PG&E Corp DEF 14A, filed Apr 6, 2023
PG&E Corp (PCG)
DEF 14A
2023-04-06
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June 12, 2026
About this DEF 14A
PG&E Corp filed this DEF 14A on April 6, 2023.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Amendment No. )
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY
STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant Filed by a party other than the Registrant
Check the appropriate box: | |||||
Preliminary Proxy Statement | |||||
CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14a-6(e)(2)) | |||||
Definitive Proxy Statement | |||||
Definitive Additional Materials | |||||
Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 | |||||
PG&E CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): | |||||
No fee required. | |||||
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |||||
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |||||
PG&E Corporation
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Joint Notice of 2023 Annual Meetings
Joint Proxy Statement
Joint Proxy Statement
Thursday, May 18, 2023
10:00 a.m., Pacific Time
PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company
PROXY GUIDE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |||||
| Related Party Transactions | |||||
PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR PG&E CORPORATION AND PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY | |||||
Report of the Audit Committees | |||||
PG&E Corporation Pacific Gas and Electric Company | ||||||||
April 6, 2023 Dear Shareholders, | ||||||||
We are proud of the progress PG&E1 has made over the past year as we deliver on our Triple Bottom Line of serving People, the Planet, and California’s Prosperity.
First and foremost, we are working to reduce risk and improve safety as we endeavor to rebuild trust with our customers and the hometowns we serve.
Our wildfire mitigation strategy now features multiple layers of protection, starting with system hardening, vegetation management, inspections, and repairs. When conditions warrant, we activate our Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings and, as a last resort, our Public Safety Power Shutoff program. With these layers of protection, we estimate we have reduced wildfire risk by 90-plus percent, and we continue to look for innovative technologies to address the remaining risk.
Longer term, our program to underground 10,000 miles of powerlines is the foundation of our wildfire risk reduction. It is a Triple Bottom Line case in point, providing the highest level of risk reduction for our customers’ dollar while preserving more trees than our current approach. In 2022, we made tangible progress, burying 180 miles—exceeding our target and doubling our total from the prior year—and received legislative support for our overall goal.
In Gas Operations, we recorded our lowest pipeline damage rate ever and ranked third in the nation among large gas companies for best safety performance. And at Diablo Canyon Power Plant, rated as exemplary for its operational performance, we received state and federal support to pursue an extension of the plant’s operating licenses.
While we see Diablo Canyon as a cornerstone of greenhouse gas (GHG)-free electric reliability in California, we continue to bolster our suite of capabilities in building climate resilient infrastructure.
In 2022, we added significant battery storage to our energy mix, including the Elkhorn Battery at Moss Landing, one of the largest utility-owned, lithium-ion battery energy storage systems in the world. We also took the first steps in making bidirectional electric vehicle charging a reality in California, a technology with the potential to power customers’ homes and provide energy back to the grid during times of peak energy demand.
Of course, our climate strategy is not just about guarding against the risks and realities of our changing climate, with hotter, drier summers and more severe winter storms. We are shifting from thinking only about net zero—or do no harm—to a climate positive strategy. Our new climate commitment is that by 2050 PG&E will begin removing more GHG from the environment than we emit. We are standing for doing our part to heal our planet.
As a signal that we are on our way, 96 percent of the electricity delivered to our customers in 2022 came from GHG-free resources, and 40 percent from state-qualified renewables such as solar and wind.
Overall, our progress is rooted in a standards-based operating system centered around our customers. We continued to mature our Lean operating system in 2022, driving better visibility, more effective decision making and faster problem solving. We also continue to see the benefits of our regional service model, with key leaders in each of our five regions strengthening local relationships and addressing local needs.
Even with this progress, we know there is much more to do. We will never be satisfied in our work to deliver energy that is safe and reliable for the People we serve, that supports a healthy Planet for all, and that fosters Prosperity in our hometowns throughout Northern and Central California.
Today, we and our 26,000 coworkers are writing the next chapter of the PG&E story. We are glad to have you with us on this journey.
Sincerely, Robert C. Flexon Chair of the Board PG&E Corporation | Patricia K. Poppe Chief Executive Officer PG&E Corporation | |||||||
1 “PG&E” or “companies” refer to both PG&E Corporation and its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, or the “Utility.” | ||||||||||||||
Joint Notice of 2023 Annual Meetings of Shareholders of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proposals to be Voted On | Corporation | Utility | Recommendation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Election of Directors (nominated by the Boards) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cheryl F. Campbell | • | • | FOR | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kerry W. Cooper | • | • | FOR | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Arno L. Harris | • | • | FOR | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carlos M. Hernandez | • | • | FOR | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Michael R. Niggli | • | • | FOR | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | • | FOR | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Benjamin F. Wilson | • | • | FOR | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation | • | • | FOR | |||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation | • | • | FOR ONE YEAR | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte and Touche LLP as the Independent Public Accounting Firm | • | • | FOR | |||||||||||||||||||
Meeting Information | |||||||||||||||||
Date: May 18, 2023 Time: 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time Location: Virtual Meeting2 | Record Date Shareholders as of March 20, 2023, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meetings. | Solicitation of Proxies The Boards of Directors are soliciting proxies from you for use at the Annual Meetings or any adjournments or postponements. Proxies allow designated individuals to vote on your behalf. | |||||||||||||||
Voting Your Shares — Your Vote is Extremely Important | |||||||||||
The deadline to vote is: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 17, 2023, or 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 15, 2023, if you are a participant in PG&E’s 401(k) Plan. | |||||||||||
| Internet | Phone | Proxy Card by Mail | 2023 Annual Meeting | ||||||||
Brian M. Wong Corporate Secretary PG&E Corporation Pacific Gas and Electric Company April 6, 2023 | |||||||||||
IMPORTANT NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF 2023 PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETINGS: We are making the Joint Proxy Statement and form of proxy available to shareholders starting on or about April 6, 2023. The Joint Proxy Statement and 2022 Annual Report are available at investor.pgecorp.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy-statements. Detailed information on how to vote your proxy is included in the “User Guide” at the end of this Joint Proxy Statement. | |||||||||||
2 Holders of PG&E Corporation shares can access the 2023 Annual Meetings, vote, and ask questions at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PCG2023. Holders of Utility shares can access the 2023 Annual Meetings, vote, and ask questions at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PCG-P2023.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 1 | ||||
Executive Summary
This executive summary highlights information to assist you in your review of the Joint Proxy Statement. The summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire Joint Proxy Statement carefully before voting.
