  When determining whether a controlling financial interest exists, the Utility must first assess whether it absorbs any of a VIE’s expected losses or receives portions of the expected residual returns as a result of the arrangement.  This assessment includes an evaluation of how the risks and rewards associated with the power plant’s activities are absorbed by variable interest holders.  Power plants typically are exposed to credit risk, production risk, commodity price risk, and any applicable tax incentive risks, among others.  The Utility analyzes the variability in the VIE’s gross margin and the impact of SFAS No. 167.the power purchase agreement on the gross margin to determine whether the Utility absorbs variability.  Factors that may be considered when assessing the impact to the VIE’s gross margin include the pricing structure of the agreement and the cost of inputs and production, depending on the technology of the power plant.

For each variable interest, the Utility evaluates the activities of the power plant that most directly impact the VIE’s economic performance.  The Utility’s assessment of the activities that are economically significant to the VIE’s performance often include decision making rights associated with designing the VIE, operating and maintenance activities, and re-marketing activities of the power plant after the end of its power purchase agreement with the Utility.

As of March 31, 2010, the Utility held a variable interest in VIEs as a result of power purchase agreements with entities that are single power plant owners of power plants.  Each of these entities were designed to generate electricity for sale to the Utility utilizing various technologies such as natural gas, wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, hydroelectric, and other technologies.  Under each of the power purchase agreements that represent a variable interest, the Utility is obligated to purchase electricity or capacity, or both, from the VIEs.  The Utility does not provide any other financial or other support to these VIEs and the Utility’s financial exposure is limited to the amount it pays for delivered electricity and capacity.  (See Note 11 below for further discussion.)  60;As of March 31, 2010, the Utility was not the primary beneficiary of any power plant VIEs.

The Utility continues to consolidate PG&E Energy Recovery Funding LLC (“PERF”) at March 31, 2010, as the Utility held a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary.  The Utility was the primary beneficiary as it was involved in the design of PERF and has exposure to losses and returns through its equity investment.  The Utility consolidated PERF’s assets of $1.2 billion and liabilities of $1.1 billion (see Note 4 below for further discussion).  The assets of PERF are only available to settle the liabilities of PERF.
                The adoption of ASU 2009-17 did not have an impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements

On January 1, 2010, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted ASU No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) - Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (“ASU No. 2010-06”).  ASU No. 2010-06 requires disclosures regarding (1) significant transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy and (2) fair value measurement inputs and valuation techniques.  Furthermore, ASU No. 2010-06 requires presentation of disaggregated activity within the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), beginning in the first quarter of 2011.  The adoption of ASU No. 2010-06 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events (Topic 855) - Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements

On March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted ASU No. 2010-09, “Subsequent Events (Topic 855) - Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements” (“ASU No. 2010-09”).  ASU No. 2010-09 does not significantly change the prior accounting for subsequent events but eliminates the requirement to disclose the date through which an SEC filer has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date.  The adoption of ASU No. 2010-09 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 3: REGULATORY ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND BALANCING ACCOUNTS

The Utility accounts for the financial effects of regulation based on the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB ASC, which applies to regulated entities whose rates are designed to recover the cost of providing service (“cost-of-service rate regulation”).  All of the Utility’s operations are subject to cost-of-service rate regulation.Regulatory Assets

Current Regulatory Assets

TheAt March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Utility capitalizeshad current regulatory assets of $568 million and records, as a$427 million, respectively, consisting primarily of the current portion of price risk management regulatory asset, costs that would otherwise be chargedassets.  Price risk management regulatory assets represent the deferral of unrealized losses related to expense if it is probable that the incurred costs will be recovered in future rates.  Theprice risk management derivative instruments with terms of one year or less.  (See Note 7 below for further discussion.)  Current regulatory assets are amortized over future periods when the costs are expected to be recovered.  If costs expected to be incurredincluded in Prepaid expenses and other in the future are currently being recovered through rates, the Utility records those expected future costs as regulatory liabilities.  In addition, amounts that are probable of being credited or refunded to customers in the future are recorded as regulatory liabilities.Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

To the extent that portions of the Utility’s operations cease to be subject to cost-of-service rate regulation, or recovery is no longer probable as a result of changes in regulation or other reasons, the related regulatory assets and liabilities are written off.

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Regulatory Assets

Long-Term Regulatory Assets

Long-term regulatory assets are composed of the following:

 
Balance At
  
Balance at
 
(in millions)
 
September 30,
2009
  
December 31,
2008
  
March 31, 2010
  
December 31, 2009
 
Pension benefits $1,732  $1,624  $1,421  $1,386 
Deferred income taxes  1,067   1,027 
Energy recovery bonds  1,219   1,487   1,039   1,124 
Deferred income tax  982   847 
Utility retained generation  754   799   719   737 
Price risk management  340   362   484   346 
Environmental compliance costs  398   385   397   408 
Unamortized loss, net of gain, on reacquired debt  209   225   197   203 
Regulatory assets associated with plan of reorganization  87   99 
Contract termination costs  71   82 
Other  139   86   278   291 
Total long-term regulatory assets $5,931  $5,996  $5,602  $5,522 

The regulatory asset for pension benefits represents the cumulative differences between amounts recognized for ratemaking purposes and amounts recognized in accordance with GAAP, which also includes amounts that otherwise would be fully recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  (See Note 1413 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20082009 Annual Report.)

In connection with the December 19, 2003 settlement agreement among PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and the CPUC to resolve the Utility’s proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11 Settlement Agreement”), the CPUC authorized the Utility to recover $2.21 billion (“settlement regulatory asset”) over a nine year period.  In order to lower the costs borne by customers, PG&E Energy Recovery Funding LLC (“PERF”), a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of the Utility, issued energy recovery bonds (“ERB”) to refinance the settlement regulatory asset.  The regulatory asset for ERBs represents the refinancing of the settlement regulatory asset.  The regulatory asset is amortized over the life of the bonds consistent with the period over which the related billed revenues and bond-related expenses are recognized. The Utility expects to fully recover this asset by the end of 2012 when the ERBs mature.

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The regulatory assets for deferred income taxtaxes represent deferred income tax benefits previously passed through to customers offset by deferred income tax liabilities.  The CPUC requires the Utility to pass through certain tax benefits to customers, ignoring the effect of deferred taxes on rates.  Based on current regulatory ratemaking and income tax laws, the Utility expects to recover deferred income taxes related to regulatory assets over periods ranging from 1 to 45 years.

The regulatory asset for energy recovery bonds (“ERBs”) represents the refinancing of the regulatory asset provided for in the settlement agreement entered into between PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and the CPUC in 2003 to resolve the Utility’s proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11 Settlement Agreement”).  (See Note 4 below.)  The regulatory asset is amortized over the life of the bonds consistent with the period over which the related billed revenues and bond-related expenses are recognized.  The Utility expects to fully recover this asset by the end of 2012 when the ERBs mature.

In connection with the Chapter 11 Settlement Agreement, the CPUC authorized the Utility to recover $1.2 billion of costs related to the Utility’s retained generation assets.  The individual components of these regulatory assets are amortized over the respective lives of the underlying generation facilities, consistent with the period over which the related revenues are recognized.  The weighted average remaining life of the assets is 1615 years.

Price risk management regulatory assets represent the deferral of unrealized losses related to price risk management derivative instruments with terms in excess of one year.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.below.)

The regulatory assets for environmental compliance costs represent the portion of estimated environmental remediation expense that the Utility expects to recover in future rates as actual remediation costs are incurred.  The Utility expects to recover these costs over the next 30 years.  (See Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.below.)

The regulatory assets for unamortized loss, net of gain, on reacquired debt represent costs related to debt reacquired or redeemed prior to maturity with associated discount and debt issuance costs.  These costs are expected to be recovered over the remaining original amortization period of the reacquired debt over the next 17 years, and these costs will be fully recovered by 2026.

Regulatory assets associated with the Utility’s plan of reorganization represent costs incurred in relation to the Utility’s plan of reorganization under Chapter 11, including financing costsAt March 31, 2010 and costs to oversee the environmental enhancement projects of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Land Stewardship Council, an entity that was established pursuant to the Utility’s plan of reorganization.  The Utility expects to recover these costs over the remaining periods ranging from 4 to 25 years, and these costs should be fully recovered by 2034.

The regulatory assets for contract termination costs represent costs that the Utility incurred in terminating a 30-year power purchase agreement.  These costs are being amortized and collected in rates on a straight-line basis through the end of September 2014, the power purchase agreement’s original termination date.

At September 30,December 31, 2009, “Other” primarily consisted of regulatory assets relating to ARO costsexpenses recorded in accordance with GAAP whichthat are probable of future recovery through the ratemaking process, as well asand removal costs associated with the replacement of the steam generators in the Utility’s two nuclear generating units at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (“Diablo Canyon”), as approved by the CPUC for future recovery.  At December 31, 2008, “Other” primarilyalso consisted of regulatory assets relating to ARO costs, as well as scheduling coordinator costs that the Utility incurred beginning in 1998terminating a 30-year power purchase agreement, which are being amortized and collected in its capacityrates through September 2014, as scheduling coordinator for its then-existing wholesale electric transmission customers.well as costs incurred in relation to the Utility’s plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 that became effective in April 2004.

In general, the Utility does not earn a return on regulatory assets in which the related costs do not accrue interest.  Accordingly, the Utility earns a return only on the Utility’s retained generation regulatory assets; unamortized loss, net of gain, on reacquired debt; and regulatory assets associated with the plan of reorganization.
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Regulatory Liabilities

Current Regulatory AssetsLiabilities

At September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, the Utility had current regulatory assetsliabilities of $421$138 million and $355$163 million, respectively, primarily consisting primarily of the current portion of electric transmission wheeling revenue refunds and amounts that the Utility expects to refund to customers for over-collected electric transmission rates and the current portion of price risk management regulatory assets.liabilities.  Price risk management regulatory assetsliabilities represent the deferral of unrealized lossesgains related to price risk management derivative instruments with terms of less than one year.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)year or less. Current regulatory assetsliabilities are included in Prepaid expenses and otherCurrent Liabilities – Other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Regulatory Liabilities

Long-Term Regulatory Liabilities

Long-term regulatory liabilities are composed of the following:

 
Balance At
  
Balance at
 
(in millions)
 
September 30,
2009
  
December 31,
2008
  
March 31, 2010
  
December 31, 2009
 
Cost of removal obligation $2,886  $2,735  $2,991  $2,933 
Public purpose programs  521   442   566   508 
Recoveries in excess of asset retirement obligation  498   226 
Price risk management  82   81 
Gateway Generating Station  65   67 
Environmental remediation insurance recoveries  39   52 
Recoveries in excess of ARO  508   488 
Other  61   54   125   196 
Total long-term regulatory liabilities $4,152  $3,657  $4,190  $4,125 

The regulatory liability for the Utility’s cost of removal obligations represents differences between amounts collected in rates for asset removal costs and the asset removal costs recorded in accordance with GAAP.

The regulatory liability for public purpose programs represents amounts received from customers designated for public purpose program costs that are expected to be incurred in the future.  For example, these regulatory liabilities include revenues collected from customers to pay for costs that the Utility expects to incur in the future under the California Solar Initiative to promote the use of solar energy in residential homes and commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties.

The regulatory liability for recoveries in excess of ARO represents differences between amounts collected in rates for decommissioning the Utility’s nuclear power facilities and the decommissioningARO expenses recorded in accordance with GAAP.  Decommissioning costs recovered in rates are placed in nuclear decommissioning trusts.  The regulatory liability for recoveries in excess of ARO also represents the deferral of realized and unrealized gains and losses on those nuclear decommissioning trust assets.

The regulatory liability for price risk management represents“Other” at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 included the deferral of unrealized gains related to price risk management derivative instruments with terms in excess of one year.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)

The regulatory liability related to the Gateway Generating Station (“Gateway”) representsyear, the gain associated with the Utility’s acquisition of the permits and other assets related to the Gateway Generating Station as part of a settlement that the Utility entered with Mirant Corporation, to be credited to customers in future rates.  The regulatory liability is being amortized over 30 years beginning in January 2009, when Gateway was placed in service.

The regulatory liabilities associated with environmental remediationas well as insurance recoveries represent amounts that are refunded to customers as a reduction to rates, as costs are incurred for hazardous substance remediation.

“Other” is an aggregate of various other regulatory liabilities representing amounts collected for future costs.

Current Regulatory Liabilities

At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Utility had current regulatory liabilities of $232 million and $313 million, respectively, primarily consisting of regulatory liabilities for the current portion of electric transmission wheeling revenue refunds and amounts that the Utility expects to refund to customers for over-collected electric transmission rates.  Current regulatory liabilities are included in Current Liabilities – Other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Regulatory Balancing Accounts

The Utility uses regulatory balancing accounts to accumulate differences between actual billed and unbilled revenues and the Utility’s authorized revenue requirements for the period.  The Utility also uses regulatory balancing accounts to accumulate differences between incurred costs and actual billed and unbilled revenues, as well as differences between incurred costs and authorized revenue meant to recover those costs.  Under-collections that are probable of recovery through regulated rates are recorded as regulatory balancing account assets.  Over-collections that are probable of being creditedrefunded to customers are recorded as regulatory balancing account liabilities.

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The Utility’s current regulatory balancing accounts represent the amountamounts expected to be received from or refunded to or received from the Utility’s customers through authorized rate adjustments within the next 12 months.  Regulatory balancing accounts that the Utility does not expect to collect or refund in the next 12 months are included in Other Noncurrent Assets – Regulatory assets and Noncurrent Liabilities – Regulatory liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Current Regulatory Balancing Accounts, net

 
Receivable (Payable)
  
Receivable (Payable)
 
 
Balance At
  
Balance at
 
(in millions) 
September 30, 2009
  
December 31, 2008
  
March 31, 2010
  
December 31, 2009
 
Utility generation $199  $164  $572  $355 
Gas fixed cost  167   60 
Transmission revenue  147   173 
Distribution revenue adjustment mechanism  287   152 
Public purpose programs  (70)  (263)  128   83 
Energy procurement costs  (117)  598   115   128 
Gas fixed cost  (15)  93 
Energy recovery bonds  (167)  (231)  (163)  (185)
Other  94   (34)  232   202 
Total regulatory balancing accounts, net
 $253  $467  $1,156  $828 

The utility generation balancing account is used to record and recover the authorized revenue requirements associated with Utility-owned electric generation, including capital and related non-fuel operating and maintenance expenses.  The distribution revenue adjustment mechanism balancing account is used to record and recover the authorized electric distribution revenue requirements and certain other electric distribution-related authorized costs.  The Utility’s recovery of these revenue requirements is independent, or “decoupled,” from the volume of sales; therefore, the Utility recognizes revenue evenly over the year, even though the level of cash collected from customers will fluctuate depending on the volume of electricity sales.  During periods of more temperate weather, there is generallygener ally an under-collection in this balancing account due to lower electricity sales and lower rates.  During the warmer months of summer, the under-collectionthere is generally decreasesan over-collection due to higher rates and electric usage that cause an increase in generation revenues.

The gas fixed cost balancing account is used to track the recovery of CPUC-authorized gas distribution revenue requirements and certain other gas-distribution related costs.  The under-collection or over-collection position of this account is dependent on seasonality and volatility in gas prices.

The transmission revenue balancing account represents the difference between electric transmission wheeling revenues received by the Utility from the California Independent System Operator (“CAISO”) (on behalf of electric transmission wholesale customers) and refunds to customers plus interest.

The public purpose programs balancing accounts primarily track the recovery of the authorized public purpose program revenue requirement andrequirements, the actual costcosts of such programs, and incentive awards earned by the Utility for implementing customer energy efficiency programs.  The public purpose programs primarily consist of the energy efficiency programs; low-income energy efficiency programs; research, development, and demonstration programs; and renewable energy programs.  A refund of $230 million from the California Energy Commission for unspent renewable program funding previously collected is being returned to customers through lower rates throughout 2009.

The Utility is generally authorized to recover 100% of its prudently incurred electric fuel and energy procurement costs.  The Utility tracks energy procurement costs in balancing accounts and files annual forecasts of energy procurement costs that it expects to incur during the following year, andyear.  The Utility’s electric rates are set to recover such expected costs.

The energy recovery bondsgas fixed cost balancing account recordsis used to track the recovery of CPUC-authorized gas distribution revenue requirements and certain other gas distribution-related costs.  The under-collected or over-collected position of this account is dependent on seasonality and volatility in gas volumes.

The ERB balancing accounts record certain benefits and costs associated with ERBs that are provided to, or received from, customers.  In addition, this account ensuresthese accounts ensure that customers receive the benefits of the net amount of energy supplier refunds, claim offsets, and other credits received by the Utility after the second series of ERBs werewas issued.

At September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, “Other” includesincluded the California Alternate Rates for EnergyDepartment of Water Resources (“DWR”) power charge collection balancing account, which recordsensures amounts collected from customers for DWR-delivered power are remitted to the DWR; balancing accounts that track recovery of the authorized revenue shortfall associated withrequirements and costs related to the low-income customer assistance program.  Participation inSmartMeterTM advanced metering project; and the programtransition access charge balancing account, which is generally impacted by economic conditions.  Program spending increases as more customers participate in the programs, resulting in an under-collection.  At December 31, 2008, “Other” also included incentive awards earned by the Utility for implementing customer energy efficiency programs.used to pass through transmission high voltage access charges and credits.

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NOTE 4: DEBT

PG&E Corporation

Senior Notes

On March 12, 2009, PG&E Corporation issued $350 million principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes due April 1, 2014.

Credit Facility

At September 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation had no borrowings outstanding under its $187 million revolving credit facility.  PG&E Corporation amended its revolving credit facility on April 27, 2009 to remove Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (“Lehman Bank”) as a lender.  Prior to the amendment, the total borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility was $200 million, including a commitment from Lehman Bank that represented $13 million, or 7%, of the total.

Utility

Senior Notes

On March 6, 2009,April 1, 2010, the Utility issued $550$250 million principal amount of 6.25%5.8% Senior Notes due March 1, 2039.

On June 11, 2009, the Utility issued $500 million principal amount of Floating Rate Senior Notes due June 10, 2010.  The interest rate for the Floating Rate Senior Notes is equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 0.95% and will reset quarterly beginning on September 10, 2009.  At September 30, 2009, the interest rate on the Floating Rate Senior Notes was 1.25%.2037.

Pollution Control Bonds

The California Pollution Control Financing Authority andOn April 8, 2010, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (“CIEDB”), serving as conduit issuer, have issued various series of tax-exempt pollution control bonds for the benefit of the Utility.

On September 1, 2009, the CIEDB issued $149$50 million of tax-exempt pollution control bonds series 2009 A and B2010E due on November 1, 2026 and $160 million of tax-exempt pollution control bonds series 2009 C and D due on December 1, 2016.loaned the proceeds to the Utility.  The proceeds were used to repurchaserefund the corresponding related series of 2008 pollution control bonds.bonds issued in 2005 which were repurchased by the Utility in 2008.  The series 20092010E bonds issuedbear interest at par with an initial rate of 0.20%, are variable rate demand notes with interest resetting daily2.25% per year through April 1, 2012 and backed by direct-pay letters of credit.  Unlike the series 2008 bonds, interest earned on the series 2009 bonds is not subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”).  A provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allows certain tax-exempt bonds that are subject to AMT to be reissued or refunded in 2009 or 2010 as tax-exempt bonds that are not subject to AMT.  As a result, the series 2009 bonds were issuedmandatory tender on April 2, 2012 at a lower interestprice of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.  Thereafter, this series of bonds may be remarketed in a fixed or variable rate reducing the Utility’s interest expense.mode.

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Credit Facility and Short-Term Borrowings

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility had $273$265 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Utility’s $1.94 billion revolving credit facility.  The Utility amended its revolving credit facility on April 27, 2009 to remove Lehman Bank as a lender.  Prior to the amendment, the total borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility was $2.0 billion, including a commitment from Lehman Bank that represented $60 million, or 3%, of the total.

The revolving credit facility also provides liquidity support for commercial paper offerings.  At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility had no$751 million of commercial paper outstanding.outstanding at an average yield of 0.31%.

Energy Recovery Bonds

PG&E Energy Recovery Funding LLC,In 2005, PERF, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of the Utility, issued two separate series of ERBs in the aggregate amount of $2.7 billion in 2005.billion.  The proceeds of the ERBs were used by PERF to purchase from the Utility the right, known as “recovery property,” to be paid a specified amount from a dedicated rate component.component to be collected from the Utility’s electricity customers.  The total amount of ERB principal outstanding was $1.3$1.1 billion at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

While PERF is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Utility, it is legally separate from the Utility.  The assets, including the recovery property, of PERF are not available to creditors of the Utility or PG&E Corporation, and the recovery property is not legally an asset of the Utility or PG&E Corporation.

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NOTE 5: EQUITY

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s changes in equity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 were as follows:

 
PG&E Corporation
  
Utility
  
PG&E Corporation
  
Utility
 
(in millions) 
Total
Equity
  
Total
Shareholders’ Equity
  
Total
Equity
  
Total
Shareholders’ Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2008 $9,629  $9,787 
Balance at December 31, 2009 $10,585  $11,185 
Net income  957   983   261   264 
Common stock issued  261   -   10   - 
Share-based compensation amortization  17   -   15   - 
Common stock dividends declared and paid  (309)  (468)  -   (179)
Common stock dividends declared but not yet paid  (156)  -   (169)  - 
Preferred stock dividend requirement  -   (10)  -   (3)
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary  (10)  -   (3)  - 
Tax benefit from employee stock plans  4   3   2   1 
Other comprehensive income  21   21   (80)  (80)
Equity contribution  -   688   -   20 
Balance at September 30, 2009 $10,414  $11,004 
Balance at March 31, 2010 $10,621  $11,208 

For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation contributed equity of $688$20 million to the Utility in order to maintain the 52% common equity target authorized by the CPUC and to ensure that the Utility has adequate capital to fund its capital expenditures.

DividendsComprehensive Income

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Utility paid common stock dividends totaling $468 million to PG&E Corporation.Comprehensive income consists of net income and accumulated other comprehensive income, which includes certain changes in equity that are excluded from net income.  Specifically, cumulative adjustments for employee benefit plans, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.   

  
PG&E Corporation
  
Utility
 
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
  
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2010
  
2009
  
2010
  
2009
 
Net income $261  $244  $264  $239 
Employee benefit plan adjustment, net of tax  (80)  7   (80)  7 
Comprehensive Income $181  $251  $184  $246 
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Dividends

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation paid common stock dividends totaling $435 million, net of $18 million that was reinvested in additional shares of common stock by participants in the PG&E Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan.$157 million.  On September 16, 2009,February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation declared a dividend of $0.42$0.455 per share, totaling $156$169 million, which was paid on OctoberApril 15, 20092010 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Utility paid common stock dividends totaling $179 million to PG&E Corporation.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility paid cash dividends totaling $10$4 million to holders of its outstanding series of preferred stock.  On September 16, 2009,February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Utility declared a cash dividend totaling $3 million on its outstanding series of preferred stock, payable on NovemberMay 15, 20092010, to shareholders of record on OctoberApril 30, 2009.2010.

NOTE 6: EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per common share (“EPS”) is calculated utilizing the “two-class” method, by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common shareholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities.  PG&E Corporation’s 9.5%9.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes (“Convertible Subordinated Notes”) are entitled to receive pass-through dividends and meet the criteria of participating securities.  All of the participating securities participate in dividends on a 1:1 basis with shares of common stock.

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The following is a reconciliation of PG&E Corporation’s income available for common shareholders and weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for calculating basic earnings per share:EPS:
  Three Months Ended 
  
March 31,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
2010
  
2009
 
Basic      
Income Available for Common Shareholders $258  $241 
Less: distributed earnings to common shareholders  169   154 
Undistributed earnings $89  $87 
Allocation of undistributed earnings to common shareholders        
Distributed earnings to common shareholders $169  $154 
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders  85   83 
Total common shareholders earnings $254  $237 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  371   364 
Convertible Subordinated Notes  16   17 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and participating securities  387   381 
Net earnings per common share, basic        
Distributed earnings, basic (1)
 $0.46  $0.42 
Undistributed earnings, basic  0.23   0.23 
Total $0.69  $0.65 
(1) Distributed earnings, basic may differ from actual per share amounts paid as dividends, as the EPS computation under GAAP requires the use of the weighted average, rather than the actual, number of shares outstanding.

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  
September 30,
  
September 30,
 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
 
Basic            
Income Available for Common Shareholders $318  $304  $947  $821 
Less: distributed earnings to common shareholders  156   140   465   419 
Undistributed earnings $162  $164  $482  $402 
Allocation of undistributed earnings to common shareholders                
Distributed earnings to common shareholders $156  $140  $465  $419 
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders  155   156   461   382 
Total common shareholders earnings $311  $296  $926  $801 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  370   357   367   356 
Convertible Subordinated Notes  16   19   17   19 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and participating securities  386   376   384   375 
Net earnings per common share, basic                
Distributed earnings, basic (1)
 $0.42  $0.39  $1.27  $1.18 
Undistributed earnings, basic  0.42   0.44   1.26   1.07 
Total $0.84  $0.83  $2.53  $2.25 
    
(1) Distributed earnings, basic may differ from actual per share amounts paid as dividends, as the EPS computation under GAAP requires the use of the weighted average, rather than the actual, number of shares outstanding.
 

