SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California power regulators slapped Pacific Gas & Electric with a $2.1 billion fine for igniting a series of deadly wildfires that landed the beleaguered utility in bankruptcy.
The record penalty imposed Thursday in an administrative law judge's decision boosts the punishment that had been agreed upon in a $1.7 billion settlement announced in December.
The company has already set aside a $13.5 billion fund to help victims who lost family and property in catastrophic wildfires caused by PG&E in 2017 and 2018.
PG&E officials said they were disappointed by the increased fine after "working diligently over many months with multiple parties" to reach the previous deal.