Voting Roadmap
Proposal 1: Election of Directors | Elect the following directors to serve on the Boards of Directors until the 2024 Annual Meetings of Shareholders. 1.Cheryl F. Campbell 2.Kerry W. Cooper 3.Arno L. Harris 4.Carlos M. Hernandez 5.Michael R. Niggli 6.Benjamin F. Wilson 7.Sumeet Singh (Utility Board only) | Each Board’s Recommendation: FOR each nominee Our Board is: Qualified: Top skills include safety, utility operations, wildfire prevention, financial analysis, and renewable energy, and Committed to serving the long-term interests of shareholders. Director biographies are on page 14, and diversity and skills matrices on page 22 and 23. | |||||||||||||||
| Independent | Diverse | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
93% Board members at Corporation | 87% Board members at Utility | 57% Board members at Corporation | 60% Board members at Utility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| are independent under NYSE definitions | are either women or racially and ethnically diverse | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation (Say on Pay) | Approve an advisory vote on the compensation of PG&E’s named executive officers. PG&E’s executive compensation plans: a.Pay for performance b.Align with shareholders c.Provide market competitive pay d.Comply with legal requirements | Each Board’s Recommendation: FOR the advisory approval PG&E’s compensation plans are described in detail on page 40. | |||||||||||||||
| Named Executive Officers Core Pay Components (2022) | |||||||||||
Base Salary | Short-Term Incentive | Long-Term Incentive | |||||||||
Fixed pay to attract and retain talent; takes account of scope, performance, and experience | Variable pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of short-term strategic importance | Equity-based pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of long-term strategic importance, promote retention and stability, and align executives with shareholders | |||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 2 | ||||
Proposal 3: Frequency of Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation (Say When on Pay) | Approve an advisory vote that the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation be one year. | Each Board’s Recommendation: FOR the advisory approval Additional information on page 85. | |||||||||||||||
Proposal 4: Appointment of the Independent Auditor | Ratify the appointment of Deloitte and Touche LLP (D&T) as PG&E’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023. a.D&T is an internationally recognized firm, with deep knowledge of our industry and specific understanding of the California regulatory structure. b.The team within D&T rotates periodically to provide a fresh look at our controls. c.The Audit Committees oversee the selection of D&T after a careful review. | Each Board’s Recommendation: FOR ratifying the appointment of Deloitte and Touche LLP Additional information on D&T can be found on page 86. | |||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 3 | ||||
OVERVIEW
PG&E Corporation and the Utility together provide combined natural gas and electric utility service to approximately 16 million Californians—4.5 million and 5.5 million customer accounts, respectively. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and why we strive to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and clean energy to our hometowns every day. They also look to us for grid innovation, clean energy technology, and support in achieving our state’s zero carbon goals.3
| PG&E by the Numbers | ||
70,000 SQUARE MILES Service area | ||||||||
16 MILLION Customers served | 26,000 Approximate number of employees | 4.79 BILLION DOLLARS Procured from diverse suppliers | |||||||||||||||
96% Greenhouse gas-free clean electricity4 | 40% Estimated customer energy demand met by eligible-renewable resources5 | 700,000+ Total number of interconnected private solar customers | |||||||||||||||
50,000+ Total number of customers with battery storage at their homes or businesses | 675,000 METRIC TONS of CO2 avoided through our customer energy efficiency programs | 29,000+ HOURS of employee volunteer time | |||||||||||||||
3 The information in this section represents information for, or as of the end of, 2022, except where otherwise noted. Numbers have been rounded for presentation purposes. Information provided in graphics is qualified by descriptive language provided elsewhere in this section, if applicable.
4 Greenhouse gas-free clean resources include renewables, nuclear, and large hydroelectric power.
5 Eligible-renewable resources include bio power, geothermal power, small hydroelectric, solar, and wind power.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 4 | ||||
WHERE WE ARE HEADED
Our purpose—delivering for our hometowns, serving our planet, and leading with love—is underpinned by a strong focus on safety, People, Planet, and California’s Prosperity. With our true north strategy as the guidepost, our organizational design and regional service model are bringing us closer to the hometowns we serve. We restructured our service area into five regions—with leaders in each region to deliver improved public and employee safety, customer service, and operational reliability outcomes. And we are committed to designing an electric system that is resilient to climate change, decarbonized, and optimized to local and system needs.
We are building a culture of performance and continue to implement our Lean operating system, a core and foundational component of PG&E’s Performance Playbook. By focusing on four Lean Plays designed to transform performance—visual management, operating reviews, problem solving, and standardization—we completed implementation of the companies’ daily-weekly-monthly operating review process while aligning all levels of the organization around key performance indicators focused on safety, delivery, cost, quality, customer, and coworker morale. Additionally, we introduced a standardized problem solving process that allows all coworkers to identify, contain, and solve breakdowns in performance at the root cause. This was accomplished in part by delivering direct Lean training, coaching, and support to our coworkers.
Visual Management | Operating Reviews | Problem Solving | Standardization | ||||||||
We make decisions through a framework that prioritizes safety for everyone, rewards actions that prevent wildfires, and leads to a future carbon-neutral energy system, but we know that our work to improve is never done. For more information about performance and how it impacted pay, please refer to page 40.
| Safety | ||
Our commitment to safety is always at the forefront of everything we do. We are focused on keeping the public, our coworkers, and our contractors safe. This commitment extends to all our operations, but it begins with the reduction of wildfires. We are exploring the tools available to us, including short-term Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), vegetation management, system hardening, and undergrounding. Additionally, we are seeing positive outcomes with PG&E’s adaptive and systematic risk mitigation approach; specifically, we have achieved substantial reduction in acres impacted by Utility equipment-caused fires in 2022, relative to the prior three years (2018–2020).
Operational safety is a central component of how we measure success and reward performance. Several of our safety-related key performance indicators exceeded their targets in 2022, and we continue to set aggressive goals in 2023 in the spirit of continuous improvement. For our coworkers and our contractors, our belief is that we can design work activities to facilitate safe performance. We hold our contractors to the same standards with a Contractor Safety Program that emphasizes safe practices. We cannot be successful unless our coworkers feel safe to raise concerns; we continue to encourage and engage our coworkers and leaders to speak-up for safety. We have an annual speak-up award that recognizes employees for raising concerns and positively impacting our culture.
However, with all of our focus on coworker safety, we are not satisfied with our occupational safety performance. We are committing to do more to reduce injuries and injury potential in 2023 by strengthening our risk-based focus, so we understand our risks, prioritize our work, and use controls to reduce them, while continuously measuring and improving risk reduction. We are creating a culture in which we hold each other accountable for safety, resolve issues promptly, and have engagement at all levels.
| People | ||
PG&E’s human capital management objectives are to build an engaged, well-trained, diverse, and equitably paid workforce. We attract and retain coworkers with stable, benefits-paying jobs, professional development, and growth opportunities paired with our focus on health, wellness, and joy at work. We want our coworkers to feel known, loved, and proud.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 5 | ||||
Our Workforce Is Strong | |||||
| We have built strong Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) programs that foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and workforce. | |||||
| Our workforce offers diverse perspectives | Our coworkers represent five generations, most of whom are Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers6 | ||||
Racial and gender diversity among our middle management | Racial and gender diversity among our executives and senior management | Racial and gender diversity among PG&E Corporation's executive officers | ||||||||||||
We support 15 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Engineering Network Groups (ENGs) that hosted 150 virtual events. The discussions ranged from professional development series to intersectional presentations on identity and bias, some featuring members of our Boards of Directors. Our National Society of Black Engineers ENG president was recognized with the “Above and Beyond” Honorable Mention award for Affinity Group Leadership by Seramount, a leading organization promoting DEIB in the workplace. Also, our Latino ERG was recognized as "ERG of the Year" by Latina Style Magazine for their impact in leadership in support of Latino coworkers. | |||||
More than 120 scholarship awards totaling nearly $220,000 were made through scholarships created by our ERGs and ENGs. The winners received awards ranging from $500 to $6,000 for exemplary scholastic achievement and community leadership. | |||||
We have scored 100 on the Corporate Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign for 18 years straight. We also earned a spot in the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality 2022” by the Human Rights Campaign and a Disability Equality Index of 100 for the eight year by DisabilityIN. In 2022, we were named “Best-of-the-Best” Corporations for Inclusion by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Partners in the National Business Inclusion Consortium. | |||||
| 452% | 30 | |||||||||||||
Of technical, leadership, and coworker training provided by PG&E Academy | Increase in virtual training in 2022 when compared to 2019, or pre-pandemic | Apprenticeship programs that reduce barriers to entry for prospective employees | ||||||||||||
6 Generational data refers to "Millennials" for individuals born between 1981-1996, "Gen X" between 1965-1980, and "Boomers" between 1946-1964.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 6 | ||||
We create opportunity with PowerPathway, an innovative workforce development program designed to help prepare a talent pool of local qualified diverse candidates, including women and military veterans, for high demand jobs in the utility and energy industry by providing eight weeks of training. In 2022, 94 percent of our PowerPathway graduates from three cohorts were hired by PG&E. We celebrated the 15th year of the PowerPathway program as well as the 50th cohort to graduate. More than 1,100 Californians have completed the program since its inception in 2008. | |||||
| Planet | ||
PG&E has a longstanding commitment to serve the planet, and we continue to actively embrace California’s bold climate and clean energy goals. We have a proven performance record on clean energy—and we believe clean energy should be affordable for and inclusive of customers from all economic and social backgrounds.
With our new, longer-term climate goals, we are excited about the growth opportunities that a cleaner future presents for PG&E and our customers. We are also taking action to build a more climate-resilient energy network to ensure we can continue to deliver for customers even as California continues to experience the impacts of climate change.