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In calculating diluted EPS, PG&E Corporation applies the if-converted“if-converted” method to reflect the dilutive effect of the Convertible Subordinated Notes to the extent that the impact is dilutive when compared to basic EPS.  In addition, PG&E Corporation applies the treasury stock method of reflecting the dilutive effect of outstanding stock-based compensation in the calculation of diluted EPS.  The following is a reconciliation of PG&E Corporation’s income available for common shareholders and weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for calculating diluted earnings per shareEPS for three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:March 31, 2010:

  
September 30, 2009
 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
 
Diluted      
Income Available for Common Shareholders $318  $947 
Add earnings impact of assumed conversion of participating securities:        
Interest expense on Convertible Subordinated Notes, net of tax
  4   12 
Unrealized loss on embedded derivative, net of tax
  -   2 
Income Available for Common Shareholders and Assumed Conversion $322  $961 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  370   367 
Add incremental shares from assumed conversions:        
Convertible Subordinated Notes
  16   17 
Employee share-based compensation
  2   2 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  388   386 
Total earnings per common share, diluted $0.83  $2.49 

Stock options to purchase 7,285 and 11,935 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of PG&E Corporation common stock during these periods.
  Three Months Ended 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
March 31, 2010
 
Diluted   
Income Available for Common Shareholders $258 
Add earnings impact of assumed conversion of participating securities:    
Interest expense on convertible subordinated notes, net of tax
  4 
Income Available for Common Shareholders and Assumed Conversion $262 
     
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  371 
Add incremental shares from assumed conversions:    
Convertible subordinated notes
  16 
Employee share-based compensation
  2 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  389 
Total earnings per common share, diluted $0.67 

The following is a reconciliation of PG&E Corporation’s income available for common shareholders and weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for calculating diluted earnings per share for three and nine months ended September 30, 2008:
24

  
September 30, 2008
 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
 
Diluted      
Income Available for Common Shareholders $304  $821 
Less: distributed earnings to common shareholders  140   419 
Undistributed earnings $164  $402 
         
Allocation of undistributed earnings to common shareholders        
Distributed earnings to common shareholders $140  $419 
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders  156   382 
Total common shareholders earnings $296  $801 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  357   356 
Convertible Subordinated Notes  19   19 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and participating securities, basic  376   375 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  357   356 
Employee share-based compensation  1   1 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  358   357 
Convertible Subordinated Notes  19   19 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and participating securities, diluted  377   376 
Net earnings per common share, diluted        
Distributed earnings, diluted $0.39  $1.17 
Undistributed earnings, diluted  0.44   1.07 
Total earnings per common share, diluted $0.83  $2.24 

Stock options to purchase 7,285 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of PG&E Corporation common stock during these periods.March 31, 2009:

  Three Months Ended 
(in millions, except per share amounts) 
March 31, 2009
 
Diluted   
Income Available for Common Shareholders $241 
Less: distributed earnings to common shareholders  154 
Undistributed earnings $87 
     
Allocation of undistributed earnings to common shareholders    
Distributed earnings to common shareholders $154 
Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders  83 
Total common shareholders earnings $237 
     
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  364 
Convertible subordinated notes  17 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and participating securities, basic  381 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic  364 
Employee share-based compensation  2 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted  366 
Convertible subordinated notes  17 
Weighted average common shares outstanding and participating securities, diluted  383 
Net earnings per common share, diluted    
Distributed earnings, diluted $0.42 
Undistributed earnings, diluted  0.23 
Total earnings per common share, diluted $0.65 

Securities that were antidilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted shares outstanding were insignificant for the periods presented above.

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NOTE 7: DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Use of Derivative Instruments

The Utility faces market risk primarily related to electricity and natural gas commodity prices.  Substantially allAll of the Utility’s risk management activities involving derivatives occur to reduce the volatility of commodity costs on behalf of its customers.  The CPUC and the FERC allow the Utility to charge customer rates designed to recover the Utility’s reasonable costs of providing services, including the cost to obtain and deliver electricity and natural gas.  As these costs are passed through to customers in rates, the Utility’s earnings are not exposed to the commodity price risk inherent in the purchase and sale of electricity and natural gas.

The Utility uses both derivative and non-derivative contracts in managing its customers’ exposure to commodity-related price risk, including:

·  forward contracts that commit the Utility to purchase a commodity in the future;

·  swap agreements that require payments to or from counterparties based upon the difference between two prices for a predetermined contractual quantity;

·  option contracts that provide the Utility with the right to buy a commodity at a predetermined price; and

·  futures contracts that are exchange-traded contracts that commit the Utility to purchase a commodity or make a cash settlement at a specified price and future date.

These instruments are not held for speculative purposes and are subject to certain limitations imposed by regulatory requirements.
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Commodity-Related Price Risk

Commodity-related price risk management activities that meet the definition of a derivative are recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Certain commodity-related price risk management activities reduce the cash flow variability associated with fluctuating commodity prices.  Prior to September 2009, the Utility designated qualifying derivative transactions as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  As long as the ratemaking mechanisms discussed above remain in place and the Utility’s risk management activities are carried out in accordance with CPUC directives, the Utility expects to fully recover from customers, in rates, all costs related to commodity-related price risk-related derivative instruments.  Therefore, all unrealized gains and losses associated with the fair value of these derivative instruments including those designated as cash flow hedges, are deferred and recorded within the Utility’s regulatory assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. (See Note 3 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.above.)  Net realized gains or losses on derivative instruments related to price riskris k for commodities are recorded in the cost of electricity or the cost of natural gas with corresponding increases or decreases to regulatory balancing accounts for recovery from customers.  As of September 30, 2009, the Utility de-designated all cash flow hedge relationships.  Due to the regulatory accounting treatment described above, the de-designation of cash flow hedge relationships had no impact on Income Available for Common Shareholders or the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Utility elects the normal purchase and sale exception for qualifying commodity-related derivative instruments.  Derivative instruments that require physical delivery, are probable of physical delivery in quantities that are expected to be used by the Utility over a reasonable period in the normal course of business, and do not contain pricing provisions unrelated to the commodity delivered are eligible for the normal purchase and sale exception.  The fair value of instruments that are eligible for the normal purchase and sales exception are not reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following is a discussion of the Utility’s use of derivative instruments intended to mitigate commodity-related price risk for its customers.

Electricity Procurement

The Utility obtains electricity from a diverse mix of resources, including third-party power purchase agreements, amounts allocated under California Department of Water Resources (“DWR”)DWR contracts, and its own electricity generation facilities.  The amount of electricity the Utility needs to meet the demands of customers and that is not satisfied from the Utility’s own generation facilities, existing purchase contracts, or DWR contracts allocated to the Utility’s customers is subject to change for a number of reasons, including:

    ·
periodic expirations or terminations of existing electricity purchase contracts, including the DWR’s contracts;
    ·
the execution of new electricity purchase contracts;
    ·
fluctuation in the output of hydroelectric and other renewable power facilities owned or under contract;
22

    ·
changes in the Utility’s customers’ electricity demands due to customer and economic growth or decline, weather, implementation of new energy efficiency and demand response programs, direct access, and community choice aggregation;
    ·
the acquisition, retirement, or closure of generation facilities; and
    ·
changes in market prices that make it more economical to purchase power in the market rather than use the Utility’s existing resources.

The Utility enters into third-party power purchase agreements to ensure sufficient electricity to meet customer needs.  The Utility’s third-party power purchase agreements are generally accounted for as leases, but certain third-party power purchase agreements are considered derivative instruments and, therefore, are recorded at fair value within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.instruments.  The Utility elects to use the normal purchase and sale exception for eligible derivative instruments.  Derivative instruments that are eligible for the normal purchase and normal sales exception are not required to be recorded at fair value.

A portion of the Utility’s third-party power purchase agreements contain market-based pricing terms.  In order to reduce the cash flow variability associated with fluctuating electricity prices, the Utility has entered into financial swap contracts to effectively fix the price of future purchases under some of those power purchase agreements.  These financial swaps are considered derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.instruments.

Electric Transmission Congestion Revenue Rights

The CAISO-controlledCalifornia Independent System Operator (“CAISO”)-controlled electricity transmission grid used by the Utility to transmit power is subject to transmission constraints.  As a result, the Utility is subject to financial risk associated with the cost of transmission congestion.  The CAISO implemented its new day-ahead wholesale electricity market as part of its Market Redesign and Technology Update on April 1, 2009.  The CAISO created congestion revenue rights (“CRRs”) to allow market participants, including load servingload-serving entities, to hedge the financial risk of CAISO-imposed congestion charges in the new day-ahead market.  The CAISO releases CRRs through an annual and monthly process, each of which includes an allocation phase (in which load servingload-serving entities are allocated CRRsC RRs at no cost based on the customer demand or “load” they serve), and an auction phase (in which CRRs are priced at market and available to all market participants).  In the third quarter of 2009, the Utility acquired CRRs through both allocation and auction.

CRRs are considered derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.instruments.

Natural Gas Procurement (Electric Portfolio)

The Utility’s electric procurement portfolio is exposed to natural gas price risk primarily through the Utility-owned natural gas generating facilities, tolling agreements, and natural gas-indexed electricity procurement contracts.  In order to reduce the future cash flow variability associated with fluctuating natural gas prices, the Utility purchases financial instruments such as futures, swaps, and options.  These financial instruments are considered derivative instruments and are recorded at fair value within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.instruments.
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Natural Gas Procurement (Small Commercial and Residential Customers)

The Utility enters into physical natural gas commodity contracts to fulfill the needs of its small commercial and residential, or “core,” customers.  (The Utility does not procure natural gas for industrial and large commercial, or “non-core,” customers.)  Changes in temperature cause natural gas demand to vary daily, monthly, and seasonally.  Consequently, varying volumes of gas may be purchased or sold in the multi-month, monthly, and to a lesser extent, daily spot marketmarkets to balance such seasonal supply and demand.

The Utility manages its winter exposure to variable natural gas prices in accordance with its CPUC-approved annual core portfolio hedging implementation plan.  Accordingly, the Utility has entered into various financial instruments, such as swaps and options, intended to reduce the uncertainty associated with fluctuating natural gas purchase prices.  These financial instruments are considered derivative instruments that are recorded at fair value within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other Risk

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation had $247 million of Convertible Subordinated Notes outstanding scheduled tothat will mature on June 30, 2010.   The holders of the Convertible Subordinated Notes are entitled to receive “pass-through dividends” determined by multiplying the cash dividend paid by PG&E Corporation per share of common stock by a number equal to the principal amount of the Convertible Subordinated Notes divided by the conversion prices.  The dividend participation rights associated with the Convertible Subordinated Notes are embedded derivative instruments and, therefore, must be bifurcated from the Convertible Subordinated Notes and recorded at fair value in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  Changes in fair value of the dividend participation rightsr ights are recognized in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as non-operating expense or income (in Other (expense) income, (expense), net).

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Volume of Derivative Activity

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the volume of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s outstanding derivative contracts was as follows:

  
Contract Volumes (1)
   
Contract Volume (1)
 
Underlying Product
Instruments
 
Less Than 1 Year
  
Greater Than 1 Year But Less Than 3 Years
  
Greater Than 3 Years But Less Than 5 Years
  
Greater Than 5 Years (2)
 
Instruments
 
Less Than 1 Year
  
Greater Than 1 Year But Less Than 3 Years
  
Greater Than 3 Years But Less Than 5 Years
  
Greater Than 5 Years (2)
 
Natural Gas (3) (MMBtus (4))
Forwards, Futures, and Swaps  331,103,829   192,707,140   21,277,500   - Forwards, Futures, and Swaps  354,147,125   211,026,845   17,875,000   - 
Options  136,232,644   86,837,080   -   - Options  198,987,080   104,650,000   11,100,000   - 
                                  
Electricity (Megawatt-hours)Forwards, Futures, and Swaps  3,508,656   7,644,024   5,093,912   4,768,447 Forwards, Futures, and Swaps  4,050,541   8,296,859   4,274,287   4,082,736 
Options  9,400   11,450   110,980   557,512 Options  389,000   7,450   156,588   503,904 
Congestion Revenue Rights  55,374,468   64,267,318   59,648,715   107,581,890 Congestion Revenue Rights  75,220,639   66,937,314   66,870,770   111,554,263 
                                  
PG&E Corporation Equity
(Shares)
Dividend Participation Rights  16,370,789   -   -   - Dividend Participation Rights  16,370,789   -   -   - 
                                  
(1) Amounts shown reflect the total gross derivative volumes by commodity type that are expected to settle in each time period.
(1) Amounts shown reflect the total gross derivative volumes by commodity type that are expected to settle in each time period.
 
(1) Amounts shown reflect the total gross derivative volumes by commodity type that are expected to settle in each time period.
 
(2) Derivatives in this category expire between 2014 and 2022.
 
(2) Derivatives in this category expire between 2015 and 2022.
(2) Derivatives in this category expire between 2015 and 2022.
 
(3) Amounts shown are for the combined positions of the electric and core gas portfolios.
(3) Amounts shown are for the combined positions of the electric and core gas portfolios.
 
(3) Amounts shown are for the combined positions of the electric and core gas portfolios.
 
(4) Million British Thermal Units.
(4) Million British Thermal Units.
 
(4) Million British Thermal Units.
 
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Presentation of Derivative Instruments in the Financial Statements

In PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, derivative instruments are presented on a net basis by counterparty where the right of offset exists.  The net balances include outstanding cash collateral associated with derivative positions.

At September 30,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s outstanding derivative balances were as follows:

(in millions)
 
Gross Derivative Balance (1)
  
Netting (2)
  
Cash Collateral (2)
  
Total Derivative Balances
 
Commodity Risk (PG&E Corporation and Utility)
 
Current Assets – Prepaid expenses and other $27  $(10) $46  $63 
Other Noncurrent Assets – Other  53   (34)  55   74 
Current Liabilities – Other  (332)  10   168   (154)
Noncurrent Liabilities – Other  (518)  34   161   (323)
Total commodity risk $(770) $-  $430  $(340)
                 
Other Risk Instruments (3) (PG&E Corporation Only)
 
Current Liabilities – Other $(7) $-  $-  $(7)
Total derivatives $(777) $-  $430  $(347)
                 
(1) See Note 8 below for a discussion of the valuation techniques used to calculate the fair value of these instruments.
 
(2) Positions, by counterparty, are netted where the intent and legal right to offset exist in accordance with master netting agreements.
 
(3) This category relates to the dividend participation rights of PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes.
 
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At December 31, 2009, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s outstanding derivative balances were as follows:

(in millions)
 
Gross Derivative Balance (1)
  
Netting (2)
  
Cash Collateral (2)
  
Total Derivative Balances
  
Gross Derivative Balance
  
Netting (1)
  
Cash Collateral (1)
  
Total Derivative Balances
 
Commodity Risk (PG&E Corporation and Utility)
Commodity Risk (PG&E Corporation and Utility)
 
Commodity Risk (PG&E Corporation and Utility)
 
Current Assets – Prepaid expenses and other $48  $(9) $63  $102  $76  $(12) $77  $141 
Other Noncurrent Assets – Other  120   (40)  21   101   64   (44)  13   33 
Current Liabilities – Other  (253)  9   84   (160)  (231)  12   54   (165)
Noncurrent Liabilities – Other  (379)  40   29   (310)  (390)  44   44   (302)
Total commodity risk $(464) $-  $197  $(267) $(481) $-  $188  $(293)
                                
Other Risk Instruments (3) (PG&E Corporation Only)
 
Other Risk Instruments (2) (PG&E Corporation Only)
Other Risk Instruments (2) (PG&E Corporation Only)
 
Current Liabilities – Other $(20) $-  $-  $(20) $(13) $-  $-  $(13)
Total derivatives $(484) $-  $197  $(287) $(494) $-  $188  $(306)
                                
(1) See Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the valuation techniques used to calculate the fair value of these instruments.
 
(2) Positions, by counterparty, are netted where the intent and legal right to offset exist in accordance with master netting agreements.
 
(3) This category relates to the dividend participation rights of PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes.
 
(1) Positions, by counterparty, are netted where the intent and legal right to offset exist in accordance with master netting agreements.
(1) Positions, by counterparty, are netted where the intent and legal right to offset exist in accordance with master netting agreements.
 
(2) This category relates to the dividend participation rights of PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes.
(2) This category relates to the dividend participation rights of PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes.
 

Expenses related to the dividend participation rights are not recoverable in customers’ rates.  Therefore, changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, the gainsGains and losses recorded on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s derivative instruments were as follows:

(in millions)
   
Commodity Risk
 (PG&E Corporation and Utility)
 
Unrealized gain/(loss) - Regulatory assets andliabilities (1)
 $32 
Realized gain/(loss) - Cost of electricity(2)
  (558)
Realized gain/(loss)- Cost of natural gas (2)
  (30)
Total commodity risk instruments $(556)
Other Risk Instruments(3)
 (PG&E Corporation Only)
 
Other income, net $1 
Total other risk instruments $1 
     
(1) Unrealized gains and losses on commodity risk-related derivative instruments are recorded to regulatory assets or liabilities, rather than being recorded to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. These amounts exclude the impact of cash collateral postings.
 
(2) These amounts are fully passed through to customers in rates. Accordingly, net income was not impacted by realized amounts on these instruments.
 
(3) This category relates to dividend participation rights of PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes.
 
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Commodity Risk
 (PG&E Corporation and Utility)
 
  
Three months ended March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2010
  
2009
 
Unrealized gain/(loss) - Regulatory assets and liabilities (1)
 $(289) $(307)
Realized gain/(loss) - Cost of electricity (2)
  (106)  (202)
Realized gain/(loss) - Cost of natural gas (2)
  (39)  (23)
Total commodity risk instruments $(434) $(532)
  
Other Risk Instruments (3)
(PG&E Corporation Only)
 
Other expense (income), net $1  $(2)
Total other risk instruments $1  $(2)
(1) Unrealized gains and losses on commodity risk-related derivative instruments are recorded to regulatory assets or liabilities, rather than being recorded to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  These amounts exclude the impact of cash collateral postings.
(2) These amounts are fully passed through to customers in rates.  Accordingly, net income was not impacted by realized amounts on these instruments.
(3) This category relates to dividend participation rights of PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes.
 
Cash inflows and outflows associated with the settlement of all derivative instruments are recognized in operating cash flows on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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The majority of the Utility’s commodity risk-related derivative instruments contain collateral posting provisions tied to the Utility’s credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies.  If the Utility’s credit rating were to fall below investment grade, the Utility would be required to immediately post additional cash to fully collateralize its net liability derivative positions.

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the additional cash collateral the Utility would be required to post if its credit-risk-related contingent features were triggered was as follows:

(in millions)      
Derivatives in a liability position with credit-risk-relatedcontingencies that are not fully collateralized
 $(541)
Derivatives in a liability position with credit-risk-related contingencies that are not fully collateralized $(551)
Related derivatives in an asset position  57   - 
Collateral posting in the normal course of business relatedto these derivatives
  70 
Collateral posting in the normal course of business related to these derivatives  81 
Net position of derivative contracts/additional collateral posting requirements (1)
 $(414) $(470)
        
(1) This calculation excludes the impact of closed but unpaid positions, as their settlement is not impacted by any of the Utility’s credit-risk-related contingencies.
(1) This calculation excludes the impact of closed but unpaid positions, as their settlement is not impacted by any of the Utility’s credit-risk-related contingencies.
 
(1) This calculation excludes the impact of closed but unpaid positions, as their settlement is not impacted by any of the Utility’s credit-risk-related contingencies.
 

NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

PG&E Corporation and the Utility determinemeasure their cash equivalents, trust assets, dividend participation rights, and price risk management instruments at fair value.  Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  As such, fair value of certain assets and liabilitiesis a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assetsan asset or liabilities.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility utilize a liability. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is established as a basis for considering such assumptions and for inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level 1—Observable inputs that prioritizesreflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs to valuation techniques used to measurewhich are supported by little or no market activities.
The fair value and give precedencehierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs in determiningand minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  An instrument’s level within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any significant input to the fair value measurement.  See(See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 20082009 Annual Report for further discussion of fair value measurements.)

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for PG&E Corporation and the Utility are summarized below (money market investments, rabbi trusts, and dividend participation rights are held by PG&E Corporation and not the Utility):

Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2010
 
(in millions) 
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
 
Assets:            
Money market investments $195  $-  $-  $195 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts                
     U.S. equity securities (1)
  813   30   -   843 
     Non-U.S. equity securities  328   -   -   328 
     U.S. government and agency securities  664   73   -   737 
     Municipal securities  4   86   -   90 
     Other fixed income securities  -   76   -   76 
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (2)
  1,809   265   -   2,074 
Price risk management instruments                
     Electric (3)
  47   -   -   47 
Total price risk management instruments  47   -   -   47 
Rabbi trusts                
     Equity securities  22   -   -   22 
     Life insurance contracts  -   62   -   62 
               Total rabbi trusts  22   62   -   84 
Long-term disability trust                
     U.S. equity securities (1)
  3   28   -   31 
     Corporate debt securities (1)
  -   148   -   148 
Total long-term disability trust  3   176   -   179 
Total assets $2,076  $503  $-  $2,579 
Liabilities:                
Dividend participation rights $-  $-  $7  $7 
Price risk management instruments
 
                
     Electric (4)
  -   50   295   345 
     Gas (5)
  -   1   41   42 
             Total price risk management instruments
 
  -   51   336   387 
Other liabilities  -   -   1   1 
Total liabilities $-  $51  $344  $395 
                 
(1) Level 2 balances include commingled funds, which are comprised primarily of securities traded publicly on exchanges. Price quotes for the assets held by the funds are readily observable and available.
 
(2) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
 
(3) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $214 million to Level 1. Includes natural gas for electric portfolio.
(4) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $129 million to Level 2, and $53 million to Level 3. Includes natural gas for electric portfolio.
(5) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $34 million to Level 3. Includes natural gas for core customers.
 

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Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009
 
(in millions) 
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
 
Assets:            
Money market investments $189  $-  $4  $193 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts                
       U.S. equity securities (1)
  762   6   -   768 
       Non-U.S. equity securities  344   -   -   344 
       U.S. government and agency securities  653   51   -   704 
       Municipal securities  1   89   -   90 
       Other fixed income securities  -   108   -   108 
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (2)
  1,760   254   -   2,014 
Rabbi trusts                
       Equity securities  21   -   -   21 
       Life insurance contracts  60   -   -   60 
               Total rabbi trusts  81   -   -   81 
Long-term disability trust                
U.S. equity securities (1)
  52   23   -   75 
Corporate debt securities (1)
  -   113   -   113 
         Total long-term disability trust  52   136   -   188 
Total assets $2,082  $390  $4  $2,476 
Liabilities:                
Dividend participation rights $-  $-  $12  $12 
Price risk management instruments                
       Electric (3)
  2   73   157   232 
       Gas (4)
  1   -   60   61 
             Total price risk management instruments  3   73   217   293 
Other liabilities  -   -   3   3 
Total liabilities $3  $73  $232  $308 
                 
  
(1) Level 2 balances include commingled funds, which are comprised primarily of securities traded publicly on exchanges. Price quotes for the assets held by the funds are readily observable and available.
 
(2) Excludes taxes on appreciation of investment value.
 
(3) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $108 million to Level 1, $48 million to Level 2, and $19 million to Level 3. Includes natural gas for electric portfolio.
 
(4) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $13 million to Level 3. Includes natural gas for core customers.
 

Trust Assets
The assets held by the nuclear decommissioning trusts, the rabbi trusts related to the non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and the long-term disability trust are comprised primarily of equity securities and debt securities.  Equity securities primarily include investments in common stock and commingled funds comprised of equity across multiple industry sectors in the U.S. and other regions of the world.  Debt securities are comprised primarily of fixed income securities that include U.S. government and agency securities, municipal securities, and corporate debt securities.  Equity securities and debt securities are generally valued based on unadjusted prices in active markets for identical transactions or unadjusted prices in active markets for similar transactions.  A market based valuation approach is generally used to estimate the fair value of debt securities classified as Level 2 instruments in the tables above.  Under a market approach, fair values are determined based on evaluated pricing data, such as broker quotes, for similar securities adjusted for observable differences.  Significant inputs used in the valuation model generally include benchmark yield curves and issuer spreads.  The external credit rating, coupon rate, and maturity of each security are considered in the valuation, as applicable.  No trust assets were measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at March 31, 2010.
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Price Risk Management Instruments

Price risk management instruments are composed of physical and financial derivative contracts, including futures, forwards, swaps, options, and CRRs that are exchange-traded or over-the-counter traded contracts.   Futures, forwards, and swaps are valued using observable market prices for the underlying commodity or an identical instrument.  As observable market prices are available, these instruments are generally classified as Level 1 or Level 2 instruments.

Certain exchange-traded contracts are classified as Level 2 measurements because the contract term extends to a point at which the market is no longer considered active but where prices are still observable.  This determination is based on an analysis of the relevant characteristics of the market such as trading hours and volumes, frequency of available quotes, and open interest.  In addition, a number of over the counter contracts have been valued using unadjusted exchange prices of similar instruments in active markets.  Such instruments are classified as Level 2 measurements as they are not exchange-traded instruments.

All energy options are classified as Level 3 and are valued using the Black’s Option Pricing Model using various assumptions, including forward prices for the underlying commodity, time value at a risk free rate, and volatility.   Some of these assumptions are derived from internal models as they are unobservable. The Utility’s demand response contracts with third-party aggregators of retail electricity customers contain a call option entitling the Utility to require that the aggregator reduce electric usage by the aggregator’s customers at times of peak energy demand or in response to a CAISO alert or other emergency.

The following table sets forthUtility holds CRRs to hedge financial risk of CAISO-imposed congestion charges in the day-ahead markets.  CRRs are valued based on the forecasted settlement price at the delivery points underlying the CRR using internal models.  The Utility also uses the most current annual auction prices published by the CAISO to calibrate internal models.  Limited market data is available between auction dates; therefore, CRRs are classified as Level 3 measurements.

The Utility enters into power purchase agreements for the purchase of electricity to meet the demand of its customers.  Certain power purchase agreements meet the definition of a derivative instrument.  Some of these power purchase agreements do not qualify as normal purchases and sales, therefore, the fair value of these power purchase agreements are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Utility uses internal models to determine the fair value of these power purchase agreements.  These power purchase agreements include contract terms that extend beyond the point for which an active market exists.  The Utility utilizes market data for the underlying commodity to the extent that it is available in determining the fair value.  For periods where market data is not available, the Utility extrapolates forward prices based on historical data.  These power purchase agreements are considered Level 3 instruments as the determination of their fair value includes the use of unobservable forward prices.

Transfers between Levels

PG&E Corporation and the Utility recognize any transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy by level of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s recurring fair value financial instruments at September 30, 2009.  PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s assessmentas of the significanceend of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgmentreporting period.  There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and may affectLevel 2 for the valuation of fair valuethree month period ended March 31, 2010.  The following tables present reconciliations for assets and liabilities measured and their placement within therecorded at fair value hierarchy levels.on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

PG&E Corporation
 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2009
 
(in millions) 
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
 
Assets:            
Money market investments (held by PG&E Corporation) $185  $-  $5  $190 
Nuclear decommissioning trusts                
     Equity securities  1,081   -   6   1,087 
     U.S. government and agency issues  661   52   -   713 
     Municipal bonds and other  -   183   -   183 
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts (1)
  1,742   235   6   1,983 
Rabbi trusts-equity securities  76   -   -   76 
Long-term disability trust                
     Equity securities  8   -   20   28 
     Corporate debt securities  -   -   101   101 
Total long-term disability trust  8   -   121   129 
Total assets $2,011  $235  $132  $2,378 
Liabilities:                
Dividend participation rights $-  $-  $20  $20 
Price risk management instruments(2)
  25   85   157   267 
Other  -   -   4   4 
Total liabilities $25  $85  $181  $291 
                 
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
 
(2) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $76 million to Level 1, $33 million to Level 2, and $88 million to Level 3.
 
