Blame the California Public Utlities Commission

They set the rates, force PG&E to buy "clean" power produced at far above market rates (this include excess solar from a million homes), force them to "Donate" to hundreds of "Progressive Action" groups, and approved every single budget for the past 30 years.

In order to keep rates "low" to the consumer, CPUC scrimped on the maintenance budget...75% or more of a massive utility's costs. More money for graft that way.

When combined with a second offensive by the CalEPA to restrict clearing on their rights of way, they killed the largest public utility in America.

PG&E is facing at least $30bil in fire judgements and $100bil in maintenance backlog. Officers of the company have been threatened with criminal liability.

They ABSOLUTELY made the right decision to hit the off switch.