Our Commitment: Helping to Heal the Planet PG&E is committed to helping to heal the planet through a pledge to achieve: • A climate- and nature-positive energy system by 2050. • A net zero energy system by 2040—five years ahead of California’s current carbon neutrality goal. • A series of 2030 climate goals to reduce PG&E’s operational carbon footprint and enable our customers and communities to reduce their carbon footprints: •Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50 percent from 2015 levels •Reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25 percent from 2015 levels •Achieve Scope 4 goals to enable customer emission reductions | ||||||||
Notes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from PG&E’s operations.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from facility electricity use and electric line losses.
Scope 3: Emissions resulting from value chain activities not owned or controlled by PG&E but that can be indirectly impacted by PG&E actions.
Scope 4: An emerging term for categorizing emission reductions enabled by a company. PG&E can make a significant contribution by enabling these emission reductions in our service area.
Our Progress As the state’s largest energy provider, we embrace our foundational role in transitioning California to a decarbonized and more climate-resilient economy. Today, one in every five solar rooftops in the country is in PG&E’s service area, and one in six electric vehicles in the nation plugs into PG&E’s grid. We are also partnering with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to create a pathway to a more equitable and affordable energy future. | ||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 7 | ||||
Delivered clean electricity to customers that was more than 95 percent greenhouse gas emissions-free | Brought the total number of interconnected private solar customers to more than 700,000 | Awarded contracts for more than 3,300 MWs of battery energy storage to be deployed over the next several years | ||||||||||||
Installed approximately 340 charging ports for electric vehicles at schools, parks, public charging locations, and in support of fleets—with nearly half in disadvantaged communities | Supported more than 50,000 customers who have installed battery storage at their homes or businesses | Helped customers avoid emissions and energy costs through robust energy efficiency programs | ||||||||||||
We continued our multi-year, system-wide Climate Vulnerability Assessment to better understand how climate-driven natural hazards may impact our assets, services, and operations. And we advanced our decarbonization initiatives for the natural gas delivery system, including meeting the CPUC-mandated methane emission reduction target ahead of schedule and accelerating initiatives to meet our voluntary 2030 reduction goal.
We do this work transparently, reporting our progress in our annual Corporate Sustainability Report, which incorporates reporting using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board voluntary reporting framework, and in our responses to the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) and related organizations. We also issued a Climate Strategy Report in 2022 (available at pge.com/climate), which aligned with the guidance from the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures.
Delivering for our Hometowns At PG&E, we recognize our responsibility to understand and respect the needs of our neighbors, including low-income communities, Black, Indigenous people, and other communities of color. Our efforts are guided by our Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) Policy, updated in 2022 and available on our website at pge.com/includes/docs/pdfs/about/environment/pge_ej_policy.pdf. As part of our long-standing commitment, PG&E has maintained a dedicated ESJ Manager to coordinate our efforts from an operational and policy perspective, including engaging with external stakeholders and assisting with internal capacity building as part of a broader PG&E-wide effort to better address the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. | ||||||||
Examples of our ESJ Policy in action include:
• Training more than 400 coworkers—including PG&E’s officer team—to build the competencies to reduce our impact and improve our collaboration with ESJ communities.
• Convening an internal ESJ working group to build an action plan and strengthen our management-level oversight of ESJ initiatives.
• Maintaining our focus on providing affordable energy service and offering financial assistance programs to help customers who are facing financial challenges.
• Continuing our long history of support for supplier diversity and the growth and development of small and diverse businesses.
Our commitment also includes working to strengthen relationships and partnerships with Native American tribal governments and communities. We maintain a tribal liaison and deputy tribal liaison to lead PG&E’s engagement, including activities related to PSPS events, wildfire safety, and the development of sustainable, resilient communities.
Our ESJ Policy aligns with our Human Rights Policy, adopted in 2021, which states that we will conduct our business in a manner that respects the human rights of all.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 8 | ||||
“As a lifetime advocate for environmental and social justice, I commend PG&E’s continued efforts to integrate ESJ in all its work for the company, its customers, and hometowns. At PG&E, ESJ means making better business decisions by understanding the impacts of our activities and investments on environmental and social justice communities, while providing more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable customer solutions. PG&E has a strong commitment to uplifting ESJ in all of its work.” —Benjamin F. Wilson, Independent Board Member, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company | ||||||||
| California’s Prosperity | ||
We believe clean energy alternatives need to be affordable for and inclusive of all economic backgrounds, and we are addressing energy affordability and equity in collaboration with the CPUC and community partners. During 2022, we saw the following highlights:
Home Energy Reports expanded to 3.05 million customers. We are a utility leader in the US for number of customers served and total bill savings generated for customers from this program. | Helped customers avoid more than 675,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions through our energy efficiency programs. | Energy efficiency financing program funded 552 loans for a record $43.1 million lent. | Energy Savings Assistance program worked with over 67,551 households with an average bills savings of $794.12. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 9 | ||||
Helped 223,000 customers enroll in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program, providing income-qualified customers with a monthly discount on their Utility bill, for a total of 1.47 million PG&E customers enrolled in the program. These customers received discounts totaling approximately $985.4 million. | Launched an integrated marketplace website, called the Energy Action Guide, which guides residential customers to find the programs, resources, and customer energy products that suit their needs. The website saw over 237,000 unique visitors, up 99 percent from the previous year and over 1.2 million page views, up 147 percent from the previous year. | Spent $4.79 billion or 39.3 percent of total procurement with more than 600 diverse suppliers which marked the fourth consecutive year of $3 billion-plus spend. PG&E’s diverse spend supported nearly 44,000 jobs, $2.5 billion in wages and $2.3 billion in taxes. Our Supplier Diversity program includes technical assistance like sustainability training to help businesses measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | Awarded a $250,000 grant to local FireSafe Councils to reduce the increased threat of wildfires due to tree mortality in northern and central California. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMUNITY SUPPORT We support our hometowns through charitable giving programs and coworker donations and matching gift donations. Our coworkers also volunteered more than 29,000 hours in their communities while supporting 72 PG&E-sponsored volunteer events throughout our service territory. | ||||||||
| The PG&E Corporation Foundation | ||||||||
More than $8.7 million in total contributions from PG&E coworkers, retirees, and matching gifts from The PG&E Corporation Foundation to 5,000 non-profit organizations and schools. | ||||||||
| PG&E and Foundation | ||||||||
$25 million in charitable giving from PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation to non-profit organizations and schools. | ||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 10 | ||||
| Performance | ||
Our triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Prosperity is underpinned by our unwavering focus on safety and improving our operational and financial performance. We have set specific goals to reduce wildfire risk, invest in our hometowns, and drive earnings growth.
Wildfire Safety In 2022, we met or exceeded 52 of 54 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) targets as we continued to focus on improvements in system hardening, vegetation management, system inspections and monitoring, and modeling capabilities; however, our work is not done until catastrophic wildfires stop. | ||||||||||||||
Sectionalized devices installed: 1,351 since 2019 | Enhanced vegetation management: 8,283 line miles completed since 2019 | System hardening: 1,224 line miles hardened since 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Weather stations: 1,424 stations installed since 2019 | High-definition cameras: 602 cameras installed since 2019 | Over 398,000 poles inspected in High Fire Threat Districts and High Fire Risk Areas in 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
• We have committed to making a “game-changing” investment in undergrounding power lines as a long-term solution to preventing wildfires. Since 2021, we have undergrounded more than 250 miles. We are planning to complete another 350 miles in 2023, and with greater efficiencies and forecasted reduction in costs, we are aiming at a four-year target of undergrounding 2,100 miles between 2023 and 2026 (assuming authorization of all funding applicable for undergrounding requested in the 2023 General Rate Case). Our work will focus on areas where undergrounding can have the greatest effect on reducing wildfire risk and PSPS for customers.