  
PG&E Corporation Only
  
PG&E Corporation and the Utility
    
(in millions) 
Money Market
  
Dividend Participation Rights
  
Price Risk Management Instruments
  
Nuclear Decommission-ing Trusts Equity Securities (1)
  
Long-Term Disability Equity Securities
  
Long-Term Disability Corp. Debt Securities
  
Other Liabilities
  
Total
 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of December 31, 2009 $4  $(12) $(217) $-  $-  $-  $(3) $(228)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):                                
Included in earnings  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts  -   -   (119  -   -   -   2   (117
Purchases, issuances, and settlements  (4)  5   -   -   -   -   -   1 
Transfers into Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Transfers out of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of March 31, 2010 $-  $(7 $(336) $-  $-  $-  $(1) $(344)
                                 
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
                     

29

Utility
 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2009
 
(in millions) 
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
 
Assets:            
Nuclear decommissioning trusts            
     Equity securities $1,081  $-  $6  $1,087 
     U.S. government and agency issues  661   52   -   713 
     Municipal bonds and other  -   183   -   183 
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(1)
  1,742   235   6   1,983 
Long-term disability trust                
     Equity securities  8   -   20   28 
     Corporate debt securities  -   -   101   101 
Total long-term disability trust  8   -   121   129 
Total assets $1,750  $235  $127  $2,112 
Liabilities:                
Price risk management instruments (2)
 $25  $85  $157  $267 
Other  -   -   4   4 
 Total liabilities $25  $85  $161  $271 
                 
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
 
(2) Balances include the impact of netting adjustments of $76 million to Level 1, $33 million to Level 2, and $88 million to Level 3.
 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s fair value measurements incorporate various factors, such as nonperformance and credit risk adjustments.  At September 30, 2009, the nonperformance and credit risk adjustment represented 1% of the net price risk management value.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility utilize a mid-market pricing convention (the midpoint between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient in valuing the majority of its derivative assets and liabilities at fair value.
  
PG&E Corporation Only
  
PG&E Corporation and the Utility
    
(in millions) 
Money Market
  
Dividend Participation Rights
  
Price Risk Management Instruments
  
Nuclear Decommission-ing Trusts Equity Securities (1)
  
Long-Term Disability Equity Securities
  
Long-Term Disability Corp. Debt Securities
  
Other Liabilities
  
Total
 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of December 31, 2008 $12  $(42) $(156) $5  $54  $24  $(2) $(105)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):                                
Included in earnings  -   2   -   -   (7)  -   -   (5)
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts  -   -   (20)  (1)  -   -   1   (20)
Purchases, issuances, and settlements  (4)  7   -   -   -   -   -   3 
Transfers into Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Transfers out of Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of March 31, 2009 $8  $(33) $(176) $4  $47  $24  $(1) $(127)
                                 
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
                     

Financial Instruments

 PG&E Corporation and the Utility use the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:

·The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and deposits, net accounts receivable, price risk management assets and liabilities, short-term borrowings, accounts payable, customer deposits, and the Utility’s variable rate pollution control bond loan agreements approximate their carrying values at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
·The fair values of the Utility’s fixed rate senior notes, fixed rate pollution control bond loan agreements, PG&E Corporation’s Convertible Subordinated Notes, PG&E Corporation’s fixed rate senior notes, and the ERBs issued by PERF were based on quoted market prices at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

The carrying amount and fair value of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial instruments were as follows (the table below excludes financial instruments with carrying values that approximate their fair values):

 
At September 30,
  
At December 31,
  
At March 31,
  
At December 31,
 
 
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
(in millions) 
Carrying Amount
  
Fair Value
  
Carrying Amount
  
Fair Value
  
Carrying Amount
  
Fair Value
  
Carrying Amount
  
Fair Value
 
Debt (Note 4):                         
PG&E Corporation $597  $1,061  $280  $739  $597  $1,070  $597  $1,096 
Utility  8,690   9,528   8,740   9,134   9,240   9,727   9,240   9,824 
Energy recovery bonds (Note 4)  1,310   1,357   1,583   1,564   1,120   1,176   1,213   1,269 
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The Utility classifies its investments held in the nuclear decommissioning trust as “available-for-sale.”  As the day-to-day investing activities of the trusts are managed by external investment managers, the Utility is unable to assert that it has the intent and ability to hold investments to maturity.  Therefore, all unrealized losses are considered other-than-temporary impairments.  Gains or losses on the nuclear decommissioning trust investments are refundable or recoverable, respectively, from customers.  Therefore, trust earnings are deferred and included in the regulatory liability for recoveries in excess of asset retirement obligations.ARO.  There is no impact on the Utility’s earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income.  (See Note 3 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.above.)

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The following table provides a summary of the fair value of thesummarizes unrealized gains and losses related to available-for-sale investments held in the Utility’s nuclear decommissioning trusts:

  
Maturity Date
  
Amortized Cost
  
Total Unrealized Gains
  
Total Unrealized Losses
  
Estimated (1) Fair Value
 
(in millions)               
Nine months ended September 30, 2009               
U.S. government and agency issues  2009-2038  $648  $66  $(1) $713 
Municipal bonds and other  2009-2049   179   6   (2)  183 
Equity securities      546   543   (2)  1,087 
Total     $1,373  $615  $(5) $1,983 
    
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
 
  
Amortized Cost
  
Total Unrealized Gains
  
Total Unrealized Losses
  
Estimated (1) Fair Value
 
(in millions)            
As of March 31, 2010            
U.S. equity securities $382  $462  $(1) $843 
Non-U.S. equity securities  174   154   -   328 
U.S. government and agency securities  686   53   (2)  737 
Municipal securities  89   2   (1)  90 
Other fixed income securities  75   1   -   76 
Total $1,406  $672  $(4) $2,074 
As of December 31, 2009                
U.S. equity securities $344  $425  $(1) $768 
Non-U.S. equity securities  182   163   (1)  344 
U.S. government and agency securities  656   52   (4)  704 
Municipal securities  89   1   -   90 
Other fixed income securities  108   2   (2)  108 
Total $1,379  $643  $(8) $2,014 
                 
(1) Excludes taxes on appreciation of investment value.
 

The costfollowing table summarizes the estimated fair value of debt and equity securities sold is determinedclassified by specific identification.  the contractual maturity date of the security:
As of March 31, 2010
 
(in millions)
 
Less than 1 year $65 
1–5 years  394 
5–10 years  234 
More than 10 years  210 
Total maturities of debt securities $903 
The following table provides a summary of the activity for the debt and equityavailable-for-sale securities:

  
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  
Year Ended December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
(in millions)      
Gross realized gains on sales of securities held as available-for-sale $24  $30 
Gross realized losses on sales of securities held as available-for-sale  (52)  (142)
  Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
  
2010
  
2009
 
(in millions)      
Proceeds received from sales of securities $337  $387 
Gross realized gains on sales of securities held as available-for-sale  15   8 
Gross realized losses on sales of securities held as available-for-sale  (5)  (34)  

In general, investments held in the nuclear decommissioning trust are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit, and market volatility risks.  Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, itIt is reasonably possible that changes in the market values of investment securities could occur in the near term, and such changes could materially affect the trusts’ fair value.

Level 3 Rollforward

The following table is a reconciliation of changes in fair value of PG&E Corporation’s instruments that have been classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009:
 
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PG&E Corporation Only
  
PG&E Corporation and the Utility
    
(in millions) 
Money Market
  
Dividend Participation Rights
  
Price Risk Management Instruments
  
Nuclear Decommission-ing Trusts Equity Securities (1)
  
Long-Term Disability Equity Securities
  
Long-Term Disability Corp. Debt Securities
  
Other
  
Total
 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of January 1, 2009 $12  $(42) $(156) $5  $54  $24  $(2) $(105)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):                                
Included in earnings  -   1   -   -   11   3   -   15 
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts  -   -   (1)  1   -   -   (2)  (2)
Purchases, issuances, and settlements  (7)  21   -   -   (45)  74   -   43 
Transfers in to Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of September 30, 2009 $5  $(20) $(157) $6  $20  $101  $(4) $(49)
                                 
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
                     

Earnings for the period were impacted by a $15 million unrealized gain relating to assets or liabilities still held at September 30, 2009.

The following table is a reconciliation of changes in fair value of PG&E Corporation’s instruments that have been classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three month period ended September 30, 2009:

  
PG&E Corporation Only
  
PG&E Corporation and the Utility
    
(in millions) 
Money Market
  
Dividend Participation Rights
  
Price Risk Management Instruments
  
Nuclear Decommission-ing Trusts Equity Securities (1)
  
Long-term Disability Equity Securities
  
Long-term Disability Corp. Debt Securities
  
Other
  
Total
 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of July 1, 2009 $5  $(27) $(189) $5  $57  $24  $(3) $(128)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses):                                
Included in earnings  -   -   -   -   8   2   -   10 
Included in regulatory assets and liabilities or balancing accounts  -   -   32   1   -   -   (1)  32 
Purchases, issuances, and settlements  -   7   -   -   (45)  75   -   37 
Transfers in to Level 3  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Asset (Liability) Balance as of September 30, 2009 $5  $(20) $(157) $6  $20  $101  $(4) $(49)
                          
(1) Excludes deferred taxes on appreciation of investment value.
             

Earnings for the period were impacted by a $10 million unrealized gain relating to assets or liabilities still held at September 30, 2009.
PG&E Corporation and the Utility did not have any nonrecurring financial measurements requiring disclosure at September 30, 2009.
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NOTE 9: RELATED PARTY AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS

The Utility and other subsidiaries provide and receive various services to and from their parent, PG&E Corporation, and among themselves.  The Utility and PG&E Corporation exchange administrative and professional services in support of operations.  Services provided directly to PG&E Corporation by the Utility are generally priced at the higher of fully loaded cost (i.e., direct cost of goodsgood or servicesservice and allocation of overhead costs) or fair market value, depending on the nature of the services.  Services provided directly to the Utility by PG&E Corporation are generally priced at the lower of fully loaded cost or fair market value, depending on the nature and value of the services.  PG&E Corporation also allocates various corporate administrativeadminis trative and general costs to the Utility and other subsidiaries using agreed uponagreed-upon allocation factors, including the number of employees, operating and maintenance expenses, total assets, and other cost allocation methodologies.  Management believes that the methods used to allocate expenses are reasonable and meet the reporting and accounting requirements of its regulatory agencies.

The Utility’s significant related party transactions were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Utility revenues from:                  
Administrative services provided to
PG&E Corporation
 $2  $-  $4  $2  $1  $1 
Utility expenses from:                        
Administrative services received from PG&E Corporation $14  $34  $47  $86  $16  $19 
Utility employee benefit due to PG&E Corporation  4   5   13   16   10   6 

At September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008,2009, the Utility had a receivable of $28$25 million and $29$26 million, respectively, from PG&E Corporation included in Accounts receivable – Related parties and Other Noncurrent Assets – Related parties receivable on the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and a payable of $14$24 million and $25$16 million, respectively, to PG&E Corporation included in Accounts payable – Related parties on the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 10: RESOLUTION OF REMAINING CHAPTER 11 DISPUTED CLAIMS

Various electricity suppliers filed claims in the Utility’s proceeding under Chapter 11 seeking payment for energy supplied to the Utility’s customers through the wholesale electricity markets operated by the CAISO and the California Power Exchange (“PX”) between May 2000 and June 2001.  These claims, which the Utility disputes, are being addressed in various FERC and judicial proceedings in which the State of California, the Utility, and other electricity purchasers are seeking refunds from electricity suppliers, including municipal and governmental entities, for overcharges incurred in the CAISO and the PX wholesale electricity markets between May 2000 and June 2001.

In connection with the Utility’s proceeding under Chapter 11,  At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Utility established anheld $515 million in escrow, account to fund future settlements andincluding interest earned, for the payment of th e remaining net disputed claims, which isclaims.  These amounts are included within Restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Utility held $515 million and $1,212 million, respectively, in escrow, including interest earned, for payment of the remaining net disputed claims.

While the FERC and judicial proceedings have been pending, the Utility entered into a number of settlements with various electricity suppliers to resolve some of these disputed claims and to resolve the Utility’s refund claims against these electricity suppliers.  These settlement agreements provide that the amounts payable by the parties are, in some instances, subject to adjustment based on the outcome of the various refund offset and interest issues being considered by the FERC.  The proceeds from these settlements, after deductions for contingencies based on the outcome of the various refund offset and interest issues being considered by the FERC, will continue to be refunded to customers in rates.  Additional settlement discussions with other electricity suppliers are ongoing.  Any net refunds,r efunds, claim offsets, or other credits that the Utility receives from energy suppliers through resolution of the remaining disputed claims, either through settlement or the conclusion of the various FERC and judicial proceedings, will also be credited to customers.

On August 26, 2009, following the approval by the FERC, the bankruptcy court presiding over the PX’s bankruptcy case, and the bankruptcy court that retains jurisdiction over the Utility’s Chapter 11 proceeding, the Utility paid $700 million to the PX from the Utility’s escrow account to reduce the Utility’s liability for the remaining net disputed claims. The following table presents the changes in the remaining disputed claims liability and interest accrued from December 31, 20082009 to September 30, 2009:March 31, 2010:

(in millions)   
Balance at December 31, 2009 $946 
Interest accrued  8 
Less: Supplier Settlements  - 
Balance at March 31, 2010 $954 

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(in millions)   
Balance at December 31, 2008 $1,750 
Interest accrued  45 
Less: Supplier Settlements  (90)  
Less: August 26, 2009 payment  (700)  
Balance at September 30, 2009 $1,005 

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility’s net disputed claims liability was $1,005$954 million, consisting of $816$772 million of remaining disputed claims (classified on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accounts payable – Disputed claims and customer refunds) and interest accrued at the FERC-ordered rate of $683$675 million (classified on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Interest payable) partially offset by accounts receivable from the CAISO and the PX of $494$493 million (classified on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accounts receivable – Customers).

Interest accrues on the liability for disputed claims at the FERC-ordered rate, which is higher than the rate earned by the Utility on the escrow balance.  Although the Utility has been collecting the difference between the accrued interest and the earned interest from customers, this amount is not held in escrow.  If the amount of interest accrued at the FERC-ordered rate is greater than the amount of interest ultimately determined to be owed with respect to disputed claims, the Utility would refund to customers any excess net interest collected from customers.  The amount of any interest that the Utility may be required to pay will depend on the final amounts to be paid by the Utility with respect to the disputed claims.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict when the FERC or judicial proceedings that are still pending will be resolved, and the amount of any potential refunds that the Utility may receive or the amount of disputed claims, including interest that the Utility will be required to pay.

NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

PG&E Corporation and the Utility have substantial financial commitments in connection with agreements entered into to support the Utility’s operating activities.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility also have significant contingencies arising from their operations, including contingencies related to guarantees, regulatory proceedings, nuclear operations, environmental compliance and remediation, tax matters, and legal matters.

Commitments

Utility

Third-Party Power Purchase Agreements

As part of the ordinary course of business, the Utility enters into various agreements to purchase power and electric capacity.  The price of purchased power may be fixed or variable.  Variable pricing is generally based on the current market price of either gas or electricity at the date of purchase.  Forward prices at September 30, 2009 are used to determine the undiscounted future expected payments for contracts with variable pricing terms.  

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the undiscounted future expected power purchase agreement payments were as follows:

(in millions)   
2009 $535 
2010  2,165 
2011  2,111 
2012  2,211 
2013  2,209 
Thereafter  36,141 
Total $45,372 

(in millions)   
2010 $1,674 
2011  2,260 
2012  2,309 
2013  2,307 
2014  2,268 
Thereafter  38,464 
    Total $49,282 
Payments made by the Utility under power purchase agreements amounted to $1,809$201 million and $3,631$663 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, and September 30, 2008, respectively.  The amounts above do not include payments related to the DWR purchases for the benefit of the Utility’s customers, as the Utility only acts as an agent for the DWR.

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Some of the power purchase agreements that the Utility entered into with independent power producers that are qualifying co-generation facilities and qualifying small power production facilities (“QFs”)QF”s) are treated as capital leases.  The following table shows the future fixed capacity payments due under the QF contracts that are treated as capital leases.  (These amounts are also included in the third-party power purchase agreements table above.)  The fixed capacity payments are discounted to their present value in the table below using the Utility’s incremental borrowing rate at the inception of the leases.  The amount of this discount is shown in the table below as the Amount representing interest.

(in millions)   
2009 $11 
2010  50 
2011  50 
2012  50 
2013  50 
Thereafter  206 
Total fixed capacity payments  417 
Less: Amount representing interest  95 
Present value of fixed capacity payments $322 

(in millions)   
2010 $43 
2011  50 
2012  50 
2013  50 
2014  42 
Thereafter  162 
Total fixed capacity payments  397 
Amount representing interest  85 
    Present value of fixed capacity payments $312 
Minimum lease payments associated with the lease obligation are included in Cost of electricity on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The timing of the Utility’s recognition of the lease expense conforms to the ratemaking treatment for the Utility’s recovery of the cost of electricity.  The QF contracts that are treated as capital leases expire between April 2014 and September 2021.

CapacityAt March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility had $32 million included in Current Liabilities – Other, and $280 million and $282 million included in Noncurrent Liabilities – Other, respectively, representing the present value of the fixed capacity payments due under these contracts recorded on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The corresponding assets at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 of $312 million and $314 million, including amortization of $97 million and $94 million, respectively, are basedincluded in Property, Plant, and Equipment on PG&E Corporation’s and the QF’s total available capacity and contractual capacity commitment.  Capacity payments may be adjusted if the QF exceeds or fails to meet performance requirements specified in the applicable power purchase agreement.Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Natural Gas Supply, Transportation, and TransportationStorage Commitments

The Utility purchases natural gas directly from producers and marketers in both Canada and the United States to serve its core customers.  The contract lengths and natural gas sources of the Utility’s portfolio of natural gas procurement contracts can fluctuate based on market conditions.  The Utility also contracts for natural gas transportation to transport natural gas from the points at which the Utility takes delivery (typically in Canada and the southwestern United States)States supply basins) to the points at which the Utility’s natural gas transportation system begins.  In addition, the Utility has contracted for gas storage services in its market area in order to better meet winter peak customer loads.

The Utility also purchases natural gas to fuel its owned-generation facilities. Contract terms typically range in length from one to three years.

At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility’s undiscounted obligations for natural gas purchases, and gas transportation services, and gas storage were as follows:

(in millions)      
2009 $341 
2010  610  $549 
2011  124   309 
2012  49   83 
2013  42   61 
2014  44 
Thereafter  157   115 
Total(1) $1,323  $1,161 
    
(1) Total does not include Ruby Pipeline reservation cost commitment described below.
    

Payments for natural gas purchases, and gas transportation services, and gas storage amounted to $959$553 million and $2,227$456 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively.

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Ruby Pipeline

On April 5, 2010, the FERC issued an order authorizing El Paso Corporation to construct, operate, and September 30, 2008, respectively.maintain its proposed 675-mile gas transmission pipeline (“Ruby Pipeline”), which would begin at the Opal Hub in Wyoming and terminate at the Malin, Oregon, interconnect, near California’s northern border and have an initial capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet per day. Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in late spring 2010, and the facilities are scheduled to be in service beginning March 2011.  The Utility has contracted for firm service rights on the Ruby Pipeline of 0.37 billion cubic feet per day beginning in 2011.  Under these agreements the Utility will have a cumulative commitment of $1.4 billion over 15 years.

Nuclear Fuel Agreements

The Utility has entered into several purchase agreements for nuclear fuel.  These agreements have terms ranging from 1 to 16 years and are intended to ensure long-term fuel supply.  The contracts for uranium and for conversion and enrichment services provide for 100% coverage of reactor requirements through 2013,2014, while contracts for fuel fabrication services provide for 100% coverage of reactor requirements through 2011.  The Utility relies on a number of international producers of nuclear fuel in order to diversify its sources and provide security of supply.  Pricing terms are also diversified, ranging from market-based prices to base prices that are escalated using published indices.  New agreements are primarily based on forward market pricing and will begin to impact nuclear fuel costs starting in 2010.
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At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the undiscounted obligations under nuclear fuel agreements were as follows:

(in millions)      
2009 $153 
2010  108  $152 
2011  100   82 
2012  90   69 
2013  118   107 
2014  135 
Thereafter  1,226   1,215 
Total $1,795  $1,760 

Payments for nuclear fuel amounted to $67$53 million and $96$17 million for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, and September 30, 2008, respectively.

Contingencies

PG&E Corporation

PG&E Corporation retains a guarantee related to certain indemnity obligations of its former subsidiary, National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. (“NEGT”), that were issued to the purchaser of an NEGT subsidiary company.company in 2000.  PG&E Corporation’s soleprimary remaining exposure relates to any potential environmental obligations that were known to NEGT at the time of the sale but not disclosed to the purchaser, and is limited to $150 million.  PG&E Corporation has not received any claims nor does it consider it probable that any claims will be made under the guarantee.  PG&E Corporation believes that its potential exposure under this guarantee would not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

Utility

ApplicationEnergy Efficiency Programs and Incentive Ratemaking

The CPUC has established a ratemaking mechanism to Recover Hydroelectric Facility Divestiture Costsprovide incentives to the California investor-owned utilities to meet the CPUC’s energy savings goals through implementation of the utilities’ 2006-2008 energy efficiency programs.  In accordance with this mechanism, the CPUC has awarded the Utility interim incentive revenues totaling $75 million through December 31, 2009 based on the energy savings achieved through implementation of the Utility’s energy efficiency programs during the 2006 through 2008 program cycle.  The amount of additional incentive revenues the Utility may earn, if any, is subject to verification of the final energy savings over the 2006-2008 program cycle and the completion of the true-up process.

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On April 8, 2010, the assigned CPUC commissioner issued a ruling to provide guidance on the 2006-2008 true-up process, noting that the CPUC had directed the parties to convene a settlement conference to seek agreement on the 2010 final true-up amounts to avoid potential controversy and delay that could arise from basing the amounts solely upon the final verification report to be issued by the CPUC’s Energy Division.  The ruling stated that the CPUC can consider alternative approaches in calculating the final true-up amounts in addition to the Energy Division’s report and directed the Energy Division to calculate various true-up amounts based on a range of possible scenarios that use different assumptions about energy savings, goals, and costs.

On May 4, 2010, the Energy Division released various scenarios of additional incentive amounts using data from the Energy Division’s draft verification report released on April 16, 2009,15, 2010.  The calculation scenarios for the Utility range from a penalty of $75 million, based on a scenario using the Energy Division’s evaluated results, to a reward of $105 million.  The CPUC has scheduled a settlement conference for May 28, 2010 for the parties to discuss the various scenarios.  The CPUC's adopted schedule for the final true-up process calls for a final decision by the end of 2010.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the amount, if any, of additional incentive revenues or penalties the Utility may be assessed for the 2006-2008 program cycle.

It is expected that the CPUC approvedwill issue a decision by the end of 2010 to authorize the Utility to recover $47 million of costs, including $12 million of interest, that the Utility incurred in connection with its effortsdevelop a more streamlined framework to determine the market value of its hydroelectric generation facilities in 2000 and 2001.  These efforts were undertaken as required by the CPUC in connection with the proposed divestiture of the facilities to further the development of a competitive generation market in California.  The CPUC subsequently withdrew this requirement.  The Utility continues to own its hydroelectric generation assets.  The Utility expects that the rate adjustments necessary to recover these authorized costs will be combined with other rate adjustments in the Utility’s annual electric rate true-up proceeding.  These rate changes are expected to become effective in January 2010.incentive amounts for future energy efficiency program cycles.

Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Proceedings

As part of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, Congress authorized the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) and electric utilities with commercial nuclear power plants to enter into contracts under which the DOE would be required to dispose of the utilities’ spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste no later than January 31, 1998, in exchange for fees paid by the utilities.  In 1983, the DOE entered into a contract with the Utility to dispose of nuclear waste from the Utility’s two nuclear generating units at Diablo Canyon and its retired nuclear facility at Humboldt Bay (“Humboldt Bay Unit 3”).  The DOE failed to develop a permanent storage site by January 31, 1998.Bay.

The Utility believes that the existing spent fuel pools at Diablo Canyon, which include newly constructed temporary storage racks, have sufficient capacity to enable the Utility to operate Diablo Canyon until approximately 2010 for Unit 1 and 2011 for Unit 2.  Because the DOE failed to develop a permanent storage site, the Utility obtained a permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) to build an on-site dry cask storage facility to store spent fuel through at least 2024.  The construction of the dry cask storage facility is complete andcomplete.  During 2009 the movement ofUtility moved all the spent nuclear fuel that was scheduled to be moved into dry cask storage began in June 2009.

After various parties appealedstorage.  An appeal of the NRC’s issuance of the permit is still pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) issued a decision in 2006 requiringCircuit.  The appellants claim that the NRC failed to issue a supplementaladequately consider environmental assessment report on the potential environmental consequences in the eventimpacts of a potential terrorist attack at Diablo Canyon, as well as to review other contentions raisedCanyon.  It is uncertain when the appeal will be addressed by the appealing parties related to potential terrorism threats.  In August 2007, the NRC staff issued a final supplemental environmental assessment report concluding that there would be no significant environmental impacts from potential terrorist acts directed at the Diablo Canyon storage facility.
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In October 2008, the NRC rejected the final contention that had been made during the appeal.  The appellant has filed a petition for review of the NRC’s order in the Ninth Circuit.  On December 31, 2008, the appellate court granted the Utility’s request to intervene in the proceeding.  The Utility’s brief on appeal was filed on April 8, 2009.  No date has been set for oral argument.

As a result of the DOE’s failure to build a national repository for nuclear waste, the Utility and other nuclear power plant owners sued the DOE to recover costs that they incurred to build on-site spent nuclear fuel storage facilities.  The Utility seekssought to recover $92 million of costs that it incurred through 2004.  After several years of litigation, on March 30, 2010, the DOE now concedes thatU.S. Court of Federal Claims awarded the Utility is entitled to recover approximately $82 million$89 million.  Any appeal of these costs, but the DOE continues to dispute the remaining amount.  The trial to determine the appropriate method to calculate the amounts owed to the Utility began on October 15, 2009.  this award must be filed by May 31, 2010.

The Utility also will seek to recover costsestimates it has incurred after 2004$175 million between 2005 and 2009 to build on-site storage facilities.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the amount and timing of any recoveries that the  The Utility will receive from the DOE.also seek to recover these costs.  Amounts recovered from the DOE will be credited to customers.

Energy Efficiency Programs and Incentive Ratemaking

The CPUC previously established an incentive ratemaking mechanism applicable to the California investor-owned utilities’ implementation of their energy efficiency programs funded for the 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 program cycles.  On December 18, 2008, based on their first interim claims, the CPUC awarded interim incentive earnings to the utilities for their 2006-2007 program performance.  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Utility recognized a CPUC award of $41.5 million for the Utility’s energy efficiency program performance in 2006-2007.  Under the existing incentive ratemaking mechanism, the maximum amount of revenue that the Utility could earn and the maximum amount that the Utility could be required to reimburse customers over the 2006-2008 program cycle is $180 million.

On January 29, 2009, the CPUC established a new rulemaking proceeding to modify the existing incentive ratemaking mechanism for programs beginning in 2009 and future years, to adopt a new framework to review the utilities’ 2006-2008 program performance for the second interim claim, and to conduct a final review of the utilities’ performance over the 2006-2008 program period.  On May 21, 2009, the Utility, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Gas Company, and the Natural Resources Defense Council jointly requested that the CPUC approve a proposed settlement to resolve the utilities’ second interim claims and their final 2006-2008 true-up incentive claims.  On July 10, 2009, the Utility submitted calculations, based on the methodology included in the proposed settlement, indicating that the Utility would be entitled to earn the remaining amount of the maximum incentives that could be earned for the 2006-2008 period.  Based on the holdback amount proposed in the settlement, the Utility would be entitled to receive $76.6 million in incentive earnings and an additional $61.9 million would be held back and subject to verification in the final 2006-2008 true-up process to be completed in 2010.  The assigned administrative law judge has ruled that there will be no hearings on the settlement proposal.

