PG&E CEO Blames Past Management for Problems

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – PG&E Corp. CEO Bill Johnson blamed negligence by the company’s past management for a cascade of catastrophes that killed nearly 140 people in recent years.

Johnson was trying to persuade California regulators Tuesday that he is steering the utility in a direction to make safety its top priority.

Johnson was the first witness Tuesday in critical hearings that will help shape Pacific Gas & Electric as it tries to emerge from its second bankruptcy in less than 20 years.

The company’s bankruptcy plan still needs approval from the California Public Utilities Commission by June 30.