• The EPSS program allows for automatic shutdown of electric lines within 1/10 of a second if the electric system senses a problem. In 2022, EPSS capability was expanded to all High Fire Risk Areas (HFRA) as well as select adjacent areas. Through December 31, 2022, there was a greater than 36 percent reduction in CPUC reportable ignitions in High Fire Threat Districts (HFTD) areas compared to the 2018-2020 three-year average. This is primarily driven by a more than 65 percent reduction in CPUC reportable ignitions on EPSS-enabled lines in HFTD areas (compared to weather-normalized 2018-2020 average ignitions). Along with the significant reduction of overall ignition count, we have also observed a decrease in total HFTD acres burned. In 2022, we observed a 99 percent decrease in total HFTD acres burned relative to the 2018-2020 average. A primary driver for this is understood to be the reduced fault energy, which is the amount of energy delivered to a fault location, that occurs when EPSS protection is enabled. We also saw a 68 percent reduction in reportable ignitions on primary distribution conductor when enabled, weather normalized, and a 99 percent reduction in acres impacted compared to a 2018-2021 3-year average.
• The PSPS program proactively de-energizes power lines in response to forecasted weather conditions. In 2022, no customers were de-energized as part of the PSPS program.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 11 | ||||
Climate Resilience The impacts of climate change on our infrastructure are already a reality. Peak electric loads are expected to increase with rising temperatures due to direct impacts of ambient temperatures on equipment and direct impacts on electricity demand driven by rising air conditioning installation and usage. Climate change will continue to intensify the potential for wildfires throughout California. Additionally, our assets on the coast and in or near watersheds face potential increased exposures to coastal, riverine, and precipitation-related flooding because of climate-driven changes in precipitation and sea-level rise. A key element of preparing for the physical risks of climate change is an updated system-wide Climate Vulnerability Assessment of our assets, operations, and services, which we expect to file with the CPUC in 2024. The assessment is expected to improve our understanding of exposure to climate hazards and the sensitivity of assets and operations to these hazards. Importantly, PG&E will engage with disadvantaged and vulnerable communities throughout this process. | ||||||||||||||
Financial Performance PG&E is focused on mitigating physical and financial risk. Its layers of protection—including wildfire mitigation programs (e.g., system hardening and undergrounding), EPSS, PSPS, and situational awareness—are combining to make PG&E’s system safer and more resilient in the face of evolving climate challenges. If we have excess resources in a particular year, rather than the profits flowing to shareholders, we intend to redeploy back into our system for the benefit of customers in order to deliver a consistent growth trajectory. | ||||||||||||||
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This Joint Proxy Statement contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, expectations, estimates, future plans, and strategies of PG&E Corporation and the Utility, as well as forecasts and estimates regarding PG&E Corporation’s non-GAAP core earnings per share, PSPS program, WMP, climate and clean energy goals and commitments, and other financial and operating expectations, estimates, plans, and strategies. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which management believes are reasonable, and on information currently available to management, but are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition to the risk that these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include factors disclosed in PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on PG&E Corporation’s website at pgecorp.com and on the SEC's website at sec.gov. Some of the factors that could cause future climate and clean energy results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, or from historical results, include, but are not limited to: whether we are able to dedicate adequate resources to implement our climate strategy; uncertainty regarding maturing technologies; uncertainly whether the necessary infrastructure updates will be made to enable a diverse supply of cleaner fuels; the degree to which customers adopt technologies and behaviors that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; regulatory and financing innovations needed to reduce unnecessary new costs for the energy system, and recovering necessary costs in a sustainable, equitable, and affordable manner; the degree to which we attract, retain, and develop a workforce with the required skill profiles to meet our climate strategy; and the impact of changes to federal, state, and local climate policies. Additionally some of the factors that could cause our undergrounding 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 timing and outcome of CPUC proceedings, including ratemaking and cost recovery. Other unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this report could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. PG&E Corporation and the Utility undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 12 | ||||
Proposal 1: Election of Directors of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company
| Board Recommendation | What are you voting on? PG&E Corporation and the Utility each asks its respective shareholders to approve the 2023 director nominations. PG&E Corporation and Utility Class A directors are elected to hold office until the 2024 Joint Annual Meeting, or until their successors are elected and qualified, except in the case of death, resignation or removal of a director. If any of the nominees is unable at the time of the Joint Annual Meeting to accept nomination or serve as a director, the proxy holders named on the PG&E Corporation or Utility Proxy Card (as applicable) will vote for substitute nominees at their discretion. | ||||||||||
| Vote "FOR" Each Nominee | |||||||||||
Board Overview
To create stability as we emerged from Chapter 11 in 2020, and as part of our Plan of Reorganization, we agreed with the CPUC that our Boards would be divided into two classes starting with director elections in 2020, with each class elected for a two-year term. These terms are being phased out—in 2023, Class A directors are elected for a one-year term, and by 2024, all directors will stand for election annually.
All nominees for director of PG&E Corporation (the Corporation) in 2022 also are nominees for director of the Utility. Mr. Singh is a nominee for the Utility Board only. All nominees were nominated by the Board of the respective company.
Nominees
| Name | Age | Independent | ||||||
| Cheryl F. Campbell | 63 | ü | ||||||
| Kerry W. Cooper | 51 | ü | ||||||
| Arno L. Harris | 53 | ü | ||||||
| Carlos M. Hernandez | 68 | ü | ||||||
| Michael R. Niggli | 73 | ü | ||||||
| Sumeet Singh | 44 | |||||||
| Benjamin F. Wilson | 71 | ü | ||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 13 | ||||
DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHIES
Class “A” Directors (Standing for Election in 2023)
Cheryl F. Campbell | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| April 2019 | 63 | •Executive (Chair, Pacific Gas and Electric Company) •Safety and Nuclear Oversight (Chair) •Sustainability and Governance | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Retired Senior Vice President of Gas, Xcel Energy, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Natural Gas Transmission, Distribution, and Safety Risk Management Workforce and/or Public Safety | Background •Energy Industry Consultant (2019 to 2021) •Senior Vice President, Gas (2015 to 2018); Vice President (2011 to 2015); Director, Gas Asset Strategy (2004 to 2008), Xcel Energy, Inc. (Electric and natural gas utility) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Ms. Campbell has deep experience in risk management and oversight, as well as employee and public safety. She has worked on safety regulations at the national level, serving on the Department of Transportation’s Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee, and with organizations involved in environmental sustainability. Ms. Campbell was a member of the independent panel assessing the enterprise risk management and overall safety of the 11 gas utilities in Massachusetts in the aftermath of the September 2018 explosions and fires in Merrimack Valley. Public Company Board Service •TC Energy Corporation (2022 to present) Other Board Service •National Association of Corporate Directors, Colorado Chapter (2022 to present) •Women’s Leadership Foundation (2020 to present) (Chair of the Board) •JANA Corporation (2020 to present) •Summit Utilities, Inc. (2020 to present) •National Underground Group (2018 to present) Past Board Service •Gold Shovel Association (2020 to 2022) | ||||||||||||||||
Kerry W. Cooper | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 51 | •Finance and Innovation •People and Compensation | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Former President and Chief Operating Officer, Rothy’s Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Large Scale Customer Experience Financial Performance and Planning Technology and Cybersecurity | Background •President and Chief Operating Officer, Rothy’s Inc. (Consumer goods) (2017 to 2020) •Chief Executive Officer, Choose Energy Inc. (National energy marketplace) (2013 to 2016) •Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Modcloth (Consumer goods) (2010 to 2013) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Ms. Cooper brings extensive experience in implementing large-scale customer programs, which is critical as the Boards oversee PG&E’s efforts to regionalize and bring operations closer to the customer. During her time at Choose Energy, she built the brand and oversaw its expansion to all deregulated states and natural gas and solar, resulting in a sustainable business model. Ms. Cooper has previously been responsible for managing financial reporting at several companies. She also provides the perspective of a PG&E customer and California resident. Public Company Board Service •Upstart Holdings Inc. (2021 to present) •TPB Acquisition Corporation I (2021 to February 2023) Other Board Service •Mozilla (March 2023 to present) •Fictiv (February 2023 to present) •Gradient (2020 to present) •Fernish (2020 to present) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 14 | ||||
Arno L. Harris | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 53 | •Audit •Sustainability and Governance | |||||||||||||||