In accordance with the process established by the current incentive ratemaking mechanism, on October 15, 2009, the CPUC approved a second verification report issued by the CPUC’s Energy Division relating to the second interim claims for the utilities’ 2006-2008 program performance.  The report calculates potential incentive amounts for the Utility, based on different energy savings assumptions and measurement methods, that range up to $20.6 million with up to an additional $33.4 million to be held back pending completion of the 2006-2008 true-up process in 2010.  In addition, on September 3 and October 1, 2009, the CPUC’s Energy Division released additional incentive award scenarios, including scenarios based on the proposed settlement, that result in a wide range of potential financial outcomes.  It is uncertain what effect, if any, the issuance of the verification report or the scenarios will have on the likelihood of the proposed settlement becoming effective.  Whether the proposed settlement will be approved and the amounts of any interim and final claims that may be awarded to the Utility are uncertain at this time.
Nuclear Insurance

The Utility has several types of nuclear insurance for the two nuclear operating units at Diablo Canyon and for its retired nuclear generation facility at Humboldt Bay Unit 3.  The Utility has insurance coverage for property damages and business interruption losses as a member of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (“NEIL”).  NEIL is a mutual insurer owned by utilities with nuclear facilities.  NEIL provides property damage and business interruption coverage of up to $3.24 billion per incident for Diablo Canyon.  In addition, NEIL provides $131 million of property damage insurance for Humboldt Bay Unit 3.  Under this insurance, if any nuclear generating facility insured by NEIL suffers a catastrophic loss causing a prolonged outage, the Utility may be requiredre quired to pay an additional premium of up to $39.7 million per one-year policy term.
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NEIL also provides coverage for damages caused by acts of terrorism at nuclear power plants.  Under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”), acts of terrorism may be “certified” by the Secretary of the Treasury.  For a certified act of terrorism, NEIL can obtain compensation from the federal government and will provide up to the full policy limits to the Utility for an insured loss.  If one or more non-certified acts of terrorism cause property damage covered under any of the nuclear insurance policies issued by NEIL to any NEIL member, the maximum recovery under all those nuclear insurance policies may not exceed $3.24 billion within a 12-month period plus the additional amounts recovered by NEIL for these losses from reinsurance.  (TRIPRA(TRIPR A extends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 through December 31, 2014.)

Under the Price-Anderson Act, public liability claims from a nuclear incident are limited to $12.5$12.6 billion.  As required by the Price-Anderson Act, the Utility purchased the maximum available public liability insurance of $300$375 million for Diablo Canyon.  The $12.6 billion balance of the $12.5 billion of liability protection is covered by a loss-sharing program among utilities owning nuclear reactors.  Under the Price-Anderson Act, owner participation in this loss-sharing program is required for all owners of nuclear reactors that are licensed to operate, designed for the production of electrical energy, and have a rated capacity of 100 MWmegawatts (“MW”) or higher.  If a nuclear incident results in costs in excess of $300$375 million, then the Utility may be responsible for up to $117.5 million per reactor, with payments in each year limited to a maximum of $17.5 million per incident until the Utility has fully paid its share of the liability.  Since Diablo Canyon has two nuclear reactors, each with a rated capacity of over 100 MW, the Utility may be assessed up to $235 million per incident, with payments in each year limited to a maximum of $35 million per incident.  Both the maximum assessment per reactor and the maximum yearly assessment are adjusted for inflation at least every five years.  The next scheduled adjustment is due on or before October 29, 2013.

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In addition, the Utility has $53.3 million of liability insurance for Humboldt Bay Unit 3 and has a $500 million indemnification from the NRC for public liability arising from nuclear incidents, covering liabilities in excess of the $53.3 million of liability insurance.

Severance Costs

As of September 30, 2009, the Utility has recorded a liability of $76 million related to severance costs.  The following table presents the changes in the liability from December 31, 2008:

(in millions)   
Balance at December 31, 2008 $27 
Additional severance costs accrued  72 
 Less: Payments  (23)
Balance at September 30, 2009 $76 

Environmental Matters

The Utility may be required to pay for environmental remediation at sites where it has been, or may be, a potentially responsible party under environmental laws.  Under federal and California laws, the Utility may be responsible for remediation of hazardous substances at former manufactured gas plant (“MGP”) sites, power plant sites, and sites used by the Utility for the storage, recycling, or disposal of potentially hazardous materials, even if the Utility did not deposit those substances on the site.

The costGiven the complexities of environmentalthe legal and regulatory environment and the inherent uncertainties involved in the early stages of a remediation project, the process for estimating remediation liabilities is difficult to estimate.subjective and requires significant judgment.  The Utility records an environmental remediation liability when site assessments indicate that remediation is probable and it can reasonably estimate the loss within a range of possible clean-up costs.  amounts.

The Utility reviews itsrecords an environmental remediation liability based on a quarterly basis.  The liability is an estimate of costs for site investigations, remediation, operations and maintenance, monitoring, and site closure using current technology, and considering enacted laws and regulations, experience gained at similar sites, and an assessment of the probable level of involvement and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties.  Unless there is a better estimate within this range of possible costs, the Utility records the costs at the lower end of this range.  The Utility estimates the upper endrange of this cost range using possible outcomes thatestimated costs, unless a more objective estimate can be achieved.  Amounts recorded are least favorablenot discounted to the Utility.  It is reasonably possible that a change in these estimates may occur in the near term due to uncertainty concerning the Utility’s responsibility, the complexity of environmental laws and regulations, and the selection of compliance alternatives.
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their present value.

The Utility had an undiscounted and gross environmental remediation liability of $597$613 million at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and $568$586 million at December 31, 2008.2009.  The $597following table presents the changes in the environmental remediation liability from December 31, 2009:

(in millions)   
Balance at December 31, 2009 $586 
Additional remediation costs accrued:    
Transfer to regulatory account for  recovery
  52 
Amounts not recoverable from customers
  5 
Less: Payments  (30)
Balance at March 31, 2010 $613 

The $613 million accrued at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 consists of:of the following:

·$4943 million for remediation at the Utility’s natural gas compressor site located near Hinkley, California;
  
·$156180 million for remediation at the Utility’s natural gas compressor site located in Topock, Arizona, nearon the California border;border, near Topock, Arizona;
  
·$8684 million related to remediation at divested generation facilities;
  
·$246124 million related to remediation costs for the Utility’s generation and other facilities and for third-party disposal sites, and manufactured gas plantsites;
·$132 million related to investigation and/or remediation costs at former MGP sites owned by the Utility or third parties (including those sites that are the subject of remediation orders by environmental agencies or claims by the current owners of the former manufactured gas plantMGP sites); and
  
· $60$50 million related to remediation costs for fossil decommissioning fossil-fueled sites.

OfIn February 2010, the $597Utility began contacting the owners of property located on eight former MGP sites in the Utility’s service territory to offer to test the soil for residues, and depending on the results of such tests, to take appropriate remedial action.  Three of these sites are located in urban, residential areas of San Francisco.  Until the Utility’s investigation of these MGP sites is complete, the extent of the Utility’s obligation to remediate is established, and any appropriate remedial actions are determined, the Utility is unable to determine the amounts it may spend in the future to remediate these sites and no amounts have been accrued for these sites (other than investigative costs for some of the sites).  

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The Utility expects to recover $361 million of the $613 million environmental remediation liability, $146 million has been included in prior rate setting proceedingsaccordance with a CPUC-approved ratemaking mechanism under which the Utility is authorized to recover 90% of hazardous waste remediation costs without a reasonableness review. (Environmental remediation associated with the Hinkley natural gas compressor site is not recoverable under this mechanism.)  In addition, the CPUC and the FERC have authorized the Utility expects that an additional amountto recover $126 million in rates relating to remediation costs for decommissioning fossil-fueled sites and certain of $366 million will be recoverable in future rates.the Utility’s transmission stations.  The Utility also recovers its costs from insurance carriers and from other third parties whenever possible.  Any amounts collected in excess of the Utility’s ultimate obligations may be subjects ubject to refund to customers.  Environmental remediation associated with the Hinkley natural gas compressor site is not recoverable from customers.

Although the Utility has provided for known environmental obligations that are probable and reasonably estimable, estimated costs may vary significantly from actual costs, and the amount of additional future costs may be material to results of operations in the period in which they are recognized.  The Utility’s undiscounted future costs could increase to as much as $1 billion if the other potentially responsible parties are not financially able to contribute to these costs or if the extent of contamination or necessary remediation is greater than anticipated, and could increase further if the Utility chooses to remediate beyond regulatory requirements.  

Diablo Canyon and other generating facilities the Utility purchases electricity from uses a process known as “once-through cooling” that takes in water from the ocean to cool the generating facility and discharges the heated water back into the ocean.  There is continuing uncertainty about the status of state and federal regulations issued under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act, which require that cooling water intake structures at electric power plants reflect the best technology available to minimize adverse environmental impacts.  In July 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued regulations to implement Section 316(b) intended to reduce impacts to aquatic organisms by establishing a set of performance standards for cooling water intake structures.  These regulations provided each facility with a number of compliance options and permitted site-specific variances based on a cost-benefit analysis.  The EPA regulations also allowed the use of environmental mitigation or restoration to meet compliance requirements in certain cases.

Various parties separately challenged the EPA’s regulations, and in January 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (“Second Circuit”) issued a decision holding that environmental restoration cannot be used as a compliance option and that site-specific compliance variances based on a cost-benefit test could not be used.  The Second Circuit remanded significant provisions of the regulations to the EPA for reconsideration and in July 2007, the EPA suspended its regulations.  The U.S. Supreme Court granted review of the cost-benefit question and in April 2009 issued a decision reversing the Second Circuit and finding permissible the EPA’s use of cost-benefit analysis to set national compliance standards for cooling water intake systems and variances to those standards.  The EPA is currently revising its regulations regarding cooling water intake systems.  In response to the EPA regulations, the California State Water Resources Control Board (“Water Board”) issued an initial proposed policy to address once-through cooling in June 2006.  Since that time, the Water Board reviewed and revised its proposal in response to comments from various California agencies and concerned stakeholders.  The Water Board’s current draft proposal, issued in June 2009, requires fossil and nuclear plants to either retrofit to closed cycle cooling or install operational and structural controls to achieve a similar reduction and provides a compliance timeframe for each once-through-cooled facility.  The proposal also requires the development of a once-through cooling alternatives study for nuclear plants and requires that Diablo Canyon be in compliance with the policy by December 31, 2021, unless compliance would conflict with a nuclear safety requirement or the cost of compliance is wholly disproportionate to the benefits.

Depending on the form of the final regulations that may ultimately be adopted by the EPA or the Water Board, the Utility may incur significant capital expense to comply with the final regulations, which the Utility would seek to recover through rates.  If either of the final regulations adopted by the EPA or the Water Board require the installation of cooling towers at Diablo Canyon, and if installation of such cooling towers is not technically or economically feasible, the Utility may be forced to cease operations at Diablo Canyon and may incur a material charge.
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Tax Matters

In March 2009, PG&E Corporation received a cash refund of $294 million, in accordance with the settlement reached with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to resolve the IRS’ audits of tax years 2001 through 2004.  (PG&E Corporation applied $80 million of the refund it otherwise would have received in cash to make an estimated income tax payment for tax year 2008.)   Currently, PG&E Corporation has approximately $65 million of federal capital loss carry forwards based on tax returns as filed and the resolution of the IRS audit of tax years 2001 through 2004.  Of the $65 million federal capital loss carry forwards, approximately $25 million will expire if not used by the end of 2009.

On June 8, 2009, the IRS agreed to settle refund claims related to the 1998 and 1999 tax years.  As a result of this settlement, PG&E Corporation and the Utility recognized after tax income of $56 million in the second quarter of 2009.  In the third quarter of 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility received cash refunds of tax and interest totaling $311 million in accordance with this settlement.

During the three months ended September 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation recognized $12 million in California tax and related interest benefits attributable to the two IRS settlements discussed above.

The IRS is currently auditing PG&E Corporation’s consolidated income tax returns for tax years 2005 through 2007.  The IRS has not proposed any material adjustments for the 2005 through 2007 audit.  On September 16, 2009, the IRS released standards for the resolution of an issue involved in the 2005-2007 audit, enabling PG&E Corporation to recognize net tax benefit of $17 million.

PG&E Corporation is participating in the IRS’s Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”), a real-time audit process intended to expedite the resolution of issues raised during audits, for tax years 2008 and 2009.   The IRS has not proposed any material adjustments for tax years 2008 or 2009, except for adjustments to reflect the rollover impact of audit settlements involving prior tax years.  In September 2009, the IRS gave its consent for PG&E Corporation to change a tax method for 2008.  This allowed PG&E Corporation to record a net benefit of $2 million, including interest, due to this change.

As a result of the events described above, PG&E Corporation’s forecasted effective tax rate for 2009 has decreased by 1.6%.  In addition, the primary impact to PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s balance sheets is an increase of regulatory asset by $37 million, an increase of noncurrent income tax receivable by $522 million, and an increase of noncurrent deferred tax liabilities by $543 million in the third quarter 2009.

The California Franchise Tax Board is currently auditing PG&E Corporation’s 2004 and 2005 combined California income tax returns.  To date, no material adjustments have been proposed.  In addition to the federal capital loss carry forwards, PG&E Corporation has approximately $200 million of California capital loss carry forwards based on tax returns as filed, the majority of which will expire if not used by the end of 2009.

For a discussion of unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2008 Annual Report.  During the three months ended September 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation increased the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits by $531 million due to the events described above.   If the full amount were recognized, approximately $50 million would reduce PG&E Corporation’s effective tax rate with the remaining balance representing the probable deferral of taxes to later years. Further, it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could decreasethe Utility will incur losses related to certain MGP sites located in San Francisco but the next 12 months by anUtility is unable to rea sonably estimate the amount ranging from $0 to $30 million for PG&E Corporation and the Utility.of such loss.

Legal Matters

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are subject to various laws and regulations and, in the normal course of business, PG&E Corporation and the Utility are named as parties in a number of claims and lawsuits.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  These accruals, and the estimates of any additional reasonably possible losses, are reviewed quarterly and are adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, discovery, settlements and payments, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter.  In assessing such contingencies, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s policy is to exclude anticipated legal costs.

The accrued liability for legal matters is included in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Current Liabilities – Other in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and totaled $51$58 million at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and $72$57 million at December 31, 2008.  After2009.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are not able to predict the ultimate outcome of the various legal matters, but after consideration of these accruals, PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not expectbelieve that losses associated with legalthese matters would have a material adverse impact on their financial condition andor results of operations.

Tax Matters

PG&E Corporation and the Utility receive a federal subsidy (“subsidy”) for maintaining a retiree medical benefit plan with prescription drug benefits that is actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.  For federal income tax purposes, the subsidy was deductible when contributed to the benefit plan maintained for these benefits.  The recently passed federal healthcare legislation eliminates the deduction for subsidy funded contributions after 2012.  Although the change does not take effect immediately, PG&E Corporation and the Utility must recognize the accounting impact in the period in which the legislation is signed.  As a result, during the three months ended March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation and the Utility recognized an expense of $20 million (recorded as an increase to income tax provision and a reduction to deferred income tax asset for subsidy amounts included in the calculation of accrued retiree medical benefit obligation).

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently auditing PG&E Corporation’s consolidated 2005–2007 income tax returns.  For 2008 and 2009, PG&E Corporation participates in the Compliance Assurance Process, a real-time IRS audit intended to expedite issue resolution.  The IRS accepted the 2008 return but excepted several items for further review, including the Utility’s request to change its method for determining what costs are deductible as a repair.  The IRS previously approved the change in method subject to a field audit to determine the size of the adjustment that would result.

The California Franchise Tax Board is auditing PG&E Corporation’s 2004 and 2005 combined California income tax returns and 1998-2007 amended income tax returns filed by PG&E Corporation.

PG&E Corporation believes that the final resolution of the federal and California audits will not have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations.  PG&E Corporation is neither under audit nor subject to any material risk in any other jurisdiction.

As of March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation has $25 million of federal and California capital loss carry forwards based on filed tax returns, of which approximately $10 million will expire if not used by 2011.  For all periods presented, PG&E Corporation has provided a full valuation allowance against its deferred income tax assets for capital loss carry forwards.

For a discussion of unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2009 Annual Report.  It is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could decrease in the next 12 months by an amount ranging from $0 to $30 million for PG&E Corporation and the Utility.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

PG&E Corporation, incorporated in California in 1995, is a holding company whose primary purpose is to hold interests in energy-based businesses.  PG&E Corporation conducts its business principally through Pacific Gas and Electric Company (“Utility”), a public utility operating in northern and central California.  The Utility engages in the businesses of electricity and natural gas distribution; electricity generation, procurement, and transmission; and natural gas procurement, transportation, and storage.  PG&E Corporation became the holding company of the Utility and its subsidiaries on January 1, 1997.  Both PG&E Corporation and the Utility are headquartered in San Francisco, California.

The Utility served 5.1 million electricity distribution customers and 4.3 million natural gas distribution customers at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.  The Utility had $42.3$43.3 billion in assets at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and generated revenues of $9.9$3.5 billion in the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

The Utility is regulated primarily by the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”).  In addition, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) oversees the licensing, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the Utility’s nuclear generation facilities.  The Utility generates revenues mainly throughCPUC has jurisdiction over the salerates and deliveryterms and conditions of electricityservice for the Utility’s electric and natural gas atdistribution operations, electric generation, and natural gas transportation and storage.  The FERC has jurisdiction over the rates set byand terms and conditions of service governing the Utility’s electric transmission operations and over the rates and terms and conditions of service governing the Utility on its interstate natura l gas transportation contracts.  Before setting rates, the CPUC and the FERC.  Rates are setFERC authorize the annual amount of revenue (“revenue requirements”) that the Utility is authorized to permit the Utilitycollect from its customers to recover its reasonable operating and capital costs of providing utility services.  The authorized “revenue requirements” from customers.  Revenuerevenue requirements are designed to allowalso provide the Utility an opportunity to recover its reasonable costs ofearn a return on “rate base;” i.e., the Utility’s net investment in facilities, equipment, and other property used or useful in providing utility services, includingservice to its customers.   The CPUC requires the Utility to maintain a returncertain capital structure (i.e., the relative weightings of common equity, preferred equity, and debt) when financing its rate base and authorizes the Utility to earn a fairspecific rate of return on its investment in Utility facilities (“rate base”).  Pending regulatory proceedings that could result in rate changes and affect the Utility’s revenues are discussed in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which, together with the information incorporated by reference into such report, is referred to in this quarterly report as the “2008 Annual Report.”  Significant developments that have occurred since the 2008 Annual Report was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.each capital component.

This is a combined quarterly report of PG&E Corporation and the Utility and includes separate Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for each of these two entities.  PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and other wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries.  The Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Utility and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries, as well as the accounts of variable interest entities for which the Utility absorbs a majority of the risk of loss or gain.  This combined Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) of PG&E Corporation and the Utility should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report,Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the MD&A, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated by reference into their combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, is referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the 2008“2009 Annual Report.

Significant developments that have occurred since the 2009 Annual Report was filed with the SEC on February 19, 2010 are discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Summary of Changes in Earnings per Common Share and Income Available for Common Shareholders for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010

PG&E Corporation’s diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”) was $0.83 for each of the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation’s diluted EPSMarch 31, 2010 was $2.49$0.67 per share, compared to $2.24$0.65 per share for the same period in 2008.2009.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation’s income available for common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2009 increased by $14$17 million, or 5%7%, to $318$258 million, compared to $304$241 million for the same period in 2008.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, income available for common shareholders increased by $126 million, or 15%, to $947 million, compared to $821 million for the same period in 2008.2009.

The increase in EPS and income available for common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, is attributable2009 was primarily due to (1) an increase of $24$21 million, after tax, due tothat the Utility’s return on equity (“ROE”)Utility earned on higher authorized capital investments, (2) a $6 million, after tax, benefit of $10 million associated with the settlement of tax refund claims involving the 1998 and 1999 tax years,decrease in employee termination costs, (3) a $24 million, after tax, decrease in costs related to Diablo Canyon, the amount attributable to the scheduled refueling outage in 2009, and (4) a $6 million, after tax, decrease in employee benefit costs due to improved market performance on trust assets held to fund the employee benefits in 2010.  These positive factors were partially offset by (1) $25 million of $11costs incurred to support Proposition 16 - The Taxpayers Right to Vote Act, (2) a $20 million after-tax,decrease in deferred tax assets triggered by recent federal healthcare legislation which eliminated the tax deductibility of the Medicare Part D federal subsidy, and (3) an increase of $12 million, after tax, in storm- and outage-related expenses incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year when the Utility incurred costs to oppose certain legislation and municipalization efforts, and (4) an increase of $12 million, after tax, reflecting the sum of incentives earned for managing natural gas procurement costs and lower accrual levels for uncollectibles and environmental costs.  These increases were partially offset by (1) a $30 million, after tax, decrease attributable to employee severance costs, and (2) a $16 million, after tax, decrease attributable to costs to perform accelerated natural gas leak surveys and associated remedial work.2009.

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The increase in diluted EPS and income available for common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, is attributable to (1) an increase of $73 million, after tax, representing the Utility’s ROE earned on higher authorized capital investments, (2) an increase of $28 million, after tax, due to the recovery of previously incurred costs related to the Utility’s hydroelectric generation facilities, (3) a benefit of $11 million, after-tax, as compared to the same period in the prior year when the Utility incurred costs to oppose certain legislation and municipalization efforts, (4) a tax benefit of $66 million associated with the settlement of tax refund claims involving the 1998 and 1999 tax years, and (5) a benefit of $24 million, after tax, as compared to the same period in the prior year when the Utility incurred higher storm and outage expenses.  These increases were partially offset by (1) a $39 million, after tax, decrease attributable to employee severance costs, and (2) a $32 million, after tax, decrease attributable to costs to perform accelerated natural gas leak surveys and associated remedial work.

Key Factors Affecting Results of Operations and Financial Condition

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s results of operations and financial condition depend primarily on whether the Utility is able to operate its business within authorized revenue requirements, recover its authorized costs timely, and earn its authorized rate of return.  A number of factors have had, or are expected to have, a significant impact on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s results of operations and financial condition, including:

·
The Outcome of Regulatory Proceedings and the Impact of Ratemaking MechanismsMechanisms..  Most of  During 2010, the Utility’sCPUC will determine the amount of revenue requirements are set based onthe Utility is authorized to recover from 2011 through 2013 for its costs of serviceelectric and natural gas distribution operations and its electric generation operations in proceedings such as the 2011 General Rate Case (“2011 GRC”) filed withand from 2011 through 2014 for its natural gas transportation and storage services in the CPUCGas Transmission and Storage Rate Case.  In addition, in the Utility’s most recent annual transmission owner (“TO”) rate cases filed withcase, the FERC.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)  The Utility intends to file its 2011-2013 GRC application withFERC will determine the CPUC before the endamount of 2009 to request an increase in authorized electric distribution, gas distribution, and electric generation revenue requirements.  On September 18, 2009,transmission revenues the Utility requestedcan recover beginning in March 2011.  The decisions issued in the CPUC tothree associated r ate cases will determine the rates, and terms and conditionsmajority of the Utility’s gas transmissionbase revenue requirements for 2011 and storage services beginning January 1, 2011.  Thefuture years. In addition, the Utility also files separate applications requestinghas requested the CPUC or the FERC to authorize additional base revenue requirements for specific capital expenditure projects such as new power plants, new or upgraded natural gas or electric transmission facilities, the installation of an advanced metering infrastructure, and reliability or systemother infrastructure improvements.  (See “Capital Expenditures” below.)  The Utility’s revenues will also be affected by incentive ratemaking, such as the CPUC’s customer energy efficiency shareholder incentive mechanism.  In addition, the CPUC has authorized the Utility to recover 100%outcome of its reasonable electric fuel and energy procurement costs and has established a timely rate adjustment mechanism to recover such costs.  As a result, the Utility’s revenues and coststhese regulatory proceedings can be affected by volatility inmany factors, including general economic conditions, the priceslevel of natural gasrates, and electricity.  (See “Risk Management Activities” below.)political and regulatory policies.
  
·
Capital Structure and Return on Common Equity.  The Utility’s current CPUC-authorized capital structure includes a 52% common equity component, which will remain in effect through 2012.  The CPUC has authorized the Utility to set rates targeted to earn an ROE of 11.35% on the equity component of its electric and natural gas distribution and electric generation rate base through 2010.  The Utility’s cost of capital for 2011 and 2012 will change only if the annual adjustment mechanism established by the CPUC is triggered.  If the adjustment is triggered, the Utility’s authorized cost of capital would be adjusted effective January 1 of the following year.  The Utility can also apply for an adjustment to either its capital structure or its cost of capital at any time in the event of extraordinary circumstances. (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)
·
The Ability of the Utility to Control Costs While Improving Operational Efficiency and Reliability.  The Utility’s revenue requirements in general rate cases and TO rate cases are generally set at a level to allow the Utility the opportunity to recover its basic forecasted operating expenses as well as to earn an ROEa return on equity (“ROE”) and recover depreciation, tax, and interest expense associated with authorized capital expenditures.  Differences in the amount or timing of forecasted and actual operating expenses and capital expenditures can affect the Utility’s ability to earn its authorizedCPUC-authorized rate of return and the amount of PG&E Corporation’s income available for common shareholders.  In addition, the Utility ma y incur higher than anticipated operating expenses than provided for in the last general rate case.  The Utility continuously re-prioritizes spending and seeks to achieve sustainable operational efficiencies to maximize its ability to earn its authorized return while maintaining and improving operational safety and reliability.  (See “Results of Operations” below.)  The Utility also seeks to make the amount and timing of its capital expenditures consistent with budgetedforecasted amounts and timing.  When capital expenditures are higher than authorized levels, the Utility incurs associated depreciation, property tax, and interest expense but does not recover revenues to fully offset these expenses or earn an ROE until the increased capital expenditures are added to rate base in future rate cases.  Items that could cause higher expenses than provided for in the last GRC primarily relate to the Utility’s efforts to maintain its aging electric and natural gas systems infrastructure, to improve the reliability and safety of its electric and natural gas system, and to improve its information technology infrastructure, support, and security.  The Utility continually seeks to achieve operational efficiencies and improve reliability while creating future sustainable cost savings to offset these higher anticipated expenses.  In connection with these efforts, the Utility has accrued severance costs, including severance costs related to the reduction of approximately 2% of the Utility’s workforce, in the three months ended September 30, 2009.  (See “Results of Operations”“Capital Expenditures” below.)
  