Current Position Managing Partner, AHC | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Innovation and Technology in Clean Energy Climate Change and Climate Resilience Renewable Energy and Related Engineering Experience | Background •Managing Partner, AHC (Clean energy and transportation consulting) (2015 to present) •Chief Executive Officer, Alta Motors (Electric motorcycle manufacturer) (2017 to 2018) •Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Recurrent Energy, LLC (Utility-scale solar project developer) (2006 to 2015) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Harris brings 25 years of experience in clean technology and renewable energy through his work on climate change through the intersection of technology, business, and public policy. His understanding of energy, sustainability, and commercial operations within California’s regulatory environment contributes to the Boards’ effective oversight of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and climate change issues. Mr. Harris is also a longtime California resident and PG&E customer who has demonstrated a commitment to the community through his work supporting Tipping Point Community, a non-profit focused on alleviating poverty. Other Board Service •Gator Holdings, LLC (2022 to present) Past Public Company Board Service •ArcLight Clean Transition II (2021 to 2022) •Azure Power Global Limited (2016 to 2022) (Chair of Audit Committee; Chair of Capital Committee) •ArcLight Clean Transition Corp. (2020 to 2021) | ||||||||||||||||
Carlos M. Hernandez | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| March 2022 | 68 | •Audit •Finance and Innovation | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Former Chief Executive Officer, Fluor Corporation | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Risk Management Financial Performance and Planning Workforce and/or Public Safety | Background •Chief Executive Officer (2019 to 2020); Interim Chief Executive Officer (2019); Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Secretary (2007 to 2019), Fluor Corporation (Engineering and construction) •General Counsel and Secretary, Arcelor Mittal Americas (Steel and mining) (2004 to 2007) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Hernandez brings decades of experience in legal affairs, risk management, financial restructuring, and corporate governance and compliance. He has a strong foundation in law, business, and engineering, having served as General Counsel of publicly-traded companies in engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), manufacturing, and distribution. During his time at Fluor Corporation, he developed, led, and executed project risk assessment, established new selectivity criteria, and restored confidence in the company’s financial reporting. He has experience with environmental and safety matters, as well as government affairs. Past Public Company Board Service •Fluor Corporation (2019 to 2020) Other Board Service •Steward Health Care System (2021 to present) •NuScale Power LLC (2011 to 2019) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 15 | ||||
Michael R. Niggli | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 73 | •People and Compensation •Safety and Nuclear Oversight | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Retired President and Chief Operating Officer, San Diego Gas & Electric Company | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Wildfire Safety, Prevention and Mitigation Natural Gas Transmission, Distribution, and Safety Nuclear Generation Safety | Background •President and Chief Operating Officer (2010 to 2013); Chief Operating Officer (2007 to 2010), San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) •Chief Operating Officer, Southern California Gas Company (2006 to 2007) Experience, Skills, and Expertise With more than four decades of experience in the utility and energy sector, Mr. Niggli brings significant operations, risk management, and leadership experience, particularly in regulated utilities. Mr. Niggli provides in-depth knowledge of the California regulatory landscape, and during his leadership role at SDG&E established the first-of-their-kind wildfire and public safety programs aimed at reducing wildfire risks. He has been a longtime supporter of and leader for the Great Basin National Park Foundation, working to make accessible the natural resources of the park. Mr. Niggli also currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for California State University, Long Beach. Public Company Board Service •ESS, Inc. (2015 to present) (Chair of the Board) •Avanea Energy Co. (2021 to present) Other Board Service •American Transmission Company (2015 to present) •ESVAL (2015 to present) •ESSBIO (2015 to present) | ||||||||||||||||
Sumeet Singh | Director Since | Age | Non-Independent Director, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Board | ||||||||||||||
| March 2023 | 44 | ||||||||||||||||
Current Position Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Utility Operations or Related Engineering Experience Natural gas transmission, distribution, operation, and safety Wildfire Safety, Preparedness, Prevention, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery | Background •Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Utility) (2023 to present) •Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Chief Safety Officer, PG&E Corporation and the Utility (2022 to 2023) •Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, PG&E Corporation and the Utility (2021) •Interim President and Chief Risk Officer of the Utility and Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, PG&E Corporation (2021) •Senior Vice President, Chief Risk Officer (2020 to 2021) •Gas Integrity & Safety Officer, Picarro Inc. (Gas analyzer manufacturer) (2020); •Vice President, Asset Management and Community Wildfire Safety Program, Utility (2018 to 2020); •Vice President, Gas Operations, Utility (2014 to 2018) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Singh provides the Utility Board with knowledge of the Utility’s operations, experienced utility leadership, and engineering background. He also brings experience in safety, risk, electric and gas operations, and asset management developed during his career with PG&E. As the Utility’s Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Singh focuses on safety, increasing connectivity among operational groups, and promoting operational excellence. Other Board Service •GTI Energy (2021 to present) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 16 | ||||
Benjamin F. Wilson | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 71 | •Audit (Chair) •Sustainability and Governance •Executive | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Retired Chairman, Beveridge & Diamond PC | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Risk Management Climate Change and Climate Resilience Management Incentives | Background •Chairman (2017 to 2021); Managing Principal (2008 to 2016), Beveridge & Diamond PC (Environmental law practice) •Adjunct Professor, Howard University (2004 to present) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Wilson brings a depth of experience, having been lead counsel in numerous complex environmental and regulatory matters for major consumer product corporations, retailers, oil and gas companies, municipalities, and developers. His service as Monitor for the Duke Energy coal ash spill remediation project and as Deputy Monitor in the Volkswagen emissions proceedings provides an important perspective to the Board. Mr. Wilson also offers deep experience with environmental justice issues and is a recognized leader on diversity and inclusion issues in the legal profession. Other Board Service •Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (2010 to present) (Lead Director, Audit Committee member) •Environmental Law Institute (2017 to present) •Dartmouth College (2012 to 2020) (Chair of Audit Committee) | ||||||||||||||||
Class “B” Directors (Not Standing for Election in 2023)
Rajat Bahri | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 59 | •Audit •Finance and Innovation | |||||||||||||||
Current Position Chief Financial Officer, Icertis | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Financial Performance and Planning Technology and Cybersecurity Large Scale Customer Experience | Background •Chief Financial Officer, Icertis (Contractor management software company) (2022 to present) •Chief Financial Officer, ID.me, Inc. (Digital identity network) (2021 to 2022) •Chief Financial Officer, Wish (Digital marketplace) (2016 to 2021) •Chief Financial Officer, Jasper Technologies Inc. (Internet of Things service platform) (2013 to 2016) •Chief Financial Officer, Trimble Navigation Limited (Information technology) (2005 to 2013) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Bahri is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with public company experience and extensive knowledge of finance, financial performance and planning and audit. He is skilled at building enterprise-wide systems and teams, and brings decades of experience in executive compensation, enterprise risk management, and corporate governance, as well as the operation of audit committees. As a California resident, Mr. Bahri also provides the perspective of a utility customer to the Board. Past Public Company Board Service •STEC, Inc. (2008 to 2011) (Chair of the Audit Committee) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 17 | ||||
Edward G. Cannizzaro | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| February 2023 | 62 | •Finance and Innovation •Audit | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Former Global Head of Quality, Risk and Regulatory, KPMG International | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Financial Literacy Risk Management Audit | Background •Global Head of Quality, Risk and Regulatory, KPMG International Limited (2018 to 2022) •National Managing Partner - Risk Management, KPMG (2016 to 2018) •Lead Engagement Partner, KPMG (2009 to 2016) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Cannizzaro brings 40 years of experience as a global financial executive to the Boards of the Corporation and the Utility. He has a deep background in financial accounting and reporting, risk management, operations, and operational regulatory compliance. During his tenure at KPMG, he served as the Global Head of Quality, Risk and Regulatory, the West Area Managing Partner of Audit, and provided sound oversight and governance as a member of the Board of Directors of KPMG Americas and KPMG US. Mr. Cannizzaro also provides the perspective of a PG&E customer and California resident. Public Company Board Service •Ross Stores, Inc. (2022 to present) Other Board Service •KPMG LLP (2015 to 2018) | ||||||||||||||||