·
TimingCapital Structure and AmountFinancing. The CPUC has authorized a capital structure for the Utility’s electric and natural gas distribution and electric generation rate base that consists of Debt52% common equity and Equity Financing.48% debt and preferred stock.  This authorized capital structure will remain in effect through 2012.  The CPUC also has authorized the Utility to earn a rate of return on each component of its capital structure, including an ROE of 11.35%.  These rates will remain in effect through 2010.  The rates for 2011 and 2012 are subject to an annual adjustment mechanism that will be triggered if the 12-month October-through-September average yield for the applicable Moody’s Investors Service utility bond index increases or decreases by mo re than 1% as compared to the applicable benchmark.  The amount of the Utility’s authorized equity earnings is determined by the 52% equity component, the 11.35% ROE, and the aggregate amount of rate base authorized by the CPUC.  The rate of return that the Utility earns on its FERC-jurisdictional rate base is not specifically authorized, but rates are designed to allow the Utility to earn a reasonable rate of return.  The Utility’s actual equity earnings could be more or less based on a number of factors, including the timing and amount of operating costs and capital expenditures.  The CPUC periodically authorizes the aggregate amount of long-term debt and short-term debt that the Utility may issue and authorizes the Utility to recover its related debt financing costs.  The timing and amount of the Utility’s future financing needs will depend on various factors, including the conditionsas discussed in the capital markets, the amount“Liquidity and timing of scheduled principal and interest payments on long-term debt, the amount and timing of planned capital expenditures, and the amount and timing of interest payments relatedFinancial Resources” below.  PG& amp;E Corporation regularly contributes equity to the remaining disputed claims that were made by electricity suppliers in the Utility’s proceeding under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11”).  (See Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  The amount of the Utility’s short-term financing will vary depending on the level of operating cash flows, seasonal demand for electricity and natural gas, volatility in electricity and natural gas prices, and collateral requirements related to price risk management activities, among other factors.  In orderUtility to maintain the Utility’s CPUC-authorized capital structure,structure.  PG&E Corporation contributed $688 million ofmay issue debt or equity in the future to the Utility during 2009.  The timing and amount of futurefund these equity contributions to the Utility will affect the timing and amount of any future equity or debt issuances by PG&E Corporation.  (See “Liquidity and Financial Resources” below.)contributions.
In addition to the key factors discussed above, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s future results of operations and financial condition are subject to risk factors.  (See “Risk Factors” in the 2009 Annual Report.)

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CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This combined quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties.  These statements are based on current estimates, expectations, and projections about future events and assumptions regarding these events and management’s knowledge of facts as of the date of this report.  These forward-looking statements relate to, among other matters, estimated capital expenditures,expenditures; estimated environmental remediation, liabilities, estimated tax, liabilities,and other liabilities; estimates and assumptions used in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s critical accounting policies; the anticipated outcome of various regulatory and legal proceedings,proceedings; estimated future cash flows,flows; and the level of future equity or debt issuances, andissuances.  These statements are also identified by words such as “assume,“assu me,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “target,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “goal,” “potential,” and similar expressions.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results.  Some of the factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, or from historical results, include, but are not limited to:

·the Utility’s ability to manage capital expenditures and its operating and maintenance expenses within authorized levels;
  
·the outcome of pending and future regulatory proceedings and whether the Utility is able to timely recover its costs through rates;
  
·the adequacy and price of electricity and natural gas supplies and whether the ability ofnew day-ahead, hour-ahead, and real-time wholesale electricity markets established by the California Independent System Operator (“CAISO”) will continue to function effectively, the extent to which the Utility tocan manage and respond to the volatility of the electricity and natural gas markets, includingprices, and the ability of the Utility and its counterparties to post or return collateral;
  
·explosions, fires, accidents, mechanical breakdowns, the disruption of information technology and computer systems, and similar events that may occur while operating and maintaining an electric and natural gas system in a large service territory with varying geographic conditions that can cause unplanned outages, reduce generating output, damage the Utility’s assets or operations, subject the Utility to third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, or result in the imposition of civil, criminal, or regulatory fines or penalties on the Utility;
  
·the impact of storms, earthquakes, floods, drought, wildfires, disease, and similar natural disasters, or acts of terrorism or vandalism, that affect customer demand or that damage or disrupt the facilities, operations, or information technology and computer systems owned by the Utility, its customers, or third parties on which the Utility relies;
  
·the potential impacts of climate change on the Utility’s electricity and natural gas businesses;
  
·changes in customer demand for electricity and natural gas resulting from unanticipated population growth or decline, general economic and financial market conditions, changes in technology includingthat include the development of alternative energy sources,technologies that enable customers to increase their reliance on self-generation, or other reasons;
  
·operating performancethe occurrence of unplanned outages at the Utility’s two nuclear generating units at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (“Diablo Canyon”), the availability of nuclear fuel, the occurrenceoutcome of unplanned outages atthe Utility’s application to renew the operating licenses for Diablo Canyon, and potential changes in laws or regulations promulgated by the temporaryNRC or permanent cessationenvironmental agencies with respect to the storage of spent nuclear fuel, security, safety, or other matters associated with the operations at Diablo Canyon;
  
·whether the Utility can maintain theoperate efficiently to achieve cost savings that it has recognized from operating efficiencies that it has achieved and identify and successfully implement additional sustainable cost-saving measures;
  
·whether the Utility earns incentive revenues or incurs substantial expense to improve the safety and reliability of its electric and natural gas systems;
·whether the Utility achievesobligations under incentive ratemaking mechanisms, such as the CPUC’s incentive ratemaking mechanism relating to energy savings achieved through implementation of the utilities’ customer energy efficiency targets and recognizes any incentives that the Utility may earn in a timely manner;programs;
  
·the impact of changes in federal or state laws, or their interpretation, on energy policy and the regulation of utilities and their holding companies;
  
·whether the impact of changing wholesaleUtility can successfully implement its program to install advanced meters for its electric orand natural gas market rules, including the impact of future FERC-ordered changes that will be incorporated intocustomers and integrate the new day-ahead, hour-ahead,meters with its customer billing and real-timeother systems, the outcome of the independent investigation ordered by the CPUC and the California Legislature into customer concerns about the new meters, and the ability of the Utility to implement various rate changes including “dynamic pricing” by offering electric rates that can vary with the customer’s time of use and are more closely aligned with wholesale electricity markets established by the California Independent System Operator (“CAISO”) to restructure the California wholesale electricity market;prices;
  
·how the CPUC administers the conditions imposed on PG&E Corporation when it became the Utility’s holding company;
  
·the outcome of litigation, including litigation involving the application of various California wage and hour laws, and the extent to which PG&E Corporation or the Utility incurs costs and liabilities in connection with litigation that are not recoverable through rates, from insurance, or from other third parties;
  
·the ability of PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and counterparties to access capital markets and other sources of credit in a timely manner on acceptable terms;
  
·the impact of environmental laws and regulations and the costs of compliance and remediation;
  
·the effectloss of municipalization, direct access, community choice aggregation, or othercustomers due to various forms of bypass;bypass and competition, including municipalization of the Utility’s electric distribution facilities, increasing levels of  “direct access” by which consumers procure electricity from alternative energy providers, and implementation of “community choice aggregation,” which permits cities and counties to purchase and sell electricity for their local residents and businesses; and
  
·the outcome of federal or state tax audits and the impact of changes in federal or state tax laws, policies, or regulations.

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For more information about the significant risks that could affect the outcome of these forward-looking statements and PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s future financial condition and results of operations, see the discussion in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the 20082009 Annual Report and the discussion below under Part II. Other Information, Item 1A. Risk Factors.Report.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The table below details certain items from the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008:2009:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
Three Months ended March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Utility                  
Electric operating revenues $2,630  $2,880  $7,610  $8,039  $2,510  $2,426 
Natural gas operating revenues  605   794   2,250   2,946   965   1,005 
Total operating revenues  3,235   3,674   9,860   10,985   3,475   3,431 
Cost of electricity  997   1,282   2,763   3,406   920   883 
Cost of natural gas  134   351   879   1,613   495   557 
Operating and maintenance  1,047   982   3,143   3,009   990   1,059 
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  450   419   1,298   1,239   451   419 
Total operating expenses  2,628   3,034   8,083   9,267   2,856   2,918 
Operating Income  607   640   1,777   1,718 
Operating income  619   513 
Interest income  3   20   29   77   2   9 
Interest expense  (162)  (170)  (501)  (528)  (156)  (173)
Other income (expense), net  16   (2)  52   24 
Income Before Income Taxes  464   488   1,357   1,291 
Other (expense) income, net  (6)  21 
Income before income taxes  459   370 
Income tax provision  111   167   374   421   195   131 
Net Income  353   321   983   870   264   239 
Preferred stock dividend requirement  3   3   10   10 
Income Available for Common Stock $350  $318  $973  $860 
Preferred dividend requirement  3   3 
Income available for common stock $261  $236 
PG&E Corporation, Eliminations, and Other(1)
                        
Operating revenues $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
Operating expenses  -   1   1   2   1   - 
Operating Loss  -   (1)  (1)  (2)
Operating loss  (1)  - 
Interest income  (2)  3   (2)  5   -   - 
Interest expense  (12)  (8)  (32)  (22)  (12)  (8)
Other income (expense), net  7   (12)  11   (28)
Loss Before Income Taxes  (7)  (18)  (24)  (47)
Income tax provision (benefit)  25   (4)  2   (8)
Net Income (Loss) $(32) $(14) $(26) $(39)
Other expense, net  -   (3)
Loss before income taxes  (13)  (11)
Income tax benefit  (10)  (16)
Net (loss) gain $(3) $5 
Consolidated Total                        
Operating revenues $3,235  $3,674  $9,860  $10,985  $3,475  $3,431 
Operating expenses  2,628   3,035   8,084   9,269   2,857   2,918 
Operating Income  607   639   1,776   1,716 
Operating income  618   513 
Interest income  1   23   27   82   2   9 
Interest expense  (174)  (178)  (533)  (550)  (168)  (181)
Other income (expense), net  23   (14)  63   (4)
Income Before Income Taxes  457   470   1,333   1,244 
Other (expense) income, net  (6)  18 
Income before income taxes  446   359 
Income tax provision  136   163   376   413   185   115 
Net Income  321   307   957   831   261   244 
Preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary  3   3   10   10 
Income Available for Common Shareholders $318  $304  $947  $821 
Preferred dividend requirement of subsidiary  3   3 
Income available for common shareholders $258  $241 
                        
(1) PG&E Corporation eliminates all intercompany transactions in consolidation.
(1) PG&E Corporation eliminates all intercompany transactions in consolidation.
 
(1) PG&E Corporation eliminates all intercompany transactions in consolidation.
 

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Utility

The following presents the Utility’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008.2009.

Electric Operating Revenues

The Utility’s electric operating revenues consist of amounts charged to customers for electricity generation and for electric transmission and distribution services, as well as amounts charged to customers to recover the cost of electric procurement, and public purpose, energy efficiency, and demand response programs.  The Utility provides electricity to residential, industrial, agricultural, and small and large commercial customers through its own generation facilities and through power purchase agreements with third parties.  In addition, the Utility relies on electricity provided under long-term contracts entered into by the California Department of Water Resources (“DWR”) to meet a material portion of the Utility’s customers’ demand for electricity (“load”).  The Utility’s electric operating revenues consist is satisfied by electricity provided under long-term contracts between the California Department of amounts charged to customers for electricity generationWater Resources (“DWR”) and procurement and for electric transmission and distribution services, as well as amounts charged to customers to recover the cost of public purpose, energy efficiency, and demand response programs.various power suppliers.

The following table provides a summary of the Utility’s electric operating revenues:

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  
September 30,
  
September 30,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
 
Electric revenues $3,233  $3,255  $9,066  $9,044 
DWR pass-through revenues(1)
  (603)  (375)  (1,456)  (1,005)
Total electric operating revenues $2,630  $2,880  $7,610  $8,039 
    
(1)These are revenues collected on behalf of the DWR for electricity allocated to the Utility’s customers under contracts between the DWR and power suppliers, and are not included in the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
  Three Months Ended 
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2010
  
2009
 
Electric operating revenues $2,866  $2,821 
DWR pass-through revenues (1)
  (356)  (395)
Total electric operating revenues $2,510  $2,426 
         
(1) The Utility acts as a billing and collection agent on behalf of the DWR and remits the amounts collected from customers to the DWR. The Utility’s electric operating revenues are reflected net of the amounts remitted to the DWR.
 

The Utility’s total electric operating revenues decreasedincreased by $250$84 million, or 9%3%, in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $429 million, or 5%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2008,2009, reflecting an increase in revenues to recover the cost of electricity.  The cost of electricity, which increased by $37 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, is passed through to customers and does not impact net income.  (See “Cost of Electricity” below.)  Electric operating revenues, excluding the cost of electricity, increased by $47 million.  This was primarily due to a $17 million increase for the following factors:2010 attrition adjustment and $33 million to recover the capital costs of new assets placed in service and the associated rate of return.

·Electricity costs passed through to customers decreased by $285 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $643 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  (See “Cost of Electricity” below.)
·Public purpose program costs passed through to customers decreased by $2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $46 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 due to the timing of program spending.  (See “Operating and Maintenance” below.)
·CAISO collateral costs, passed through to customers, related to the new day-ahead market decreased by $20 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009.  (See “Operating and Maintenance” below.)
·Other miscellaneous electric operating revenues decreased by $13 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009.

These decreases were partially offset by the following:

·Base revenues increased by $26 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $77 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as previously authorized in the 2007 GRC.
·Revenues associated with separately funded projects placed in service, including the Gateway Generating Station and the new steam generators at Diablo Canyon, increased by $44 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $137 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
·Electric operating revenues increased by $35 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 for the recovery of previously incurred costs related to hydroelectric generation facilities.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)
·Other miscellaneous electric operating revenues increased by $11 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
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The Utility’s electric operating revenues for the remainder of 2009 and 2010 are expected to increase, as authorized by the CPUC in the 2007 GRC.  The Utility’s electric operating revenues for future years are also expected to increase, as authorized by the FERC in the TO rate cases and by the CPUC in the 2011 GRC.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)

In addition,Additionally, the Utility’s future electric operating revenues will be impacted by the cost of electricity.  The Utility also expects to continue to collect revenue requirements to recover capital expenditures related to CPUC-approved capital expenditures outsidespecific projects approved by the GRC, including capital expenditures for theCPUC, such as new Utility-owned generation projects and the SmartMeterTM advanced metering project.projects.  Revenues would alsowill increase to the extent that the CPUC approves the Utility’s proposalproposals for other capital projects.  (See “Capital Expenditures” below.)

Revenue requirements associated with new or expanded public purpose, energy efficiency, and demand response programs will also result in increasedimpact electric operatingo perating revenues.  In addition, future electric operatingFinally, the CPUC has not yet determined how the existing energy efficiency incentive mechanism will be modified, so the amount of incentive revenues are affected by changes in the Utility’s electricity procurement costs, as discussed under “Cost of Electricity” below.  Finally, the Utility may recognize additional incentive revenues toearn for the extent that it achieves the CPUC’s energy efficiency goals.implementation of its programs in 2009 and future years is uncertain.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)

Cost of Electricity

The Utility’s cost of electricity includes purchasedcosts to purchase power costs,from third parties, certain transmission costs, the cost of fuel used in its generation facilities, and the cost of fuel supplied to other facilities under tolling agreements.  These costs are passed through to customers.  The Utility’s cost of electricity also includes realized gains and losses on price risk management activities.  (See NotesNote 7 and 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  The Utility’s cost of electricity is passed through to customers.  The Utility’s cost of electricity excludes non-fuel costs associated with the Utility’s own generation facilities, which are included in Operating and maintenance expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The cost of electricity provided to the Uti lity customers under power purchase agreements between the DWR and various power suppliers is also excluded from the Utility’s cost of electricity.

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The following table provides a summary of the Utility’s cost of electricity and the total amount and average cost of purchased power:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Cost of purchased power $947  $1,244  $2,620  $3,286  $842  $839 
Fuel used in own generation  50   38   143   120 
Fuel used in own generation facilities  78   44 
Total cost of electricity $997  $1,282  $2,763  $3,406  $920  $883 
Average cost of purchased power per kWh (1)
 $0.076  $0.092  $0.081  $0.090  $0.083  $0.082 
Total purchased power (in millions of kWh)  12,524   13,561   32,238   36,553   10,117   10,226 
                        
(1) Kilowatt-hour.
                        

The Utility’s total cost of electricity decreasedincreased by $285$37 million, or 22%4%, in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and by $643 million, or 19%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010 compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008.  This was2009, primarily due to a decreasean increase in the average costamount of purchased power of 17% forfuel used in its own generation facilities.  The Utility generated more electricity in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 10% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as well as a decrease in the total volume of purchased power of 8% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease in the average cost of purchased power was primarily driven by lower market prices for electricity and gas.  The decrease in the volume of purchased power was primarily the result of milder weather and a decrease in residential, commercial, and industrial demand due to the continued economic downturnMarch 31, 2010 as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008.2009 when there was a refueling outage at Diablo Canyon.  In addition, due to the expiration of a DWR power purchase contract at the end of 2009, the Utility increased the use of its own generation facilities, such as the new Gateway Generating Station, during the three months ended March 31, 2010 to meet customer demand previously satisfied with electricity provided under the DWR contract.  The Utility’s mix of resources is determined by the avai lability of the Utility’s own electricity generation and the cost-effectiveness of each source of electricity.

Various factors will affect the Utility’s future cost of electricity, including the market prices for electricity and natural gas, the level of hydroelectric and nuclear power that the Utility produces, the cost of procuring more renewable energy, changes in customer demand, and the amount and timing of power purchases needed to replace power previously supplied under the DWR contracts as those contracts expire or are terminated, novated, or renegotiated.  The Utility will incur higher costs to purchase power during the extended scheduled outage that began at Diablo Canyon Unit 2 in October 2009 to refuel and replace the unit’s reactor vessel head.  In addition, the output from the Utility’s hydroelectric generation facilities is dependent on levels of precipitation and could impact the volume of purchased power.

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The Utility’s future cost of electricity also may be affected by federal or state legislation or rules that may be adopted to regulate the emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHG”) from the Utility’s electricity generating facilities or the generating facilities from which the Utility procures electricity.  In particular, costs are likely to increase in the future when California’s statewide greenhouse gasGHG emissions reduction law is implemented.  (See “Environmental Matters” below.)

Natural Gas Operating Revenues

The Utility sells natural gas, natural gas transportation services, and natural gas transportationstorage services.  The Utility’s transportation services are provided by a transmission system and a distribution system.  The transmission system transports gas throughout its service territory for delivery to the Utility’s distribution system, which, in turn, delivers natural gas to end-use customers.  The transmission system also delivers natural gas to large end-use customers who are connected directly to the transmission system.  In addition, the Utility delivers natural gas to off-system markets, primarily in southern California.

The following table provides a summary of the Utility’s natural gas operating revenues:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Bundled natural gas revenues $525  $709  $2,003  $2,699  $875  $923 
Transportation service-only revenues  80   85   247   247   90   82 
Total natural gas operating revenues $605  $794  $2,250  $2,946  $965  $1,005 
Average bundled revenue per Mcf(1) of natural gas sold
 $15.91  $20.85  $10.77  $13.36  $9.21  $9.14 
Total bundled natural gas sales (in millions of Mcf)  33   34   186   202   95   101 
                        
(1) One thousand cubic feet.
(1) One thousand cubic feet.
         

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The Utility’s total natural gas operating revenues decreased by $189$40 million, or 24%4%, in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and by $696 million, or 24%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010 compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008,2009, primarily due to decreasesa $62 million decrease in the total cost of natural gas of $217partially offset by a $9 million increase in the three months ended September 30, 2009cost of public purpose programs.  These costs are passed through to customers and $734 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.do not impact net income.  (See “Cost of Natural Gas” below.)  This decrease was partially offsetNatural gas operating revenues, excluding items passed through to customers, increased by $13 million primarily due to an increase in authorized base revenues consisting of 2010 attrition adjustments and base revenues as a result of the following:

·Natural gas operating revenues increased by $8 million and $24 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, due to previously authorized increases in the Utility’s base revenue requirements for natural gas transportation, storage, and distribution services.
·Public purpose program costs passed through to customers increased by $10 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 primarily due to increased energy efficiency measures and rebates.  (See “Operating and Maintenance” below.)
·Other miscellaneous natural gas operating revenues increased by $10 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
2007 Gas Accord IV Settlement Agreement.

The Utility’s future natural gas operating revenues will be affecteddepend on the amount of revenue requirements authorized by changesthe CPUC in the cost ofUtility’s 2011 GRC and the Gas Transmission and Storage rate case.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)  In addition, the Utility expects future natural gas natural gas throughput volume, previously authorized increases in 2010 revenue requirements, andoperating revenues to increase to the extent that the CPUC approves the Utility’s separately funded projects.  Finally, the CPUC has not yet determined how the existing energy efficiency incentive mechanism will be modified, so the amount of incentive revenues that the Utility may receive toearn for the extent that it achieves the CPUC’s energy efficiency goals.  The Utility’simplementation of its programs in 2009 and future natural gas operating revenues will also be affected by the outcome of the Utility’s application in its Gas Transmission and Storage rate case in which the Utility has requested the CPUC to establish revenue requirements for natural gas transmission and storage services for 2011 through 2014.years is uncertain.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)

Cost of Natural Gas
 
The Utility’s cost of natural gas includes the purchase costs of natural gas, transportation costs on interstate pipelines, and intrastate pipelines, and gas storage costs but excludes the transportation costs on intrastate pipelines for large commercialcore and industrial (or “non-core”)non-core customers, which are included in Operating and maintenance expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  The Utility’s cost of natural gas also includes realized gains and losses on price risk management activities.  (See Notes 7 and 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
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The following table provides a summary of the Utility’s cost of natural gas:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Cost of natural gas sold $96  $314  $760  $1,517  $444  $515 
Transportation cost of natural gas sold  38   37   119   96   51   42 
Total cost of natural gas $134  $351  $879  $1,613  $495  $557 
Average cost per Mcf of natural gas sold $2.91  $9.24  $4.09  $7.51  $4.67  $5.10 
Total natural gas sold (in millions of Mcf)  33   34   186   202   95   101 

The Utility’s total cost of natural gas decreased by $62 million, or 11%, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 by $217 million, or 62%, and by $734 million, or 46%, respectively,March 31, 2010 compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008,2009, primarily due to decreasesthe $49 million refund the Utility received in the first quarter of 2010 in settlement of litigation related to the manipulation of the natural gas market price ofby third parties during 1999-2002, partially offset by higher market prices for natural gas.gas, which are passed through to customers and do not impact net income.

The Utility’s future cost of natural gas will be affected by the market price of natural gas and changes in customer demand.  In addition, the Utility’s future cost of gas may be affected by federal or state legislation or rules to regulate the GHG emissions of greenhouse gases from the Utility’s natural gas transportation and distribution facilities and from natural gas consumed by the Utility’s customers.

Operating and Maintenance

Operating and maintenance expenses consist mainly of the Utility’s costs to operate and maintain its electricity and natural gas facilities, customer accountsbilling and service expenses, the cost of public purpose program expenses,programs, and administrative and general expenses.  Operating and maintenance expenses are influenced by wage inflation; employee benefits; property taxes; the timing and length of Diablo Canyon refueling outages; storms, wild fires, and other events causing outages and damages in the Utility’s service territory; environmental remediation costs; legal costs; materials costs; the level of uncollectible customer accounts; and various other administrative and general expenses.  The Utility seeks to recover these expenses through authorized revenue requirements collected in rates.  The CPUC authorizes the majority of the Utility’s revenue requirements intended to recover these expenses in GRCs.  Revenue requirements are typically based on a forecast of costs for the first (or “test”) year of a GRC cycle followed by annual attrition increases until the first year of the next GRC.  The Utility’s next GRC will set revenue requirements beginning January 1, 2011.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)  In addition to authorized attrition increases in revenue requirements for 2009 and 2010 that help to offset increased expenses, the Utility seeks to achieve operational efficiencies and implement other anticipated cost-saving measures to manage expenses.

The Utility’s operating and maintenance expenses increased(including costs passed through to customers) decreased by $65$69 million, or 7%, in the three months ended September 30, 2009, primarily dueMarch 31, 2010 compared to a net increasethe same period in employee severance2009.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the pass-through costs of $50 million.  (This amount includes an accrual of $57public purpose programs increased by $7 million for severance costs relatedas compared to the reductionlevel of approximately 2% ofprogram spending in the Utility’s workforce.)  In addition, the Utility incurredsame period in 2009.  Excluding costs passed through to customers, operating and maintenance expenses decreased by $76 million, including a $27$49 million increasedecrease in labor costs to perform accelerated natural gas leak surveys and associated remedial work, as compared to the same period in 2008.  (The Utility targets completing the accelerated portion of this survey work by the second quarter of 2010.)  The Utility also incurred2009 when there was a $20refueling outage at Diablo Canyon, a $10 million increasedecrease in employee benefit costs (primarily driven by rising healthcare costs) and a $6 million increase in property taxes.  These increases were partially offset by a $20 million decrease in CAISO collateral costs, which are passed through to customers, related to the new day-ahead market, an $8 million decrease in public purpose program expenses, a $4 million decrease in uncollectible customer accounts, and a $6 million decrease in other miscellaneous operating and maintenance expenses.

The Utility’s operating and maintenance expenses increased by $134 million, or 4%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, primarily due to a net increaseimproved market performance on trust assets held to fund the employee benefits in employee severance costs of $65 million, a $54 million increase in costs to perform accelerated natural gas leak surveys and associated remedial work, a $46 million increase in employee benefit costs (primarily driven by rising healthcare costs), and an increase of $20 million in the accrual for employee vacation pay,2010 as compared to the same period in 2008.  In addition, there was2009, a $15$12 million increase in property taxes, an increase of $8 milliondecrease in the Utility’s uncollectible customer accounts as a result of economic conditionscustomer outreach and rising unemployment in the Utility’s service territory,increased collection efforts, and a $23$10 million increasedecrease in other miscellaneous operating and maintenance expenses.severance costs as compared to the same period in 2009 primarily due to employee severance costs that were incurred in connection with the consolidation of some regional facilities.  These increasesdecreases were partially offset by decreases in public purpose program expenses$21 million of $59 million, and decreases in laborhigher costs of $38 million comparedrelated to those incurred in 2008 as a result of the January 20082010 winter storm.storms.

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The Utility anticipates that it will incur higher costs in the future to improve the safety and reliability of its electric and natural gas system infrastructure and to maintain its aging electric distribution system.  The Utility also expects that it will incur higher expenses in future periods to obtain permits or comply with permitting requirements, including costs associated with renewing FERC licenses for the Utility’s hydroelectric generation facilities.  To help offset these increased costs, the Utility intends to continue its efforts to identify and implement initiatives to achieve operational efficiencies and to create future sustainable cost savings.

Depreciation, Amortization, and Decommissioning

The Utility’s depreciation and amortization expense consists of depreciation and amortization on plant and regulatory assets, and decommissioning expenses associated with fossil and nuclear decommissioning.  The Utility’s depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning expenses increased by $31$32 million, or 7%8%, in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $59 million, or 5%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008.  Depreciation expense increased by $25 million and $82 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, primarily due to authorized capital additions and depreciation rate changes.  In addition, amortization expense related to the energy recovery bonds (“ERBs”) increased by $6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008 primarily due to increased recovery rates.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in decommissioning expense of $22 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, as compared to the same period in 2008.  In addition, miscellaneous amortization and decommissioning expenses decreased $7 million2009, primarily due to an increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008.authorized capital additions.

The Utility’s depreciation expense for the remainder of 2009 and 2010future periods is expected to increase as a result of an overall increase in net capital expenditures and implementation ofadditions.  Additionally, depreciation rates authorized by the CPUC.  Depreciation expensesexpense in subsequent years will be determined based on rates set by the CPUC in the 2011 GRC and the 2011 Gas Transmission and Storage rate case, and by the FERC in future TO rate cases.

Interest Income

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility’s interest income decreased $17by $7 million, or 85%78%, and $48 million, or 62%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2008 primarily due to the following factors:

·Interest income decreased by $6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $34 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to lower interest rates affecting various balancing accounts and regulatory assets.
·Interest income decreased by $6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $19 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to lower interest rates earned on restricted cash held in escrow related to Chapter 11 disputed claims.  (See Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
·Interest income decreased by $5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to decreases in other interest income.

 The decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 was partially offset by an increase2009, primarily due to lower interest rates affecting various regulatory balancing accounts and lower balances in those accounts.  In addition, interest income decreased due to lower interest rates earned on funds held in escrow and a lower balance of $12 millionfunds held in escrow, pending the disposition of disputed claims that had been made in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 forUtility’s proceeding under Chapter 11 of the recoveryU.S. Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11”).  (See Note 10 of interest on previously incurred costs relatedthe Notes to the hydroelectric generation facilities.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about the Chapter 11 disputed claims.)

The Utility’s interest income in 2009 and future periods will be primarily affected by changes in the balance of restricted cashfunds held in escrow pending resolution of the Chapter 11 disputed claims, changes in regulatory balancing accounts, and changes in interest rates.

Interest Expense

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility’s interest expense decreased $8by $17 million, or 5%10%, and $27 million, or 5%, respectively, as compared to the same periodsperiod in 20082009.  This was primarily attributable to lower interest rates and outstanding balances on liabilities that the Utility incurs interest expense on (such as the liability for Chapter 11 disputed claims and various regulatory balancing accounts and regulatory assets).  This decrease was partially offset by interest accrued on higher outstanding balances of long-term debt due to the following factors:
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·Interest expense accrued on the liability for Chapter 11 disputed claims decreased by $12 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $40 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as the FERC-mandated interest rates declined.
·Interest expense decreased by $9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $26 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to lower interest rates affecting various balancing accounts.
·Interest expense decreased by $4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $12 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to the reduction of the outstanding balance of ERBs.
·Interest expense on pollution control bonds decreased by $2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $10 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily due to the repurchase of auction rate pollution control bonds in March and April 2008, which the Utility partially refunded, though at lower interest rates, in September and October 2008.
·Interest expense decreased by $9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to an increase in interest expense in 2008 related to previously incurred scheduling coordinator costs.
·Interest expense decreased by $5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to lower interest rates on the Utility’s short-term debt.
·Interest expense decreased by $2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to decreases in other interest expense.

These decreases were partially offset by additional interest expensetiming of $26 million insenior note issuances.  (See Note 4 of the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $81 million inNotes to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, primarily related to $1.8 billion in senior notes that were issued in the fourth quarter of 2008 and March 2009.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.)

The Utility’s interest expense in 2009 and future periods will be impacted by changes in interest rates, changes in the balance of the liability for Chapter 11 disputed claims, changes in regulatory balancing accounts and regulatory assets, and changes in the amount of debt outstanding as long-term debt matures and additional long-term debt is issued.  (See “Liquidity and Financial Resources” below.)

Other (Expense) Income, (Expense), Net

The Utility’s other income (expense),expense, net increased by $18$27 million, or 900%129%, in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $28 million, or 117%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008 when the Utility incurred costs to oppose certain legislation and municipalization efforts.  In addition, there was an increase in the Utility’s allowance for funds used during construction2009, primarily due to an increasecosts incurred to support the California’s Taxpayers’ Right to Vote Act, a California ballot initiative which would propose requiring local governments to gain voter support before using taxpayer money to establish electric service.  These costs are not recovered in spending relatedrates.

The Utility estimates it will incur approximately $10 million in the remainder of 2010 to various projects, including the Colusa and Humboldt Bay Generating Stations.  This increase was partially offset when the Gateway Generating Station and Diablo Canyon steam generators replacement projects became operative in 2009 and 2008, respectively.support this California ballot initiative.

Income Tax Provision
 
The Utility’s income tax provision decreasedincreased by $56$64 million, or 34%49%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $47 million, or 11%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008.2009.  The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 were 42.4% and 2008 were 23.8% and 34.1%35.3%, respectively.  The increase in the effective tax ratesrate for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 were 27.6% and 32.6%, respectively.  The lower effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were2010 was primarily due to an increase innon-deductible expenses incurred to support the amountballot initiative discussed above and the reversal of a deferred tax asset that had been recorded to reflect the future tax benefits recognized in 2009 as comparedattributable to the amountMedicare Part D subsidy after 2012 which were eliminated as part of tax benefits recognizedthe recently passed Federal healthcare legislation passed during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.March 2010.  (See Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of “Tax Matters.”)

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PG&E Corporation, Eliminations, and Other

Operating Revenues and Expenses

PG&E Corporation’s revenues consist mainly of billings to its affiliates for services rendered, all of which are eliminated in consolidation.  PG&E Corporation’s operating expenses consist mainly of employee compensation and payments to third parties for goods and services.  Generally, PG&E Corporation’s operating expenses are allocated to affiliates.  These allocations are made without mark-up and are eliminated in consolidation.  PG&E Corporation’s interest expense relates to its 9.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes and 5.75%5.8% Senior Notes, and is not allocated to affiliates.

There were no material changes to PG&E Corporation’s operating income in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, as compared to the same periodsperiod in 2008.

Other Income (Expense), Net

PG&E Corporation’s other income (expense), net increased by $19 million, or 158%, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and $39 million, or 139%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 primarily due to investment-related gains as a result of improved market performance.2009.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Overview

The Utility’s ability to fund operations depends on the levels of its operating cash flow and access to the capital markets.  The levels of the Utility’s operating cash and short-term debt fluctuate as a result of seasonal demand for electricity and natural gas, volatility in energy commodity costs, collateral requirements related to price risk management activity, the timing and amount of tax payments or refunds, and the timing and effect of regulatory decisions and financings, among other factors.  The Utility generally utilizes long-term senior unsecured debt issuances and equity contributions from PG&E Corporation and long-term senior unsecured debt issuances to fund debt maturities and capital expenditures and to maintain its CPUC-authorized capital structure.  The Utility relies on short-term debt, including commercial paper, to fundfu nd temporary financing needs.  On May 7, 2009, the CPUC increased the Utility’sThe Utility has a short-term borrowing authority by $1.5 billion, for an aggregate authority of $4.0 billion, including $500 million that is restricted tofor use in certain contingencies.

PG&E Corporation’s ability to fund operations, and capital expenditures, make scheduled principal and interest payments, refinance debt, fund Utility equity contributions as needed for the Utility to maintain its CPUC-authorized capital structure, and make dividend payments primarily depends on the level of cash distributions received from the Utility and PG&E Corporation’s access to the capital markets.

Credit Facilities

At December 31, 2008, PG&E Corporation had a $200 million revolving credit facility, and the Utility had a $2.0 billion revolving credit facility.  Commitments from Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (“Lehman Bank”) represented $13 million, or 7%, and $60 million, or 3%, of the total borrowing capacity under PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s revolving credit facilities, respectively.  On April 27, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility amended their revolving credit facilities and removed Lehman Bank as a lender.  As a result, PG&E Corporation now has a $187 million revolving credit facility, and the Utility has a $1.94 billion revolving credit facility.  The Utility’s revolving credit facility also provides liquidity support for commercial paper issued under the Utility’s $1.75 billion commercial paper program.
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The following table summarizes PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s outstanding commercial paper and credit facilities at September 30, 2009:March 31, 2010:

(in millions)  At September 30, 2009     
Authorized BorrowerFacilityTermination Date Facility Limit  Letters of Credit Outstanding  Cash Borrowings  Commercial Paper Backup  Availability FacilityTermination Date Facility Limit  Letters of Credit Outstanding  Cash Borrowings  Commercial Paper Backup  Availability 
PG&E CorporationRevolving credit facilityFebruary 2012 $187(1)  $-  $-  $-  $187 Revolving credit facilityFebruary 2012 $187(1)  $-  $-   N/A  $187 
UtilityRevolving credit facilityFebruary 2012  1,940(2)   273   -   -   1,667 Revolving credit facilityFebruary 2012  1,940(2)   265   -  $751   924 
Total credit facilitiesTotal credit facilities $2,127  $273  $-  $-  $1,854 Total credit facilities $2,127  $265  $-  $751  $1,111 
                                         
(1) Includes an $87 million sublimit for letters of credit and $100 million sublimit for “swingline” loans, defined as loans that are made available on a same-day basis and are repayable in full within 30 days.
 
(2) Includes a $921 million sublimit for letters of credit and $200 million sublimit for swingline loans.
 
(1) Includes an $87 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $100 million sublimit for “swingline” loans, defined as loans that are made available on a same-day basis and are repayable in full within 30 days.
(1) Includes an $87 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $100 million sublimit for “swingline” loans, defined as loans that are made available on a same-day basis and are repayable in full within 30 days.
 
(2) Includes a $921 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $200 million sublimit for swingline loans.
(2) Includes a $921 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $200 million sublimit for swingline loans.
 

PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s revolving credit facilities include usual and customary covenants for credit facilities of their type, including covenants limiting liens to those permitted under the senior note indenture, mergers, sales of all or substantially all of the Utility’s assets, and other fundamental changes.  In addition, both PG&E Corporation and the Utility are required to maintain a ratio of total consolidated debt to total consolidated capitalization of at most 65%, and PG&E Corporation must own, directly or indirectly, at least 80% of the common stock and at least 70% of the voting securities of the Utility.  At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation and the Utility were in compliance with all covenants.covenants under these revolving credit facilities.

2009
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2010 Financings

In March 2009, PG&E Corporation andOn April 1, 2010, the Utility issued $350 million and $550 million, respectively, of senior unsecured notes.  Proceeds from the senior notes offerings were used to finance capital expenditures, for general working capital, and to repay outstanding commercial paper that the Utility had issued to pay $600$250 million of senior unsecured notes that matured on5.8% Senior Notes due March 1, 2009.  On June 11, 2009, the Utility issued $500 million of floating rate senior unsecured notes due June 10, 2010.2037.  The net proceeds from this issuance were used to repay a portion of outstanding commercial paper that was issued to satisfy margin calls and collateral requirements related to the Utility’s electric procurement commodity hedging activities.  paper.

On September 1, 2009, the California Pollution Control Financing Authority andApril 8, 2010, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (“CIEDB”) issued $309$50 million of tax-exempt pollution control bonds series 2009 A through D2010E due on November 1, 2026 for the benefit of the Utility. The Utilityproceeds were used the proceeds it received from the CIEDB to repurchaserefund the corresponding series of 2008 pollution control bonds.bonds issued in 2005, which were purchased by the Utility in 2008.  The series 20092010E bonds issuedbear interest at par with an initial rate of 0.20%, are variable rate demand notes with interest resetting daily2.25% per year through April 1, 2012 and backed by direct-pay letters of credit.  Unlike the series 2008 bonds, interest earned on the series 2009 bonds is not subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”).  A provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allows certain tax-exempt bonds that are subject to AMT to be reissued or refunded in 2009 or 2010 as tax-exempt bonds that are not subject to AMT.  As a result, the series 2009 bonds were issuedmandatory tender on April 2, 2012 at a lower interestprice of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.  Thereafter, this series of bonds may be remarketed in a fixed or variable rate reducing the Utility’s interest expense.mode.  Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1.

In addition, PG&E Corporation issued 8,569,475306,987 shares of common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options and under its 401(k) plan and Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, (“DRSPP”), generating $211$10 million of cash through September 30, 2009.  Also in 2009,March 31, 2010.  PG&E Corporation also contributed $688$20 million of cash to the Utility through March 31, 2010 to ensure that the Utility had adequate capital to fund its capital expenditures and to maintain the 52% common equity ratio authorized by the CPUC.

Future Financing Needs

The amount and timing of the Utility’s future financing needs will depend on various factors, including the conditions in the capital markets, the timing and amount of forecasted capital expenditures, and the amount of cash internally generated through normal business operations, among other factors.  The Utility’s future financing needs will also depend on the timing of the resolution of the Chapter 11 disputed claims and the amount of interest on these claims that the Utility will be required to pay.  (See Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)

PG&E Corporation may issue debt or equity in the future to fund the Utility’s operating expenses and capital expenditures to the extent that internally generated funds are not available.  Assuming that PG&E Corporation and the Utility can access the capital markets on reasonable terms, PG&E Corporation and the Utility believe that the Utility’s cash flow from operations, existing sources of liquidity, and future financings will provide adequate resources to fund operating activities, meet anticipated obligations, and finance future capital expenditures.

Dividends

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009, the Utility paid common stock dividends totaling $468 million to PG&E Corporation.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation paid common stock dividends of $0.42 per share, totaling $435 million, net of $18 million that was reinvested in additional shares of common stock by participants in the DRSPP.$157 million.  On September 16, 2009,February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation declared a dividend of $0.42$0.455 per share, totaling $156$169 million, which was paid on OctoberApril 15, 20092010 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Utility paid common stock dividends totaling $179 million to PG&E Corporation.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility paid cash dividends totaling $10 million to holders of its outstanding series of preferred stock.stock totaling $4 million.  On September 16, 2009,February 17, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Utility declared a cash dividend totaling $3 million on its outstanding series of preferred stock, payable on NovemberMay 15, 2009,2010, to shareholders of record on OctoberApril 30, 2009.2010.

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Utility

Operating Activities

The Utility’s cash flows from operating activities primarily consist of receipts from customers less payments of operating expenses, other than expenses such as depreciation that do not require the use of cash.

The Utility’s cash flows from operating activities for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Net income $983  $870  $264  $239 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning  1,439   1,388   491   456 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction  (71)  (51)  (28)  (25)
Deferred income taxes and tax credits, net  274   470   138   234 
Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities  95   55   (98)  (48)
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable  20   (179)  114   298 
Inventories  78   (153)  59   166 
Accounts payable  (151)  (85)  94   (107)
Disputed claims and customer refunds  (700)  - 
Income taxes receivable/payable  534   208   77   95 
Regulatory balancing accounts, net  226   (94)  (377)  (180)
Other current assets  26   (125)  35   34 
Other current liabilities  (62)  (80)  (387)  (386)
Other  3   (4)  26   1 
Net cash provided by operating activities $2,694  $2,220  $408  $777 

In the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities increaseddecreased by $474$369 million compared to the same period in 2008,2009, primarily due to the collectiontax refunds received in 2009 of $1.2 billion$163 million with no similar refunds in rates to recover an under-collection in2010.  These refunds represented the Utility’s energy resource recovery balancing account that was incurred in 2008 due to higher than expected energy procurement costs.  (See Note 3portion of the Notes tosettlement of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  The increase inIRS audits of PG&E Corporation’s consolidated tax returns for tax years 2001 through 2004.  In addition, operating cash flows also reflects a declinedecreased due to an increase of $224$43 million in net collateral paid by the Utility related to price risk management activities in 2009.2010.  Collateral payables and receivables are included in Other changes in noncurrent assets and liabilities, Other current assets, and Other current liabilities in the table above.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the CondensedConden sed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  The net collateral paid by the Utility related to price risk managementremaining decreases in cash flows from operating activities fluctuates based onconsisted of miscellaneous other changes in the Utility’s net credit exposureoperating assets and liabilities due to counterparties, which primarily depends on electricitytiming differences and gas price movement.seasonality.

OperatingThe decrease in cash flows were also favorably impacted by $297 million due to the timing and amount of tax payments and various tax settlements.  (See Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of “Tax Matters.”)

Increases infrom operating cash flows wereactivities was partially offset by a $700$57 million payment to the California Power Exchange (“PX”) to reduce the Utility’s liability for the remaining net disputed claims (see Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), a refund of $230 million received bythat the Utility refunded to customers in 2008 from the California Energy Commission (“CEC”)2009 with no similar refund in 2009, and the subsequent return of $172 million of the CEC refund to customers through September 30, 2009.  (See Note 3 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)2010.

Various factors can affect the Utility’s future operating cash flows, including the timing of cash collateral payments and receipts related to price risk management activity.  The Utility’s cash collateral activity will fluctuate based on changes in the Utility’s net credit exposure to counterparties which primarily depends on electricity and gas price movement.

The Utility’s operating cash flows also will be impacted by electricity procurement costs and the timing of rate adjustments authorized to recover these costs.  On October 15, 2009, theThe CPUC authorized the Utilityhas established a balancing account mechanism to adjust the Utility’s electric rates to refund $424 million to customers for an over-collection inwhenever the forecasted aggregate over-collections or under-collections of the Utility’s energy resource recovery balancing account by December 31, 2009.electric procurement costs for the current year exceed 5% of the Utility’s prior-year generation revenues, excluding generation revenues for DWR contracts.  The Utility also will updateupdated its forecasted 2010 electricity procurement costs in late November 2009 for inclusion in the annual electric true-up proceeding, which will adjustadjusted electric and gas rates on January 1, 2010 to (1) reflect over- and under-collections in the Utility’s major electric and gas balancing accounts,acco unts, and (2) implement various other electricity and gas revenue requirement changes authorized by the CPUC and the FERC.

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Investing Activities

The Utility’s investing activities consist of construction of new and replacement facilities necessary to deliver safe and reliable electricity and natural gas services to its customers.  Cash used in investing activities depends primarily upon the amount and timing of the Utility’s capital expenditures, which can be affected by many factors, including the timing of regulatory approvals, the occurrence of storms and other events causing outages or damage to the Utility’s infrastructure, and the completion of electricity and natural gas reliability improvements projects.  Net cashCash used in investing activities also includeincludes the proceeds offrom sales of nuclear decommissioning trust assetsinvestments largely offset by the amount of cash used to purchase new nuclear decommissioning trust investments.

The Utility’s cash flows from investing activities for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Capital expenditures $(3,022) $(2,691) $(855) $(1,079)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash  732   (3)
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust sales  1,177   1,121 
Decrease in restricted cash  4   11 
Proceeds from sales of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  337   387 
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments  (1,219)  (1,161)  (343)  (412)
Other  7   21   5   2 
Net cash used in investing activities $(2,325) $(2,713) $(852) $(1,091)

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $388$239 million in the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2008.2009.  This decrease was primarily due to a $700 million decrease in the restricted cash balance that resulted from a payment to the PX to reduce the Utility’s liability for the remaining net disputed claims (see Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), partially offset by an increase of $331$224 million in capital expenditures for installingas a result of the SmartMeter™ advanced metering infrastructure, generation facility spending, replacing and expanding gas and electric distribution systems, and improving the electric transmission infrastructure. (See “Capital Expenditures” below.)timing of capital projects.

Future cash flows used in investing activities are largely dependent on the timing and amount of futureexpected capital expenditures.  (See “Capital Expenditures” below and in the 20082009 Annual Report.Report for further discussion of expected spending and significant capital projects.)

Financing Activities

The Utility’s cash flows from financing activities for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 
September 30,
  
March 31,
 
(in millions) 
2009
  
2008
  
2010
  
2009
 
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility $-  $283 
Net (repayment) issuance of commercial paper, net of discount of $3 million in 2009 and $9 million in 2008  (290)  524 
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt, net of issuance costs of $1 million in 2009  499   - 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of premium, discount, and issuance costs of $12 million in 2009 and $2 million in 2008  847   693 
Borrowings under revolving credit facility $-  $300 
Repayments under revolving credit facility  -   (300)
Net issuance of commercial paper, net of discount of $2 million in 2009  418   96 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount and issuance costs of $12 million in 2009  -   538 
Long-term debt matured or repurchased  (909)  (454)  -   (600)
Energy recovery bonds matured  (273)  (260)  (93)  (89)
Preferred stock dividends paid  (10)  (10)  (4)  (3)
Common stock dividends paid  (468)  (426)  (179)  (156)
Equity contribution  688   90   20   528 
Other  6   (31)  8   2 
Net cash provided by financing activities $90  $409  $170  $316 
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In the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $319$146 million compared to the same period in 2008 mainly due to less net borrowings under the Utility’s revolving credit facility in 2009.  No commercial paper was outstanding at September 30, 2009 as the Utility received sufficient positive cash flows from income tax refunds and equity infusions, compared to net borrowings of $283 million in 2008.  Cash provided by or used in financing activities is driven by the Utility’s financing needs, which depend on the level of cash provided by or used in operating activities and the level of cash provided by or used in investing activities.  The Utility generally utilizes long-term senior unsecured debt issuances and equity contributions from PG&E Corporation to fund debt maturities and capital expenditures and to maintain its CPUC-authorized capital structure, and relies on short-term debt to fund temporary financing needs.

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PG&E Corporation

With the exception of dividend payments, interest, common stock issuance, the senior notes issuance of 5.75% Senior Notes in the principal amount of $350 million in March 2009, the receipt ofnet tax refunds of $139$131 million in 2009, and transactions between PG&E Corporation and the Utility, PG&E Corporation had no material cash flows on a stand-alone basis for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 and 2008.2009.

CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS

PG&E Corporation and the Utility enter into contractual commitments in connection with business activities.  These future obligations primarily relate to financing arrangements (such as long-term debt, preferred stock, and certain forms of regulatory financing), purchases of electricity and natural gas for customers, purchases of transportation capacity, natural gas and electricity to support customer demand,purchases of renewable energy, and the purchase of fuel and transportation to support the Utility’s generation activities.  In addition to those commitments disclosed in the 20082009 Annual Report and those arising from normal business activities, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s commitments at September 30, 2009 include $350Utility issued $250 million of 5.75% Senior Notes issued by PG&E Corporation duesenior notes on April 1, 2014, $5502010, and entered into a loan agreement to repay the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank which issued $50 million of 6.25% Senior Notes issued bytax-exempt pollution control bonds on behalf of the Utility due March 1, 2039, and $500 million of Floating Rate Senior Notes issued byon April 8, 2010.  (Refer to the Utility due June 10, 2010.  (See the 20082009 Annual Report, the Liquidity and Financial Resources section of the MD&A and Notes 4 10, and 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Depending on conditions in the capital markets, the Utility forecasts that it will make various capital investments in its electric and gas transmission and distribution infrastructure to maintain and improve system reliability, safety, and customer service; to extend the life of or replace existing infrastructure; and to add new infrastructure to meet already authorized growth.  Most of the Utility’s revenue requirements to recover forecasted capital expenditures are authorized in the GRC, TO, Gas Transmission and TOStorage rate cases.  The Utility intends to file a GRC application with the CPUC before the end of 2009 to request an increase in authorized revenue requirements to recover capital expenditures forecast to be made in 2011 through 2013.  (See “Regulatory Matters” below.)  In addition, theThe Utility requests authorization to collectalso collects additional revenue requirements to recover capital expenditures related to specific projects that have been specifically authorized by the CPUC, such as new power plants, gas or electric transmission projects, and the SmartMeterTM advanced metering infrastructure.  The Utility’s proposals for significant capital projects that have been submitted for CPUC approval are discussed in the 2009 Annual Report.  Recent developments in authorized or proposed capital projects since the 2009 Annual Re port was filed are discussed below.

Proposed Electric Distribution Reliability Program (Cornerstone Improvement Program)

On February 23, 2009, a ruling was issued that establishes a schedule forAs previously disclosed, PG&E Corporation, through its subsidiary, PG&E Strategic Capital, Inc., along with Fort Chicago Energy Partners, L.P. and Williams Gas Pipeline Company, LLC, have been jointly pursuing the CPUC’s considerationdevelopment of the Utility’s request for approvalproposed Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, an interstate gas transmission pipeline that would connect with the proposed liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon being developed by Fort Chicago Energy Partners, L.P., as lead investor.  The construction of a proposed six-year electric distribution reliability improvement program. On March 17,the pipeline is dependent upon the construction of the LNG terminal.  In December 2009, the Utility filed revised forecasts of proposed capital expenditures totaling $2.0 billion, a decrease from the original forecast of $2.3 billion,FERC issued an order to authorize construction and proposed operating and maintenance expenses totaling $59 million, a slight increase from the original forecast of $43 million, over the six-year period of 2010 through 2016.  Hearings were completed in August 2009, and a final decision is scheduled to be issued in January 2010.

SmartMeter™ Program

The Utility has been installing an advanced metering infrastructure, known as the SmartMeter™ program, for virtually alloperation of the Utility’s electricLNG terminal and gas customers.  This infrastructure results in substantial cost savings associatedthe pipeline.  There are additional federal, state, and local permits and authorizations that must be obtained before construction can proceed.  In addition, commitments must be obtained from LNG suppliers and shippers under long-term contracts of sufficient volumes to justify moving forward with billing customers for energy usage, and enables the Utility to measure usage of electricity on a time-of-use basis and to charge time-differentiated rates.  The main goal of time-differentiated rates is to encourage customers to reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods and to reduce procurement costs.  Advanced meters can record usage in time intervals and be read remotely.  The Utility expects to complete the majorityconstruction of the installation throughout its service territory byLNG terminal and the endpipeline.  The desire of 2012.

The CPUCLNG suppliers to make such commitments is dependent on the world market for LNG, the price in various markets compared to the U.S. price, and the overall level of supply and demand for LNG.  In the U.S., the gas supply landscape has authorizedchanged considerably since the UtilityLNG terminal and pipeline were first contemplated.  Enhanced drilling techniques have increased access to recovershale gas and created significant gas reserves which may decrease the $2.2 billion estimated SmartMeter™ project cost, including an estimated capital cost of $1.8 billion.  In addition, the Utility can recover in rates 90% of up to $100 million in costs that exceed $2.2 billion without a reasonableness review by the CPUC.  The remaining 10% will not be recoverable in rates.  If additional costs exceed the $100 million threshold, the Utility may request recoveryneed for LNG sourced natural gas.  As such, PG&E Corporation cannot predict whether construction of the additional costs, subjectproposed LNG terminal and associated pipeline will occur nor whether PG&E Corporation will continue to a reasonableness review.  Through September 30, 2009, the Utility has spent an aggregate of $1.2 billion, including capital costs of $1.0 billion, to install the SmartMeterTM system.
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The Utility’s ability to recognize the expected benefits of its SmartMeterTM advanced metering infrastructure remains subject to a number of risks, including whether the Utility incurs additional advanced metering project costs that the CPUC does not find reasonable or that are not recoverable in rates, whether the project is implemented on schedule, whether the Utility can successfully integrate the new advanced metering system with its billing and other computer information systems, and whether the new technology performs as intended.