Jessica L. Denecour | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 61 | •Sustainability and Governance (Chair) •People and Compensation •Safety and Nuclear Oversight •Executive | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Varian Medical Systems, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Technology and Cybersecurity Workforce and/or Public Safety Risk Management | Background •Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Varian Medical Systems (Medical device manufacturer and software for cancer treatments) (2006 to 2017) •Vice President, Global IT Application and Solution Services and Global Infrastructure and Operations, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (Chemical analysis, life sciences, and diagnostics) (2000 to 2005) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Ms. Denecour has more than 30 years of experience leading global companies into the digital age. As a senior executive and Chief Information Officer, she gained a deep understanding of threats and mitigations in cybersecurity risk management, and experience overseeing investments in new, innovative technology. During her career, she led multiple IT transformations, built effective data privacy and security programs, and implemented state-of-the-art IT governance and systems. A long-time California resident and utility customer, Ms. Denecour has also demonstrated a commitment to the community through her board work supporting gender parity in the boardroom, and creativity and lifelong learning in children. Past Public Company Board Service •MobileIron Inc. (2017 to 2020) (Chair of the Cybersecurity Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee, and Member of the Audit Committee) Other Board Service •Athena Alliance (2016 to 2018) (founding member) •Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose (2010 to 2017) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 18 | ||||
Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III, USN (ret.) | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 66 | •People and Compensation (Chair) •Safety and Nuclear Oversight •Executive | |||||||||||||||
Current Position Independent Defense and Aerospace Consultant | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Nuclear Generation Safety Workforce and/or Public Safety Management Incentives | Background •Independent Aerospace and Defense Consultant, MK3 Global LLC (2016 to present) •Advisor, Defense Science Studies Group, Institute for Defense Analyses (2019 to present) •Advisor, Allied Command Operations, NATO (2018 to present) •Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company (2016 to 2020) •Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa (2014 to 2016); Vice Chief of Naval Operations (2011 to 2014), U.S. Navy Experience, Skills, and Expertise Admiral Ferguson brings decades of experience in nuclear reactor operations, nuclear propulsion engineering, risk and change management, and cyber preparedness from his 38-year career in the U.S. Navy. Through his leadership positions in the U.S. Navy, he directed the transformation of its personnel management system and education programs. His organization received the Workforce Magazine Optimas Award for innovative personnel policies supporting diversity and women in the workplace. Admiral Ferguson presently is a member of several veteran service organizations and holds a NACD certification in cyber risk oversight. Public Company Board Service •VSE Corporation (2017 to present) Other Board Service •Center for Naval Analyses (2017 to 2021) (Chair of the Audit Committee) | ||||||||||||||||
Robert C. Flexon | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 64 | •Executive (Chair, Corporation Committee) •Audit •Finance and Innovation | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Former President and Chief Executive Officer, Dynegy Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Risk Management Financial Performance and Planning Management Incentives | Background •President and Chief Executive Officer, Dynegy Inc. (Independent power producer) (2011 to 2018) •Chief Financial Officer, UGI Corporation (Electric and natural gas utility) (2011) •Chief Executive Officer, Foster Wheeler AG (Engineering and Construction) (2009 to 2010) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Flexon, our Corporation’s Independent Board Chair, provides executive leadership experience in the competitive power and oil and gas sectors. During his time at Dynegy, he executed cultural, operational, and financial restructuring that tripled the company’s size and achieved top decile safety performance, as well as enhanced employee engagement. Mr. Flexon brings extensive safety, risk management and labor relations experience, as well as experience with turnarounds, having led both Dynegy’s 2011 bankruptcy and NRG Energy Inc.’s [2003] post-bankruptcy exit. Public Company Board Service •Capstone Green Energy Corporation (2018 to present) (Chair of the Board, Member of Audit Committee, and Member of Compensation Committee) •Charah Solutions, Inc. (2018 to present) (Chair of Audit Committee) •TransAlta Corporation (2018 to 2020) •Westmoreland Coal Company (2016 to 2019) •Dynegy Inc. (2011 to 2018) Other Board Service •ERCOT (Texas Independent System Operator) (2021 to present) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 19 | ||||
W. Craig Fugate | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| July 2020 | 64 | •Safety and Nuclear Oversight •Sustainability and Governance | |||||||||||||||
Current Position Owner, Craig Fugate Consulting | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Wildfire Safety, Prevention and Mitigation Climate Change and Climate Resilience Nuclear Generation Safety | Background •Chief Emergency Management Officer, One Concern, Inc. (Emergency management technology) (2017 to 2022) •Senior Instructor and Advisor, U.S. Army Civilian Emergency Management Program (2017 to present) •Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (Appointed by the President, Senate Confirmed) (2009 to 2017) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Fugate has a deep background in emergency management and crisis response at the county, state, and federal level. During his time at FEMA, Mr. Fugate led the organization through multiple record-breaking disaster years and oversaw the Federal Government’s response to major events, such as the Joplin and Moore tornadoes, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, and the 2016 Louisiana flooding. Mr. Fugate has a strong track record in establishing a robust safety culture and driving a community-oriented approach to emergency management. Other Board Service •America’s Public Television Stations (2017 to present) | ||||||||||||||||
Patricia K. Poppe | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| January 2021 | 54 | •Executive | |||||||||||||||
Current Position Chief Executive Officer, PG&E Corporation | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Workforce and/or Public Safety Utility Operations or Related Engineering Experience Labor Relations | Background •Chief Executive Officer, PG&E Corporation (2021 to present) •President and Chief Executive Officer, CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy (2016 to 2020) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Ms. Poppe brings over 15 years of experience, including as chief executive, in the highly regulated utility industry. Under her leadership, CMS Energy and Consumers Energy earned consistent industry recognition and maintained strong operational and financial performance. PG&E values Ms. Poppe’s extensive utility experience championing safety and workplace equity, developing strong working relationships with labor, and building broad support for clean energy. She demonstrates a commitment to the community through her board work supporting the California Chamber of Commerce. Public Company Board Service •Whirlpool Corporation (2019 to present) Other Board Service •California Chamber of Commerce (2022 to present) •Electric Power Research Institute (2021 to present) •Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (2021 to present) •AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc. (2019 to present) •Edison Electric Institute (2016 to present) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 20 | ||||
William L. Smith | Director Since | Age | Current Board Committees | ||||||||||||||
| October 2019 | 65 | •Finance and Innovation (Chair) •Safety and Nuclear Oversight •Executive | |||||||||||||||
Recent Position Retired President of Technology Operations, AT&T Services, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
Skills Matrix Technology and Cybersecurity Utility Operations or Related Engineering Experience Large Scale Customer Experience | Background •Interim Chief Executive Officer, PG&E Corporation (2020) •President, Technology Operations (2014 to 2016); President, Network Operations (2008 to 2014), AT&T (Telecommunications) Experience, Skills, and Expertise Mr. Smith brings in-depth knowledge of PG&E’s operations to the Boards, having served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2020 while PG&E Corporation searched for a long-term leader. He also brings decades of technology, and strategy experience from his 37-year tenure at AT&T. This includes large-scale integration and modernization of vast infrastructure networks, identification and implementation of new technologies, and a track record of delivering on commitments to public and employee safety. Additionally, Mr. Smith offers expertise in cybersecurity, having led the operational cybersecurity team at AT&T and having had significant interaction with the NSA, FBI, and DHS on cyber matters. Past Public Company Board Service •OCLARO, Inc. (2012 to 2018) Other Board Service •Tillman Networks LLC (2017 to present) (Chair of the Board) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 21 | ||||
Diversity
Diversity is a core value for us, as demonstrated by the composition of our Boards, and one that we will continue to champion in the future. PG&E asks the continuing directors to self-identify using the following categories of underrepresented communities (reflecting those listed in California’s Assembly Bill 979 on board diversity, and of interest to the companies’ stakeholders: Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, North African, or Middle Eastern, or gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or other member of the queer community. The Sustainability and Governance Committee and the Boards annually review whether the diversity represented by the members of the Boards serves the needs of the companies, as part of the Director Refreshment Process, which is described more on page 24. If a diversity gap is identified, then as Board vacancies arise the Sustainability and Governance Committee will consider and prioritize the need to close that gap, along with other factors, in its director recruitment process.