Diablo Canyon Steam Generator Replacement Project

In November 2005, the CPUC authorized the Utility to replace the steam generators at the two nuclear operating units at Diablo Canyon (Units 1 and 2) and recover costs of up to $706 million from customers without further reasonableness review.  The Utility installed four of the new steam generators in Unit 2 during 2008 and completed installation of the remaining new generators for Unit 1 on March 7, 2009.  Project costs totaled approximately $690 million.

Proposed New Generation Facilities

Request for Long-Term Generation Resources

On September 30, 2009, the Utility requested that the CPUC approve several agreements executed by the Utility following the completion of its April 1, 2008 request for offers of new long-term generation resources to meet customer demand as forecastedinvest in the Utility’s 2007-2016 long-term electricity procurement plan previously approved by the CPUC.  One of the agreements submitted to the CPUC proposes that a 586 megawatt (“MW”) natural gas-fired facility be developed and constructed by a third party and then transferred to the Utility after commercial operation begins.  The proposed facility would be operationally flexible, enabling the Utility to increase its use of renewable power by balancing the fluctuating output of wind and solar resources.  The facility is expected to be built in Oakley, California and completed in 2014.  (The remaining agreements submitted to the CPUC are power purchase agreements.)pipeline project.

Proposed Renewable Energy Development

In its February 24, 2009 application, the Utility has requested thatOn April 22, 2010, the CPUC approvevoted to issue a final decision approving the Utility’s proposed development and construction offive-year proposal to build up to 250 MW of Utility-owned generating facilities usingrenewable generation resources based on solar photovoltaic (“PV”) technology and enter into power purchase agreements for an additional 250 MW of PV generation resources following an annual request for offers (“RFO”) for third parties to be deployed over a period of five years, to helpdevelop PV facilities.  The CPUC authorized the Utility meet its obligation under California law to increaserecover the amountactual capital costs to develop up to 250 MW of electricity providedsolar PV generation facilities, subject to customers from renewable generation resources.a corresponding cap of up to $1.45 billion.  If total capital costs exceed the cost cap, the Utility could only recover such costs after obtaining CPUC approval.  The CPUC also established an incentive mechanism that allows the Utility shareholders to retain 10 % of the savings if the actual average per-kilowatt capital cost of the Utility-owned program is expectedless than $3,920.00 per kilowatt.  The remaining 90% of any such savings would be passed through to issuecustomers.  As the Utility’s new PV facilities begin commercial operation, the project costs would be included in the Utility’s rate base, as the Utility had proposed, and the Utility would be entitled to earn a final decisionrate of return on the Utility’s application in early 2010.additional rate base.  The Utility intends to begin an RFO for the power purchase agreement portion of the program and a separate RFO to request third parties to submit proposals to develop and construct the Utility-owned portion of the program after the CPUC approves the implementation details of each RFO.

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

PG&E Corporation and the Utility do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on their financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

CONTINGENCIES

PG&E Corporation and the Utility have significant contingencies,contingencies; including Chapter 11 disputed claims, tax matters, legal matters, and environmental matters, which are discussed in Notes 10 and 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

REGULATORY MATTERS

This section of MD&A discusses significant regulatory developments that have occurred in significant pending regulatory proceedings discussed in the 2008 Annual Report and significant new pending regulatory proceedings that were initiated since the 20082009 Annual Report was filed with the SEC.  The outcome of these proceedings could have a significant effect on PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s results of operations and financial condition.
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2011 General Rate Case Application

On October 21, 2009,May 5, 2010, the CPUC’s Division of Ratepayer Advocates (“DRA”) notifiedsubmitted testimony in the UtilityUtility’s 2011 GRC recommending that the DRA had conditionally acceptedUtility’s 2011 revenue requirements be set at a level approximately $874 million lower than the Utility’s draft 2011request.  The DRA’s submission of testimony is part of the regular process in every GRC proceeding.  The Utility’s December 21, 2009 GRC application requested a $1.10 billion revenue increase, including $53 million of revenue requirements for costs related to the new wholesale electricity markets in California and to implement new electric rates based on “dynamic pricing.”  The requested revenue increase is comprised of increases in electricity distribution, utility-owned generation and gas distribution revenue r equirements of $557 million, $331 million, and $213 million, respectively.  The DRA’s recommendation would result in a total revenue requirement increase of $227 million comprised of electricity distribution and utility-owned generation increases of $176 million and $57 million, respectively, and a gas distribution revenue requirement reduction of $6 million.

The $874 million difference between the Utility’s request and the DRA’s recommendation reflects reductions in all cost categories including operating and maintenance costs, administrative and general expense, and capital investments.  Among other assumptions as to future costs which differ from the Utility’s request, the DRA has assumed that the Utility filed on July 20, 2009.would connect fewer customers, undertake less preventative maintenance, and replace aging equipment more slowly.  The Utility must wait 60 days before filing the GRC application.  Assuming the Utility timely meets the DRA’s conditions, the Utility intends to file the application with the CPUC by the end of 2009.DRA has also recommended reductions in employee benefit costs and other overhead costs.  The Utility intends to request that the CPUC issue a final decision by the end of 2010.  If the decision is delayed, the Utility will, consistent with CPUC practice in prior GRCs, request the CPUC to issue an order directing that the revenue requirement changes incorporated in the CPUC’s decision in the case will be effective as of January 1, 2011, even if the decision is issued subsequent to that date.

Unlike the current GRC, which set revenue requirements for a four-year period (2007 through 2010), it is expected that the next GRC will set revenue requirements forDRA recommends funding the Utility’s electric and natural gas distribution, operations and existing electric generation operations for a three-year period (2011 through 2013).  Thecapital expenditures at $2.1 billion in 2011, as compared to the Utility’s broad goals in thisprojection of average annual capital expenditu res of $2.7 billion from 2011 to 2013.   (Capital expenditures related to the GRC aredo not include projected capital spending related to fund continued investments in safeelectric and reliable service, meet the economic needs of the communities served by the Utility,gas transmission and work toward a greener, smarter energy future consistent with state and national goals for long-term environmental sustainability.other separately funded capital projects such as proposed new generation resources.)

The critical driverDRA has recommended attrition increases of the Utility’s request in this GRC will be the need to invest in energy infrastructure to meet customers’ expectations for service quality.  Over the three years covered by this rate case (2011-2013), the Utility estimates it will need to spend an average of about $2.7 billion in capital expenditures annually on these infrastructure improvements, especially replacement of gas and electric systems that are reaching the end of their useful lives.  The Utility also needs adequate funds to continue to safely operate, maintain, and upgrade generation plants to serve growing demand.

In the 2011 GRC, the CPUC will determine the amount of authorized base revenues that the Utility may collect from its customers to recover its basic business and operational costs for gas and electric distribution and electric generation operations for the period from 2011 through 2013.  These revenue requirements are determined based on a forecast of costs for 2011.  The draft application indicates that the Utility plans to request a revenue increase for 2011 of $1.1 billion, or 6.5%, above the 2010 total revenue forecast.

 The Utility plans to request that the CPUC adopt new flexible cost recovery mechanisms by establishing balancing accounts for several categories of costs that are subject to a high degree of volatility based on economic conditions and other uncontrollable factors, including costs incurred to establish new customer connections, uncollectible accounts, and employee healthcare costs.   

The Utility also has indicated that it will seek a ratemaking mechanism$116 million for 2012 and $107 million for 2013, designedbased on forecasted increases in the consumer price index, as compared to increase the Utility’s authorized revenues in years between GRCs to reflectforecasted attrition increases in rate base due to capital investments in infrastructure, and increases in wages and expenses.  The proposed mechanism also would require revenue requirements to be adjusted to reflect changes in franchise, payroll, income, or property tax rates, as well as new taxes or fees imposed by governmental agencies.  The Utility estimates that this mechanism would result in a revenue requirement increase of $244$275 million in 2012 and an additional increase of $326$343 million in 2013.  The Utility would advise the CPUC of the actual amount of these proposed increases in October 2011 and October 2012 for years 2012 and 2013, respectively.

According to the CPUC’s procedural schedule, additional testimony from other parties must be submitted by May 19, 2010.  The schedule contemplates hearings to be held this summer, followed by a proposed decision to be released by November 16, 2010 and a final CPUC decision to be issued by December 16, 2010.
PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict whatthe amount of the revenue requirements that the CPUC will authorize foror whether the period from 2011 through 2013, when a final decision in this proceedingcurrent schedule will be received, or how the final decision will impact their financial condition or results of operations.maintained.

Electric Transmission Owner Rate Cases

On June 18, 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility requested that the FERC approved aapprove an uncontested settlement that setsin the Utility’s TO rate case that was filed on July 30, 2009.  The settlement proposes to set an annual retail transmission base revenue requirement at $776of $875 million effective March 1, 2009.  (For purposes2010.  The Utility has reserved the difference between revenues based on rates requested by the Utility in its TO rate application which were used in the scheduled rate increase effective March 1, 2010, and expected revenues based on rates agreed to in the settlement.  As a result, the settlement, if approved, will not impact the Utility’s results of determining wholesale transmission rates, this retail revenue requirementoperations or financial condition.  If the settlement is adjusted to $763.5 million.)  As part ofapproved by the settlement,FERC, the Utility will refund any over-collected amounts to customers, with interest, through an adjustment to rates in 2011.

On July 30, 2009, the Utility filed an application with the FERC requesting an annual retail transmission revenue requirement of $946 million.  (For purposes of determining wholesale transmission rates, this retail revenue requirement request has been adjusted to $932 million.)  The proposed rates represent an increase of $170 million over current authorized revenue requirements.  On September 30, 2009, the FERC accepted the Utility’s application making the proposed rates effective March 1, 2010 subject to refund following the conclusion of hearings and the outcome of judge-supervised settlement discussions.
 
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Energy Efficiency Programs and Incentive Ratemaking

The CPUC previously established an incentive ratemaking mechanism applicable to the California investor-owned utilities’ implementation of their energy efficiency programs funded for the 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 program cycles.  On December 18, 2008, based on their first interim claims, the CPUC awarded interim incentive earnings to the utilities for their 2006-2007 program performance.  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Utility recognized a CPUC award of $41.5 million for the Utility’s energy efficiency program performance in 2006-2007.  Under the existing incentive ratemaking mechanism, the maximum amount of revenue that the Utility could earn and the maximum amount that the Utility could be required to reimburse customers over the 2006-2008 program cycle is $180 million.   

On January 29, 2009, the CPUC established a new rulemaking proceeding to modify the existing incentive ratemaking mechanism for programs beginning in 2009 and future years, to adopt a new framework to review the utilities’ 2006-2008 program performance for the second interim claim, and to conduct a final review of the utilities’ performance over the 2006-2008 program period.  On May 21, 2009, the Utility, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Gas Company, and the Natural Resources Defense Council jointly requested that the CPUC approve a proposed settlement to resolve the utilities’ second interim claims and their final 2006-2008 true-up incentive claims.  On July 10, 2009, the Utility submitted calculations, based on the methodology included in the proposed settlement, indicating that the Utility would be entitled to earn the remaining amount of the maximum incentives that could be earned for the 2006-2008 period.  Based on the holdback amount proposed in the settlement, the Utility would be entitled to receive $76.6 million in incentive earnings and an additional $61.9 million would be held back and subject to verification in the final 2006-2008 true-up process to be completed in 2010.  The assigned administrative law judge has ruled that there will be no hearings on the settlement proposal.

In accordance with the process established by the current incentive ratemaking mechanism, on October 15, 2009, the CPUC approved a second verification report issued by the CPUC's Energy Division relating to the second interim claims for the utilities’ 2006-2008 program performance.  The report calculates potential incentive amounts for the Utility, based on different energy savings assumptions and measurement methods, that range up to $20.6 million with up to an additional $33.4 million to be held back pending completion of the 2006-2008 true-up process in 2010.  In addition, on September 3 and October 1, 2009, the CPUC’s Energy Division released additional incentive award scenarios, including scenarios based on the proposed settlement, that result in a wide range of potential financial outcomes.  It is uncertain what effect, if any, the issuance of the verification report or the scenarios will have on the likelihood of the proposed settlement becoming effective.  Whether the proposed settlement will be approved and the amounts of any interim and final claims that may be awarded to the Utility are uncertain at this time.

On July 2, 2009, the utilities re-filed their applications containing their proposed 2009-2011 energy efficiency programs and budgets with the CPUC.  On September 24, 2009, the CPUC modified the utilities’ 3-year cycles to cover 2010-2012 energy efficiency programs and authorized funding for these programs.  The CPUC authorized the Utility to collect $1.3 billion to fund its programs, a 42% increase over 2006-2008 authorized funding levels.  Consequently, the Utility will continue to collect bridge funding of approximately $435 million for the Utility’s 2009 energy efficiency programs, as previously authorized by the CPUC.

Spent Nuclear Fuel

As part of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, Congress authorized the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) and electric utilities with commercial nuclear power plants to enter into contracts under which the DOE would be required to dispose of the utilities’ spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste no later than January 31, 1998, in exchange for fees paid by the utilities.  In 1983, the DOE entered into a contract with the Utility to dispose of nuclear waste from the Utility’s two nuclear generating units at Diablo Canyon and its retired nuclear facility at Humboldt Bay.  The DOE failed to develop a permanent storage site by January 31, 1998.

The Utility believes that the existing spent fuel pools at Diablo Canyon, which include newly constructed temporary storage racks, have sufficient capacity to enable the Utility to operate Diablo Canyon until approximately 2010 for Unit 1 and 2011 for Unit 2.  Because the DOE failed to develop a permanent storage site, the Utility obtained a permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) to build an on-site dry cask storage facility to store spent fuel through at least 2024.  The construction of the dry cask storage facility is complete and the movement of spent nuclear fuel to dry cask storage began in June 2009.

After various parties appealed the NRC’s issuance of the permit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) issued a decision in 2006 requiring the NRC to issue a supplemental environmental assessment report on the potential environmental consequences in the event of a terrorist attack at Diablo Canyon, as well as to review other contentions raised by the appealing parties related to potential terrorism threats.  In August 2007, the NRC staff issued a final supplemental environmental assessment report concluding that there would be no significant environmental impacts from potential terrorist acts directed at the Diablo Canyon storage facility.
In October 2008, the NRC rejected the final contention that had been made during the appeal.  The appellant has filed a petition for review of the NRC’s order in the Ninth Circuit.  On December 31, 2008, the appellate court granted the Utility’s request to intervene in the proceeding.  The Utility’s brief on appeal was filed on April 8, 2009.  No date has been set for oral argument.
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As a result of the DOE’s failure to build a national repository for nuclear waste, the Utility and other nuclear power plant owners sued the DOE to recover costs that they incurred to build on-site spent nuclear fuel storage facilities.  The Utility seeks to recover $92 million of costs that it incurred through 2004.  After several years of litigation, the DOE now concedes that the Utility is entitled to recover approximately $82 million of these costs, but the DOE continues to dispute the remaining amount.  The trial to determine the appropriate method to calculate the amounts owed to the Utility began on October 15, 2009.  The Utility also will seek to recover costs incurred after 2004 to build on-site storage facilities

PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the amount and timing of any recoveries that the Utility will receive from the DOE.  Amounts recovered from the DOE will be credited to customers through rates.

Application to Recover Hydroelectric Facility Divestiture Costs

On April 16, 2009, the CPUC approved a decision to authorize the Utility to recover $47 million of costs, including $12 million of interest, that the Utility incurred in connection with its efforts to determine the market value of its hydroelectric generation facilities in 2000 and 2001.  These efforts were undertaken as required by the CPUC in connection with the proposed divestiture of the facilities to further the development of a competitive generation market in California.  The CPUC subsequently withdrew this requirement.  The Utility continues to own its hydroelectric generation assets.  The Utility expects that the rate adjustments necessary to recover these authorized costs will be combined with other rate adjustments in the Utility’s annual electric rate true-up proceeding.  These rate changes are expected to become effective in January 2010.

Retirement Plan Contribution Application

On September 10, 2009, the CPUC approved the all-party settlement among the Utility, the DRA, and the Coalition of California Utility Employees to resolve the Utility’s March 2, 2009 application to allow the Utility to recover amounts necessary for the Utility’s pension plan trust to attain fully funded status.  Under the adopted settlement and based on projections to reach fully funded status by 2018, the Utility’s authorized pension-related revenue requirements would be $140.5 million, $177.2 million, and $215.7 million in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively.  The Utility would request revenue requirements after 2013 in a separate proceeding.  In addition, the settlement will allow the Utility to request an increase in revenue requirements if the ratio of trust assets to trust obligations falls below 85%.

The differences between pension benefit costs recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and amounts recognized for ratemaking purposes are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability as amounts are probable of recovery from customers.  (See Note 3 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  Therefore, the settlement is not expected to impact net income in future periods.

Cost of Capital Proceeding

On October 15, 2009, the CPUC approved a decision that maintains the Utility’s authorized cost of capital, including a ROE of 11.35%, through 2010.  The decision approves a joint request made by the Utility and the DRA to avoid imposing a rate increase corresponding to an increase in the Utility’s ROE during a time of economic hardship.  The Utility believes that this increase may otherwise have been triggered as of January 1, 2010 by the cost of capital adjustment mechanism previously adopted by the CPUC on May 29, 2008.  The Utility’s capital structure, including a 52% equity component, will be maintained through 2012.

In addition, as requested by the Utility and the DRA, the CPUC extended the cost of capital adjustment mechanism through 2012.  The cost of capital adjustment mechanism will be triggered if the 12-month October-through-September average yield for the applicable Moody’s Investors Services utility bond index increases or decreases by more than 1% as compared to the applicable benchmark.  Finally, the CPUC agreed to defer the due date for the Utility’s next full cost of capital application from April 20, 2010 until April 20, 2012, so that any resulting changes would become effective on January 1, 2013.

2011 Gas Transmission and Storage Rate Case

On September 18,As discussed in the 2009 Annual Report the Utility filed an application with the CPUC to initiate the Utility’s 2011 Gas Transmission and Storage rate case so that the CPUC can determine the rates and terms and conditions of the Utility’s gas transmission and storage services beginning January 1, 2011.  The rates, and terms and conditions of the Utility’s gas transmission and storage services for 2008 through 2010 were set by the terms of a CPUC-approved all-party settlement agreement known as the Gas Accord IV that was approved by the CPUC in September 2007.  The Utility proposes to continue a majority of the Gas Accord IV’s terms and conditions of natural gas transportation and storage services.

The Utility has requested that the CPUC approve a 2011 natural gas transmission and storage revenue requirement of $529.1 million, an increase of $67.3 million over the 2010 adopted revenue requirement.  The Utility also seeks attrition increases for 2012, 2013, and 2014 of $32.4 million, $30.7 million, and $22.6 million, respectively.

Under the Utility’s proposal, a substantial portion of the authorized revenue requirements, primarily those costs allocated to residential and small commercial customers (called “core” customers) would continue to be assured of recovery through balancing account mechanisms and/or fixed reservation charges.  The Utility has proposed to simplify the current rate structure by, among other changes, setting rates for core and “non-core” customers based on forecast demand.  The Utility’s ability to recover its remaining revenue requirements would continue to depend on throughput volumes, gas prices, and the extent to which non-core customers and other shippers contract for firm transmission services.  To reduce the Utility’s financial risk associated with these factors, the Utility has proposed to share equally with customers any under-collection or over-collection of natural gas transmission and storage revenue requirements.  The Utility has proposed additional cost recovery mechanisms for costs that are difficult to forecast, such as the cost of electricity used to operate natural gas compressor stations and costs to comply with greenhouse gas regulations.

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The Utility has requested that the CPUC issue a final decision by the end of 2010.2010 in order to put new rates into place by January 1, 2011.  If the CPUC does not issue a final decision by the end of 2010, to approve new rates effective January 1, 2011, the September 2007 CPUC decision approving the 2008 Gas Accord IVTransmission and Storage rate case provides that the rates and terms and conditions of service in effect as of December 31, 2010 will remain in effect, with an automatic 2% escalation in the rates, as offor local transmission only, starting January 1, 2011.

Energy Efficiency Programs and Incentive Ratemaking

The CPUC has established a ratemaking mechanism to provide incentives to the California investor-owned utilities to meet the CPUC’s energy savings goals through implementation of the utilities’ 2006-2008 energy efficiency programs.  In accordance with this mechanism, the CPUC has awarded the Utility interim incentive revenues totaling $75 million through December 31, 2009 based on the energy savings achieved through implementation of the Utility’s energy efficiency programs during the 2006 through 2008 program cycle.  The amount of additional incentive revenues the Utility may earn, if any, is subject to verification of the final energy savings over the 2006-2008 program cycle and the completion of the true-up process.

On April 8, 2010, the assigned CPUC commissioner issued a ruling to provide guidance on the 2006-2008 true-up process, noting that the CPUC had directed the parties to convene a settlement conference to seek agreement on the 2010 final true-up amounts to avoid potential controversy and delay that could arise from basing the amounts solely upon the final verification report to be issued by the CPUC’s Energy Division.  The ruling stated that the CPUC can consider alternative approaches in calculating the final true-up amounts in addition to the Energy Division’s report and directed the Energy Division to calculate various true-up amounts based on a range of possible scenarios that use different assumptions about energy savings, goals, and costs.

On May 4, 2010, the Energy Division released various scenarios of additional incentive amounts using data from the Energy Division’s draft verification report released on April 15, 2010.  The calculation scenarios for the Utility range from a penalty of $75 million, based on a scenario using the Energy Division’s evaluated results, to a reward of $105 million.  The CPUC has scheduled a settlement conference for May 28, 2010 for the parties to discuss the various scenarios.  The CPUC's adopted schedule for the final true-up process calls for a final decision by the end of 2010.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are unable to predict the amount, if any, of additional incentive revenues or penalties the Utility may be assessed for the 2006-2008 program cycle.

It is expected that the CPUC will issue a decision by the end of 2010 to develop a more streamlined framework to determine incentive amounts for future energy efficiency program cycles.

Direct Access

As authorized by California Senate Bill 695, on March 11, 2010, the CPUC adopted a plan to re-open “direct access” on a limited and gradual basis to allow eligible customers of the three California investor-owned utilities to purchase electricity from independent electric service providers rather than from a utility.  Effective April 11, 2010, all qualifying non-residential customers became eligible to take direct access service subject to annual and absolute caps.  It is estimated that the total amount of direct access that will be allowed in the Utility’s service territory by the end of the four-year phase-in period will be equal to approximately 11% of the Utility’s total annual retail sales at the end of the period, roughly the highest level that was reached before the CPUC suspended direct access.  Further legislative action is required to exceed these limits.  The adopted phase-in schedule is designed to provide enough lead time for the utilities to account for small shifts in load and avoid unwarranted cost shifting and stranded costs.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Utility’s operations are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and permits relating to the protection of the environment and the safety and health of the Utility’s personnel and the public.  (See “Risk Factors” in the 2009 Annual Report.)  These laws and requirements relate to a broad range of the Utility’s activities, including the discharge of pollutants into the air, water, and soil; the transportation, handling, storage, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel; remediation of hazardous wastes; and the reporting and reduction of carbon dioxide and other GHG emissions.  Recent developments since the 2009 Annual Report was filed are discussed below.

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Renewable Energy Resources

In an effort to reduce GHG emissions, California law requires California retail sellers of electricity, such as the Utility, to comply with a renewable portfolio standard (“RPS”) by increasing their deliveries of renewable energy (such as biomass, hydroelectric facilities with a capacity of 30 MW or less, wind, solar, and geothermal energy) each year, so that the amount of electricity delivered from these eligible renewable resources equals at least 20% of their total retail sales by the end of 2010.  If a retail seller is unable to meet its target for a particular year, the current CPUC “flexible compliance” rules allow the retail seller to use future energy deliveries from already-executed contracts to satisfy any shortfalls, provided those deliveries occur within three years of the shortfall.  60;For the year ending December 31, 2009, the Utility’s RPS-eligible renewable resource deliveries equaled 14.4% of its total retail electricity sales.  Most of the renewable energy that was delivered was purchased by the Utility from third parties, mainly under agreements with qualifying facility generators and other bilateral contracts.  The Utility’s small hydroelectric and solar facilities also provided additional renewable energy.  Some small hydroelectric energy is also provided under contracts with certain irrigation districts.  As of March 31, 2010, the Utility believes it will meet the RPS mandate for 2010 through reliance on the CPUC’s flexible compliance rules.

In March 2010, the CPUC issued a decision authorizing the use of tradable renewable energy credits (“RECs”), the green attributes of renewable power, for RPS compliance.  A tradable REC refers to a certificate of proof of the procurement of the green attributes separate from the associated energy, which certificate may be transferred to any third party and resold.  Previously, investor-owned utilities were not allowed to use RECs purchased separately from the associated energy for purposes of RPS compliance.  In its recent decision the CPUC authorized the limited use of REC-only transactions for RPS compliance.  The CPUC defined a REC-only transaction broadly.  Not only does it include a transaction for the procurement of stand–alone RECs, but it includes a transaction f or the procurement of both RECs and energy if the delivery of the energy to California customers must rely on intermediary energy transactions.  As a result, most of the Utility’s existing contracts with out-of-state renewable generation facilities have been reclassified as REC-only contracts.  The CPUC also imposed limits on both the quantity of REC-only transactions that the investor-owned utilities may use for RPS compliance and the price that the utilities may pay for REC-only transactions.  The decision sets the maximum price per REC at $50 and limits the quantity of tradable RECs that the utilities can buy to 25% of their annual RPS compliance obligations, subject to certain grandfathering provisions that allow a utility to exceed these limits if the contracts have already been approved by the CPUC.  If a utility has contracts pending before the CPUC that would cause them to exceed the quantity limit, the CPUC may still authorize the contract; however, if t he utility has already exceeded the REC-only quantity limitation, the utility may be limited in its ability to claim RPS compliance credit for deliveries under the contract.  These limits expire on December 31, 2011, unless extended.
               The Utility believes that the CPUC’s decision will significantly reduce out-of-state renewable energy procurement opportunities, at least in the near-term.  In addition, the limitations on supplies of RPS-eligible procurement created by the CPUC’s decision may ultimately increase the cost of achieving the State’s renewable energy targets.  Several parties, including the Utility, have requested modification and rehearing of numerous aspects of this decision.  On May 6, 2010, the CPUC voted to stay its earlier decision authorizing the use of tradable RECs until the CPUC has issued a decision on the petitions for modification.  The CPUC also imposed a temporary moratorium on CPUC approval of any contr acts for REC-only transactions that are signed after May 6, 2010 pending resolution of the petitions.   The CPUC has indicated that it will consider the petitions for modification on June 24, 2010.
In addition, on March 12, 2010, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”), the state agency charged with setting and monitoring emission limits, issued draft regulations that would require all load-serving entities, including the utilities, to meet gradually increasing annual renewable energy targets of 20% in 2012 through 2014, 24% in 2015 through 2017, 28% in 2018 through 2019, and 33% in 2020 and beyond.  The draft regulations propose to adopt existing RPS definitions of eligible renewable resources, with some exceptions for publicly-owned utilities.  However, the CARB is still considering whether it will allow the unlimited use of stand-alone RECs for compliance or if it will impose some limitation on their use.  Under the draft regulations, any failure to meet one of the annual renewable e nergy targets would be a violation of an emission limitation and subject to penalties.  The CARB has stated its intention to issue revised draft regulations by June 3, 2010.  The CARB is scheduled to vote on the draft regulations on July 22-23, 2010.
The Utility’s ability to comply with the renewable energy requirements largely depends on the timely development of renewable generation facilities by third party developers.  The development of renewable generation facilities by third parties or by the Utility is subject to many risks, including risks related to permitting, financing, technology, fuel supply, environmental matters, and the construction of sufficient transmission capacity.