| Committee Memberships | Other Public Boards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Independent | Diverse | Tenure | A | FI | PC | SNO | SG | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cheryl F. Campbell | • | G | 4 | * | • | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kerry W. Cooper | • | G | 2.75 | • | • | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arno L. Harris | • | CAU | 2.75 | • | • | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carlos M. Hernandez | • | HSP | 1 | • | • | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Michael R. Niggli | • | CAU | 2.75 | • | • | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | API | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benjamin F. Wilson | • | AA | 2.75 | * | • | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rajat Bahri | • | API | 2.75 | • | • | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Edward G. Cannizzaro | • | HSP | 0 | • | • | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jessica L. Denecour | • | G | 2.75 | • | • | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mark E. Ferguson III | • | CAU | 2.75 | * | • | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Robert C. Flexon | • | CAU | 2.75 | • | • | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| W. Craig Fugate | • | CAU | 2.75 | • | • | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | G | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| William L. Smith | • | CAU | 3.5 | * | • | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
API = Asian, Pacific Islander | AA = African American | CAU = Caucasian | HSP = Hispanic/Latinx | G = Gender Diversity | * = Chair | ||||||||||||
A = Audit Committees | FI = Finance and Innovation Committee | PC = People and Compensation Committee | SNO = Safety, Nuclear, and Oversight Committees | SG = Sustainability and Governance Committee | |||||||||||||
Our Board and management reflect our commitment to diversity in the following roles:
| • | Corporation Chief Executive Officer | • | Utility Chief Operating Officer | • | Independent Chair of Utility Board of Directors | ||||||||||||||||||
| • | Chair of Audit Committee | • | Chair of Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committee | • | Chair of Sustainability and Governance Committee | ||||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 22 | ||||
Independence
On each of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Boards, all of the current non-employee directors are independent as defined by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The definitions of independence found in the Corporation and Utility’s Corporate Governance Guidelines reflect the applicable NYSE definitions and are available on that company’s website.
PG&E Corporation and the Utility also have determined that from January 1, 2022, to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement, each of the following past directors was independent while serving on the Boards, according to the applicable company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines: Dean L. Seavers.
We found no transactions or relationships that would compromise any non-employee director’s general independence during 2022 and thus required the Boards’ consideration and review.
There are no familial relationships between any director of the Corporation or the Utility, executive officer of the Corporation or the Utility, or person nominated or chosen to become a director or executive officer of the Corporation or the Utility.
Skills
Our Boards exhibit diversity of experience, skills, and attributes, and this allows them to effectively oversee the companies’ operations. Key Board leaders have substantial expertise in areas such as wildfire mitigation, natural gas operations, risk management, and cybersecurity. The Sustainability and Governance Committee reviews, and the Boards approve, the skills matrix annually, taking into account the current composition of the Boards and the criteria previously agreed upon with our key stakeholders and regulators.
| Skills Matrix | ||||||||||||||
| • | Wildfire safety, preparedness, prevention, mitigation, response, and/or recovery | • | Workforce safety and public safety | |||||||||||
| • | Technology and cybersecurity | • | Nuclear generation safety | |||||||||||
| • | Natural gas transmission, distribution, operation, and safety | • | Public policy (legal, regulatory, or government) | |||||||||||
| • | Leadership in the energy or utility industry | • | Utility operation or related engineering experience | |||||||||||
| • | Innovation and technology in the clean energy or utility industry | • | Risk management (including enterprise risk management) | |||||||||||
| • | Climate change mitigation or climate resilience | • | Renewable energy and related engineering experience | |||||||||||
| • | Financial performance and planning | • | Financial literacy | |||||||||||
| • | Audit | • | Management incentives | |||||||||||
| • | Labor relations | • | Large-scale customer experience | |||||||||||
| • | Public company board experience | • | Community leadership | |||||||||||
GOVERNANCE
We believe our current governance practices provide the foundation for excellence. Our practices include:
| • | All non-executive directors are independent, including Board chairs | • | Regular executive session meetings without management | |||||||||||
| • | All independent committees (other than Executive Committees) | • | Separation of leadership roles of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||
| • | Proxy access provisions consistent with market standards—three percent for three years | • | Executive and director stock ownership guidelines | |||||||||||
| • | Director over-boarding policy prohibiting service on more than three public company boards | • | No supermajority vote requirements | |||||||||||
| • | Majority vote for directors, with mandatory resignation policy and plurality carve-out for contested elections | • | One share, one vote | |||||||||||
| • | Board oversight of key areas, including risk, cybersecurity, safety, sustainability, climate resilience, compliance, and ethics | • | No anti-takeover poison pill — shareholder approval required for adoption | |||||||||||
| • | Annual Board and Committee evaluations | • | Confidential voting policy for uncontested elections | |||||||||||
| • | Ongoing director education | • | Policy limiting obtaining certain types of services from the independent auditor | |||||||||||
Many of our governance practices are documented in the Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted by the Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility and available on our website. These Guidelines are reviewed annually and updated as recommended by the Sustainability and Governance Committee.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 23 | ||||
Leadership Structure
Each company’s Board maintains a flexible policy regarding board leadership structure, including whether the offices of Chair and CEO (or President, if the office of CEO is not filled) should be separate and, if the roles are separate, whether the Chair should be elected from management or from among the non-management directors. The Board regularly assesses the appropriateness of the Board’s leadership structure at least annually, and when there is a vacancy in the positions of either the Chair or the CEO (or PEOs), given the specific facts at the time of assessment including, for example, regulatory requirements, the skills, expertise, and experience of individuals serving as Chair or CEO, and corporate structural needs.
At both PG&E Corporation and the Utility, the Chair of the Board is independent. The Chair’s primary duties are to preside over meetings of the Board, including special meetings and set meeting agendas. For joint meetings of both companies’ Boards, the PG&E Corporation Chair performs these functions. Additionally, the Chair is consulted regarding each Board’s nominees and the composition and chairmanship of Board committees. At both companies, the independent directors meet at each regularly scheduled Board meeting in executive session. These executive session meetings generally are chaired by the independent Chair, who also establishes the agenda for each executive session meeting and determines which, if any, other individuals (including members of management) attend each meeting. For joint executive session meetings of both companies’ Boards, the PG&E Corporation Chair performs these functions.
At each company, if the Chair is not independent, then the independent directors must elect a lead independent director from among the independent chairs of the standing PG&E Corporation and Utility Board committees. Currently, each company has an independent Chair, and so neither company has a lead independent director.
PG&E Corporation | ||
Pacific Gas and Electric Company | ||
At Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the positions of Chair and PEO have been separated since January 2008. In December 2022, Cheryl F. Campbell became the independent non-executive Chair of the Utility Board. No single individual serves as the Utility’s PEO, and the Utility Board has allocated the duties and powers of the office of the Utility President to Sumeet Singh, who since March 1, 2023, has served as the Utility’s Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Marlene Santos, who since March 2021 has served as the Utility’s Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, and Jason Glickman, who since May 2021 has served as the Utility’s Executive Vice President, Engineering, Planning, and Strategy. Separating the roles of Chair and PEO allows the Utility to preserve continuity while continuing to attract and retain top talent and allows customers and other stakeholders to benefit from the complementary skill sets and business experiences of Ms. Campbell, Mr. Singh, Ms. Santos, and Mr. Glickman. As a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, the Utility also benefits from the fact that Mr. Flexon is a member of the Utility Board. Pursuant to the CPUC’s affiliate rules, no individual may serve as Chair of the Board, CEO, or President, or in a functionally equivalent position, of both PG&E Corporation and the Utility.
Director Refreshment
Our ongoing process to select directors begins with the Sustainability and Governance Committee, which selects the nominees who will be submitted for shareholder vote.
The Sustainability and Governance Committee’s written policy, as reflected in each company’s Guidelines, is to seek nominees with a range of different backgrounds, perspectives, skills, experiences, and fit with Board culture, including characteristics like integrity, ethical standards, judgment, interpersonal skills and relations, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. The Guidelines also require the Committee and Boards to consider important public policy objectives such as diversity, representation from regions PG&E serves, and commitment to California’s climate change goals, and also consider a candidate’s age (in light of each Board’s director retirement policy), applicable legal requirements, and other factors as it deems appropriate given the current needs of the Board and the Company.