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Water Quality

      There is continuing uncertainty about the status of state and federal regulations issued under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act, which require that cooling water intake structures at electric power plants, such as the nuclear generation facilities at Diablo Canyon, reflect the best technology available to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Although the EPA has not yet issued revised regulations, on May 4, 2010, the California Water Resources Control Board ("Water Board") adopted a policy on once-through cooling that generally requires the installation of cooling towers or other significant measures to reduce the impact on marine life from existing power generation facilities by at least 85%.  However, with respect to the state's nuclear p ower generation facilities, the policy allows other compliance measures to be taken if the costs to install cooling towers are "wholly out of proportion" to the costs considered by the Water Board in developing its policy or if the installation of cooling towers would be "wholly unreasonable" after considering non-cost factors such as engineering and permitting constraints and adverse environmental impacts.  The Utility believes that the costs to install cooling towers at Diablo Canyon, which could be as much as $4.5 billion, will meet the "wholly out of proportion" test.  The Utility also believes that the installation of cooling towers at Diablo Canyon would be "wholly unreasonable."   If the Water Board disagreed and if the installation of cooling towers at Diablo Canyon were not technically or economically feasible, the Utility may be forced to cease operations at Diablo Canyon and may incur a material charge.  (See Note 16 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financia l Statements in the 2009 Annual Report for more information.)  Assuming the Water Board does not require the installation of cooling towers at Diablo Canyon, the Utility could incur significant costs to comply with alternative compliance measures or to make payments to support various environmental mitigation projects.  The Utility would seek to recover such costs in rates.  The Utility’s Diablo Canyon operations must be in compliance with the Water Board’s policy by December 31, 2024.
Remediation

In February 2010, the Utility began contacting the owners of property located on eight former manufactured gas plant (“MGP”) sites in the Utility’s service territory to offer to test the soil for residues, and depending on the results of such tests, to take appropriate remedial action.  Three of these sites are located in urban, residential areas of San Francisco.  Until the Utility’s investigation of these MGP sites is complete, the extent of the Utility’s obligation to remediate is established, and any appropriate remedial actions are determined, the Utility is unable to determine the amounts it may spend in the future to remediate these sites and no amounts have been accrued for these sites (other than investigative costs for some of the sites).  Although it is reasonably pos sible that the Utility will incur losses in the future related to these sites, the Utility is unable to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss.  The Utility expects that it will recover 90% of the costs to remediate MGP sites under a ratemaking mechanism established by the CPUC.  The Utility will seek to recover remaining costs through insurance.  (See Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, for a discussion of estimated environmental remediation liabilities.)

OTHER MATTERS

The CPUC has authorized the Utility to recover $2.2 billion in estimated project costs, including $1.8 billion of capital expenditures to install approximately 10 million advanced electric and gas meters throughout the Utility’s service territory by the end of 2012.  In addition, the Utility can recover in rates 90% of up to $100 million in costs that exceed the authorized $2.2 billion without a reasonableness review by the CPUC.  The remaining 10% will not be recoverable in rates.  If additional costs exceed the $100 million threshold, the Utility may request recovery of the additional costs, subject to a reasonableness review.  As of March 31, 2010, the Utility has incurred $1.47 billion in connection with its SmartMeterTM program.

Advanced electric meters, which record energy usage in hourly or quarter-hourly increments, allow customers to track energy usage throughout the billing month and thus enable greater customer control over electricity costs.  Usage data is collected through a wireless communication network and transmitted to the Utility’s information system where the data is stored and used for billing and other Utility business purposes.  These meters will allow the implementation of “dynamic pricing” rates that the CPUC has ordered the Utility to implement. Dynamic pricing rates are designed to reflect the cost of electricity production during periods of high demand.

In late March 2010, the California State Senate established a committee to investigate and review the deployment of the “smart grid” throughout California, focusing on the Utility’s SmartMeterTM program.  It is expected that the committee will investigate the integrity and reliability of new metering technologies and the consumer protections in place with respect to billing, disconnection, and real-time pricing. On April 26, 2010, a senior executive of the Utility testified before the committee stating that, of the approximately 5.5 million meters that have been installed, the Utility has determined that 8 meters failed to measure energy usage in line with accepted standards, and another approximately 0.7% of the meters experienced issues involving the meter’s wireless communications, the data stora ge on the device, or human error at installation.  As the senior executive testified, these issues do not necessarily cause high or inaccurate bills.  The committee is expected to submit its report to the California Senate, including recommendations for appropriate legislation, by November 30, 2010.

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On March 30, 2010, the CPUC selected an independent consultant to assess the Utility’s SmartMeterTM program, including meter and billing accuracy, customer complaints, end-to-end operational processes, and overall program planning and performance.  It is expected that the independent CPUC assessment will be completed by August 2010.  A class action lawsuit filed in the Superior Court in Bakersfield, California, has been stayed pending the results of the CPUC’s investigation.  The class action plaintiffs allege that the new meters, wireless network, and software and billing system, have led to electric bill overcharges.

Finally, on April 15, 2010, a private group filed an application asking the CPUC to impose a moratorium on installation and activation of the new meters pending an evidentiary hearing on the potential health, environmental, and safety impacts of the radio frequency ("RF") technology used in the Utility’s SmartMeterTM program.

The Utility is continuing to install the new meters.  The outcome of these matters may have an effect on the Utility’s ability to recover costs to implement advanced metering if the CPUC finds that the costs are not reasonable or are otherwise disallowed.  Further, if the Utility is prohibited from continuing to install the new meters, or if the Utility otherwise fails to recognize the expected benefits of its advanced metering infrastructure, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The Utility and PG&E Corporation, mainly through its ownership of the Utility, are exposed to market risk, which is the risk that changes in market conditions will adversely affect net income or cash flows.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility face market risk associated with their operations; their financing arrangements; the marketplace for electricity, natural gas, electricity transmission, natural gas transportation, and storage; other goods and services; and other aspects of their businesses.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility categorize market risks as price risk“price risk” and interest“interest rate risk.  The Utility is also exposed to credit“credit risk, which is the risk that counterparties fail to perform their contractual obligations.  For a comprehensive discussion

The Utility actively manages market risks through risk management programs designed to support business objectives, discourage unauthorized risk-taking, reduce commodity cost volatility, and manage cash flows.  The Utility uses derivative instruments only for non-trading purposes (i.e., risk mitigation) and not for speculative purposes.  The Utility’s risk management activities include the use of PG&E Corporation’s market risk, see the section entitled “Risk Management Activities” in the 2008 Annual Report.energy and financial instruments such as forward contracts, futures, swaps, options, and other instruments and agreements, most of which are accounted for as derivative instruments.  Some contracts are accounted for as leases.

Price Risk

Electricity ProcurementThe Utility is exposed to commodity price risk as a result of its electricity procurement activities, including the procurement of natural gas and nuclear fuel necessary for electricity generation and natural gas procurement for core customers.  As long as the Utility can conclude that it is probable that its reasonably incurred wholesale electricity procurement costs and natural gas costs are recoverable, fluctuations in electricity and natural gas prices will not affect earnings but may impact cash flows.  The Utility’s natural gas transportation and storage costs for core customers are also fully recoverable through a ratemaking mechanism.

On April 1, 2009, the CAISO’s Market RedesignThe Utility’s natural gas transportation and Technology Upgrade (“MRTU”) became operative.  Among other features, the MRTU established new day-ahead, hour-ahead, and real-time wholesale electricity marketsstorage costs for non-core customers may not be fully recoverable.  The Utility is subject to bid capsprice and volumetric risk for the portion of intrastate natural gas transportation and storage capacity that increase over time.has not been sold under long-term contracts providing for the recovery of all fixed costs through the collection of fixed reservation charges.  The Utility expects to continue to relysells most of its capacity based on electricity from a diverse mixthe volume of resources, including third-party contracts, amounts allocated under DWR contracts, and its own electricity generation facilities to meet customer demand.  A relatively small proportion ofgas that the Utility’s total customer demand must be met through purchases incustomers actually ship, which exposes the MRTU markets.  As a result, exposureUtility to price volatility in the new MRTU markets is minimal.  The CAISO must implement additional FERC-ordered changes over the next several years.  Market risks, if any, associated with these changes will be assessed as the design and timelines are finalized during the 2009-2010 period.

Natural Gas Transportation and Storagevolumetric risk.

The Utility uses value-at-risk to measure the shareholders’ exposure to price and volumetric risks resulting from variability in the price of, and demand for, natural gas transportation and storage services.services that could impact revenues due to changes in market prices and customer demand.  Value-at-risk measures this exposure over a rolling 12-month forward period and assumes that the contract positions are held through expiration.  This calculation is based on a 95% confidence level, which means that there is a 5% probability that the impact to revenues on a pre-tax basis, over the rolling 12-month forward period, will be at least as large as the reported value-at-risk.  Value-at-risk uses market data to quantify the Utility’s price exposure.  When market data is not available, the UtilityUtilit y uses historical data or market proxies to extrapolate the required market data.  Value-at-risk as a measure of portfolio risk has several limitations, including, but not limited to, inadequate indication of the exposure to extreme price movements and the use of historical data or market proxies that may not adequately capture portfolio risk.

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The Utility’s value-at-risk calculated under the methodology described above was $17$11 million at September 30, 2009.March 31, 2010.  The Utility’s high, low, and average values-at-risk at September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 were $34$17 million, $9$10 million, and $17$14 million, respectively.

See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of price risk management activities.
Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk sensitivity analysis is used to measure interest rate risk by computing estimated changes in cash flows as a result of assumed changes in market interest rates.  At September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, if interest rates changed by 1% for all current PG&E Corporation and the Utility variable rate and short-term debt and investments, the change would have an immaterial impact toaffect net income overfor the next twelve months.months ended March 31, 2010 by $10 million, based on net variable rate debt and other interest rate-sensitive instruments outstanding.

Credit Risk

The Utility conducts business with counterparties mainly in the energy industry, including other California investor-owned electric utilities, municipal utilities, energy trading companies, financial institutions, and oil and natural gas production companies located in the United States and Canada.  If a counterparty failed to perform on its contractual obligation to deliver electricity or gas, then the Utility may find it necessary to procure electricity or gas at current market prices, which may be higher than the contract prices.

The Utility manages credit risk associated with its wholesale customers and counterparties by assigning credit limits based on evaluations of their financial conditions, net worth, credit ratings, and other credit criteria as deemed appropriate.  Credit limits and credit quality are monitored periodically, and a detailed credit analysis is performed at least annually.periodically.  The Utility executesties many energy contracts to master commodity enabling agreements that may require security (referred to as “credit collateral”)“Credit Collateral” in the table below).  Credit Collateral may be in the form of cash or letters of credit,credit.  The Utility may accept other forms of performance assurance in the form of corporate guarantees of acceptable credit quality or other eligible securities if(as deemed appropriate by the Utility).  Credit Collateral or performance assurance may be required from counterparti es when current net receivables and replacement cost exposure exceed contractually specified limits.
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The following table summarizes the Utility’s net credit risk exposure to its wholesale customers and counterparties, as well as the Utility’s credit risk exposure to its wholesale customers or counterparties with aaccounting for greater than 10% net credit exposure, at September 30, 2009as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2008:2009:

(in millions) 
Gross Credit
Exposure Before Credit Collateral(1)
  Credit Collateral  
Net Credit Exposure(2)
  
Number of
Wholesale
Customers or Counterparties
>10%
  
Net Exposure to
Wholesale
Customers or Counterparties
>10%
 
September 30, 2009 $227  $45  $182   3  $148 
December 31, 2008 $240  $84  $156   2  $107 
                     
(1) Gross credit exposure equals mark-to-market value on financially settled contracts, notes receivable, and net receivables (payables) where netting is contractually allowed. Gross and net credit exposure amounts reported above do not include adjustments for time value or liquidity.
 
(2) Net credit exposure is the gross credit exposure minus credit collateral (cash deposits and letters of credit). For purposes of this table, parental guarantees are not included as part of the calculation.
 
(in millions) 
Gross Credit
Exposure Before Credit Collateral (1)
  Credit Collateral  
Net Credit Exposure (2)
  
Number of
Wholesale
Customers or Counterparties
>10%
  
Net Exposure to
Wholesale
Customers or Counterparties
>10%
 
March 31, 2010 $192  $23  $169   3  $138 
December 31, 2009 $202  $24  $178   3  $154 
                     
(1) Gross credit exposure equals mark-to-market value on physically and financially settled contracts, notes receivable, and net receivables (payables) where netting is contractually allowed. Gross and net credit exposure amounts reported above do not include adjustments for time value or liquidity.
 
(2) Net credit exposure is the Gross Credit Exposure Before Credit Collateral minus Credit Collateral (cash deposits and letters of credit). For purposes of this table, parental guarantees are not included as part of the calculation.
 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAPU.S. generally accepted accounting principals involves the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The accounting policies described below are considered to be critical accounting policies, due, in part, to their complexity and because their application is relevant and material to the financial position and results of operations of PG&E Corporation and the Utility, and because these policies require the use of material judgments and estimates.  Actual results may differ substantially from these estimates.  These policies and their key characteristics area re discussed in detail in the 20082009 Annual Report.  They include:

·regulatory assets and liabilities;
  
·environmental remediation liabilities;
  
·asset retirement obligations;
  
·accounting for income taxes; and
  
·pension and other postretirement plans.
 
For the period ended September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, there were no changes in the methodology for computing critical accounting estimates, no additional accounting estimates met the standards for critical accounting policies, and no material changes to the important assumptions underlying the critical accounting estimates.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”).  SFAS No. 161 requires an entity to provide qualitative disclosures about its objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments and quantitative disclosures that detail the fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, derivative instruments.  SFAS No. 161 also requires disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features of derivative instruments.  (See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
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Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”).  SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  SFAS No. 160 defines a “noncontrolling interest,” previously called a “minority interest,” as the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.  Among other items, SFAS No. 160 requires that an entity (1) include a noncontrolling interest in its consolidated statement of financial position within equity separate from the parent’s equity, (2) report amounts inclusive of both the parent’s and noncontrolling interest’s shares in consolidated net income, and (3) separately report the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statement of operations.  If a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary must be measured at fair value, and a gain or loss must be recognized in net income based on such fair value.

PG&E Corporation has reclassified its noncontrolling interest in the Utility from Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries to equity in PG&E Corporation’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with SFAS No. 160 for all periods presented.  The Utility had no material noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

PG&E Corporation and the Utility applied the presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 160 retrospectively.  Other than the change in presentation of noncontrolling interests, adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 08-5, “Issuer’s Accounting for Liabilities Measured at Fair Value with a Third-Party Credit Enhancement” (“EITF 08-5”).  EITF 08-5 clarifies the unit of account in determining the fair value of a liability.  Specifically, it requires an entity to exclude any third-party credit enhancements that are issued with, and are inseparable from, a debt instrument from the fair value measurement of that debt instrument.  Adoption of EITF 08-5 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity Method Investment Accounting

On January 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted EITF 08-6, “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations” (“EITF 08-6”).  EITF 08-6 applies to investments accounted for under the equity method and requires an entity to measure its equity investment initially at cost.  Generally, contingent consideration associated with an equity method investment should only be included in the initial measurement of that investment if it is required to be recognized by specific authoritative guidance other than the Business Combinations Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).  However, the investor in an equity method investment could be required to recognize a liability for the related contingent consideration features if the fair value of the investor’s share of the investee’s net assets exceeds the investor’s initial costs.  An equity method investor is required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments of an equity method investment and shall account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment.  Any gain or loss to the investor resulting from an investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings.  Adoption of EITF 08-6 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS No. 165”).  SFAS No. 165 does not significantly change the prior accounting practice for subsequent events, except for the requirement to disclose the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility have evaluated material subsequent events through October 29, 2009, the issue date of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  Other than this disclosure, adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) SFAS 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”  This FSP requires disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods that were previously only required for annual reporting periods.  In particular, an entity is required to disclose the fair value of financial assets and liabilities together with the related carrying amount and to disclose where the carrying amount is classified in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  (See Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
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Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted FSP SFAS 115-2 and SFAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.”  Under this FSP, to assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for a debt security, an entity must (1) evaluate the likelihood of liquidating the debt security prior to recovering its cost basis and (2) determine if any impairment of the debt security is related to credit losses.  In addition, this FSP requires enhanced disclosures of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  However, this FSP does not amend recognition and measurement guidance for other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  Adoption of this FSP did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly

On June 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted FSP SFAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.”  This FSP provides guidance on estimating fair value when the volume or the level of activity for an asset or a liability has significantly decreased or when transactions are not orderly, when compared with normal market conditions.  In particular, this FSP calls for adjustments to quoted prices or historical transaction data when estimating fair value in such circumstances.  This FSP also provides guidance to identify such circumstances.  Furthermore, this FSP requires fair value measurement disclosures made pursuant to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC to be categorized by major security type (i.e., based on the nature and risks of the security).  (See Note 8 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)  Other than this change, adoption of this FSP did not have a material impact on PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Topic 105 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168 - The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

On July 1, 2009, PG&E Corporation and the Utility adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-01, “Topic 105 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - amendments based on Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 168 - The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“ASU No. 2009-01”).  ASU No. 2009-01 re-defines authoritative GAAP for nongovernmental entities to be only comprised of the FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“Codification”) and, for SEC registrants, guidance issued by the SEC.  The Codification is a reorganization and compilation of all then-existing authoritative GAAP for nongovernmental entities, except for guidance issued by the SEC.  The Codification is amended to effect non-SEC changes to authoritative GAAP.  Adoption of ASU No. 2009-01 only changed the referencing convention of GAAP in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ISSUED BUT NOT YET ADOPTED

Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.”  This FSP amends and expands the disclosure requirements of the Compensation - Retirement Benefits Topic of the FASB ASC.  In particular, this FSP requires an entity to provide qualitative disclosures about how investment allocation decisions are made, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, and the concentration of risk within plan assets.  In addition, this FSP requires quantitative disclosures showing the fair value of each major category of plan assets, the levels in which each asset is classified within the fair value hierarchy, and a reconciliation for the period of plan assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs.  This FSP is effective prospectively for PG&E Corporation and the Utility for the annual period ending December 31, 2009 and for subsequent annual periods.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility will include the expanded disclosures described above in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the annual period ending December 31, 2009.

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS No. 166”).  SFAS No. 166 eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and clarifies the requirements for derecognizing a financial asset and for applying sale accounting to a transfer of a financial asset.  In addition, SFAS No. 166 requires an entity to disclose more information about transfers of financial assets, the entity’s continuing involvement, if any, with transferred financial assets, and the entity’s continuing risks, if any, from transferred financial assets.  SFAS No. 166 is effective prospectively for PG&E Corporation and the Utility beginning on January 1, 2010.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 166.

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Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“SFAS No. 167”).  SFAS No. 167 amends the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC regarding when and how to determine, or re-determine, whether an entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”).  In addition, SFAS No. 167 replaces the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC’s quantitative approach for determining who has a controlling financial interest in a VIE with a qualitative approach.  Furthermore, SFAS No. 167 requires ongoing assessments of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  SFAS No. 167 is effective prospectively for PG&E Corporation and the Utility beginning on January 1, 2010.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 167.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s primary market risk results from changes in energy prices.  PG&E Corporation and the Utility engage in price risk management activities for non-trading purposes only.  Both PG&E Corporation and the Utility may engage in these price risk management activities using forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps to hedge the impact of market fluctuations on energy commodity prices and interest rates (see “Risk Management Activities” above under Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations).
 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Based on an evaluation of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009,March 31, 2010, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s respective principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by PG&E Corporation and the Utility in reports that the companies file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“1934 Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms.  In addition, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s respective principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that such controls and procedures were effectiveeffec tive in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by PG&E Corporation and the Utility in the reports that PG&E Corporation and the Utility file or submit under the 1934 Act is accumulated and communicated to PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s management, including PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s respective principal executive officers and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Complaints Filed by the California Attorney General and the City and County of San Francisco

The complaint filed by the California Attorney General against PG&E Corporation and several of its present and former directors was dismissed on March 10, 2009 and the similar complaint filed by the City and County of San Francisco was dismissed on April 23, 2009.  For more information regarding the resolution of these matters, see “Part I. Item 3. Legal Proceedings” in the 2008 Annual Report and “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings” in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A discussion of the significant risks associated with investments in the securities of PG&E Corporation and the Utility is set forth under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risk Factors” in the 2008 Annual Report.

The discussion of the potential impact of climate change appearing in the 2008 Annual Report under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risk Factors” under the following caption The Utility’s future operations may be impacted by climate change that may have a material impact on the Utility’s financial condition and results of operations is updated as follows to reflect new scientific evidence regarding climate change:

A report issued on June 16, 2009 by the U.S. Global Change Research Program (an interagency effort led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) states that climate changes caused by rising emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases have already been observed in the United States, including increased frequency and severity of hot weather, reduced runoff from snow pack, and increased sea levels.  The impact of events or conditions caused by climate change could range widely, from highly localized to worldwide, and the extent to which the Utility’s operations may be affected is uncertain.  For example, if reduced snowpack decreases the Utility’s hydroelectric generation capacity, there will be a need for additional generation capacity from other sources.  Under certain conditions, the events or conditions caused by climate change could result in a full or partial disruption of the ability of the Utility, or one or more entities on which it relies, to generate, transmit, transport or distribute electricity or natural gas.  The Utility has been studying the potential effects of climate change on the Utility’s operations and is developing contingency plans to adapt to those events and conditions that the Utility believes are most likely to occur.  Events or conditions caused by climate change could have a greater impact on the Utility’s operations than has been forecast and could result in lower revenues or increased expenses, or both.  If the CPUC were to fail to adjust the Utility’s rates to reflect the impact of events or conditions caused by climate change, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On JulyDuring the quarter ended March 31, 2009,2010, PG&E Corporation contributedmade equity of $35contributions totaling $20 million to the Utility in order to maintain the 52% common equity target authorized by the CPUCcomponent of its CPUC-authorized capital structure and to ensure that the Utility has adequate capital to fund its capital expenditures.

The Utility did not make any sales of unregistered equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

PG&E Corporation common stock:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
  
Average Price Per Share
  
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
  
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
January 1 through January 31, 2010  7,437(1) $44.50   -  $- 
February 1 through February 28, 2010  -   -   -   - 
March 1 through March 31, 2010  -   -   -   - 
Total
  7,437  $44.50   -  $- 
                 
(1) Shares tendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon the vesting of PG&E Corporation restricted stock.
 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation issued 331,404 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $15.09 per share in an unregistered offering upon conversion of $5 million principal amount of PG&E Corporation 9.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes originally issued in an unregistered offering in 2002.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2009, PG&E Corporation did not redeem or repurchase any shares of common stock outstanding.  During the third quarter of 2009,March 31, 2010, the Utility did not redeem or repurchase any shares of its various series of preferred stock outstanding.

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

The Utility’s earnings to fixed charges ratio for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 was 3.19.$3.40.  The Utility’s earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends ratio for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 was 3.13.$3.33.  The statement of the foregoing ratios, together with the statements of the computation of the foregoing ratios filed as Exhibits 12.1 and 12.2 hereto, are included herein for the purpose of incorporating such information and Exhibits into the Utility’s Registration Statement Nos. 33-62488 and 333-149361 relating to various series of the Utility’s first preferred stock and its senior notes, respectively.

PG&E Corporation’s earnings to fixed charges ratio for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2009March 31, 2010 was 2.99.$3.14.  The statement of the foregoing ratio, together with the statement of the computation of the foregoing ratio filed as Exhibit 12.3 hereto, is included herein for the purpose of incorporating such information and Exhibit into PG&E Corporation’s Registration Statement No. 333-149360 relating to its senior notes.

 
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

3.1Bylaws of PG&E Corporation amended as of September 16, 2009
3.23Bylaws of Pacific Gas and Electric Company amended as of September 16,February 17, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-2348), Exhibit 3.5)
4
Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 relating to the issuance of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Senior Notes due January 15, 2040 (incorporated by reference to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 1, 2010 (File No. 1-2348), Exhibit 4.1)
*10.1Separation Agreement between Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Barbara Barcon effective March 4, 2010
*10.2
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2010 grants under the PG&E Corporation 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
*10.3Form of Performance Share Agreement for 2010 grants under the PG&E Corporation 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  
12.1Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  
12.2Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends for Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  
12.3Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for PG&E Corporation
  
31.1Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
31.2
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1***32.1Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
32.2***32.2Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
**Pursuant to Item 601(b) (32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these Exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report.*101.INSXBRL Instance Document
***101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
***101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
***101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
***101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*           Management contract or compensatory agreement.

**           Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report.
***Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.  These files are being submitted only by PG&E Corporation and not by its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
 
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SIGNATURES

               Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


PG&E CORPORATION
 
 
KENT M. HARVEY 
Kent M. Harvey
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)


PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
 
BARBARA L. BARCONSARA A. CHERRY 
Barbara L. BarconSara A. Cherry
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)



Dated:  October 29, 2009

May 7, 2010
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1Bylaws of PG&E Corporation amended as of September 16, 2009
3.23Bylaws of Pacific Gas and Electric Company amended as of September 16,February 17, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-2348), Exhibit 3.5)
4Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2010 relating to the issuance of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Senior Notes due January 15, 2040 (incorporated by reference to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 1, 2010 (File No. 1-2348), Exhibit 4.1)
*10.1
*10.2
*10.3
Separation Agreement between Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Barbara Barcon effective March 4, 2010
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for 2010 grants under the PG&E Corporation 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Form of Performance Share Agreement for 2010 grants under the PG&E Corporation 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
  
12.1Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  
12.2Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends for Pacific Gas and Electric Company
  
12.3Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges for PG&E Corporation
  
31.1Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
31.2
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1***32.1Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
32.2***32.2Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
**Pursuant to Item 601(b) (32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these Exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report.*101.INSXBRL Instance Document
***101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
***101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
***101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
***101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
*           Management contract or compensatory agreement.

**           Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report.

***Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.  These files are being submitted only by PG&E Corporation and not by its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

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