The director refreshment process includes an annual review of the incumbent directors’ independence, skills, qualifications, and commitment to serving on the Boards. The ability to commit to serving on the Boards is considered broadly and includes an assessment of all outside commitments.
For new Board nominees, the Sustainability and Governance Committee (in consultation with the Chair of the applicable Board) works with independent search firms (retained by the Boards or the Committee) to identify candidates who are qualified to serve. Mr. Hernandez, who is being submitted to shareholders for the first time in 2023, [and Mr. Cannizzaro, who was recently appointed and will be up for election in 2024] were identified by such a firm. The independent search firm develops lists of candidates that meet the criteria and, as a whole, represent a variety of the desired skills and attributes, including contributing to Board diversity.
The companies also accept recommendations for director nominees from a variety of sources, including shareholders, community-based organizations, management, and other directors, which are also referred to independent search firms for review. The Committee uses the same criteria, including diversity and skills on the skills matrix, to review all candidates recommended for nomination at the annual meetings—including candidates nominated by shareholders—and reviews all such candidates at the same time.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 24 | ||||
Shareholders may recommend a person for the Committee to consider as a nominee for director of PG&E Corporation or the Utility by writing to that company’s Corporate Secretary. Recommendations must include (a) a description of the candidate (name, age, principal occupation, business address, and residence address), (b) the class and number of shares of the company’s stock owned by the shareholder and the candidate, (c) other information about the candidate that would be in a proxy statement listing the candidate as a director nominee, and (d) any interest of the shareholder in the candidate’s nomination. We may request additional information on the candidate or the shareholder if needed.
Board and Committee Evaluation Process
Our Boards and committees evaluate their own effectiveness throughout the year. Each Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines require that the Sustainability and Governance Committee oversee the process for evaluating and assessing the performance of the Boards, including Board committees and each Board’s independent non-executive Chair, and periodically review the process for conducting such evaluations and consider whether such evaluations should be assisted by third parties. For the 2023 board evaluations, the Sustainability and Governance Committee engaged a third party governance consultant as part of the annual board evaluations. The process included written questionnaires completed by each director and members of the executive officer team and in-depth director and executive management interviews. The consultant sought and provided feedback about individual directors. Topics included board duties and responsibilities, board composition and leadership, board process, and culture. A summary was provided to leadership and the Sustainability and Governance Committee, and a report was given to both Boards. The evaluation process includes a formal check in mid-year on the effectiveness of implemented changes to help ensure accountability for improvements.
Service on Other Boards
If a director is considering serving on the board of another public company (in addition to PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and their respective subsidiaries), that director must inform the Chair of the Sustainability and Governance Committee and the Chair of the Board of the Corporation and/or the Utility, as applicable, before accepting membership on any such board. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable Board, (1) a director may not serve on more than three public company boards (in addition to the Corporation and Utility Boards) and (2) a director who is the PEO of a public company (including the Corporation and the Utility) may not serve on more than two public company boards in addition to the board of his or her employer. For these purposes, the Boards of the Corporation and the Utility would count as one board.
If an Audit Committee member simultaneously serves on the audit committees of three or more public companies other than PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and their respective subsidiaries, the Committee member must inform the applicable company’s Board. In order for that member to continue serving on the Audit Committees, each Board must affirmatively determine that the simultaneous service does not impair that committee member’s ability to serve effectively on the applicable Audit Committee.
All members of the Boards are in compliance with the above policies regarding service on other public company boards, as well as on audit committees of other public company boards.
OPERATIONS
Committee Responsibilities
The Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility have permanent standing committees, which support each Board’s basic responsibilities, with formal charters that set forth their responsibilities. Each Board also may establish temporary ad hoc committees, subcommittees, or other informal governing bodies from time to time. Where a committee exists at PG&E Corporation only, that committee’s responsibilities include assisting and advising the Utility Board on matters within the committee’s scope of responsibility.
| Committee Name | Company | Scope of Responsibility/Topics Discussed | |||||||||
| Executive | PG&E Corporation and Utility | Exercises powers and performs duties of the applicable Board, subject to limits imposed by state law. | |||||||||
Audit(1) | PG&E Corporation and Utility | Oversees and monitors: | |||||||||
| • | Integrity of the company financial statements, and financial and accounting practices | ||||||||||
| • | Internal control over financial reporting, and external and internal auditing programs | ||||||||||
| • | Selection and oversight of the companies’ Independent Auditor | ||||||||||
| • | Review and oversee the compliance and ethics program, including but not limited to, evaluating the effectiveness of such program | ||||||||||
| • | Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, in concert with other Board committees | ||||||||||
| • | Related party transactions | ||||||||||
| • | Oversees guidelines and policies for risk management, and the allocation of specific risks to committees for oversight | ||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 25 | ||||
| Committee Name | Company | Scope of Responsibility/Topics Discussed | |||||||||
| People and Compensation | PG&E Corporation | Oversees matters relating to compensation and benefits, including: | |||||||||
| • | Compensation for non-employee directors | ||||||||||
| • | Development, selection, and compensation of policy-making officers | ||||||||||
| • | Annual approval of the corporate goals and objectives of the PG&E Corporation CEO and the Utility CEO (or if that position is not filled, the PEOs) | ||||||||||
| • | Management evaluation and officer succession planning | ||||||||||
| • | Employment, compensation, and benefits policies and practices | ||||||||||
| • | Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs | ||||||||||
Finance and Innovation(2) | PG&E Corporation | Oversees matters relating to financial and investment planning, policies, and risks, including: | |||||||||
| • | Financial and investment plans and strategies, including a multi-year financial outlook | ||||||||||
| • | Dividend policy | ||||||||||
| • | Proposed capital projects and divestitures | ||||||||||
| • | Financing plans | ||||||||||
| • | Strategic investments in technology, clean energy, and technology infrastructure | ||||||||||
| • | Strategic plans and initiatives for potential investments in businesses, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and other business combinations involving the companies | ||||||||||
Sustainability and Governance | PG&E Corporation | Oversees matters relating to selection of directors, corporate governance, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, including: | |||||||||
| • | Recommendation of Board candidates, including a review of skills and characteristics required of Board members | ||||||||||
| • | Selection of the chairs and membership of Board committees | ||||||||||
| • | Corporate governance matters, including the companies’ governance principles and practices, and the review of shareholder proposals | ||||||||||
| • | Evaluation of the Boards’ performance and effectiveness | ||||||||||
| • | Climate change and climate resilience planning | ||||||||||
| • | Environmental compliance | ||||||||||
| • | Charitable and political contributions | ||||||||||
Safety and Nuclear Oversight | PG&E Corporation and Utility | Oversees matters relating to safety, risk, wildfire safety, and operational performance, including: | |||||||||
| • | Safety programs, promotion of safety culture, and long-term and short-term safety plans | ||||||||||
| • | Wildfire risk reduction and performance against the wildfire safety commitments made by the Utility | ||||||||||
| • | Operational performance and risks related to the Utility’s nuclear, generation, and gas and electric transmission and distribution facilities | ||||||||||
| • | Cybersecurity | ||||||||||
(1) Established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(2) Each year, the Finance and Innovation Committee presents for the PG&E Corporation and the Utility Boards’ review and/or concurrence (1) a multi-year financial outlook for the Corporation and the Utility that, among other things, summarizes projected financial performance and establishes the basis for the annual budgets, and (2) an annual financial performance plan that establishes financial objectives and sets operating expense and capital spending budgets that reflect the first year of the multi-year financial outlook. Members of the Boards receive regular reports that compare actual to budgeted financial performance and provides other information about financial and operational performance.
Committee Membership Requirements
The Audit Committees, the People and Compensation Committee, and the Sustainability and Governance Committee are composed entirely of independent directors, as required and defined by the NYSE.
Each of the standing committees (other than the Executive Committees) is composed entirely of independent directors, as defined in the applicable company’s Guidelines and the Committee’s charters.
Each member of the Audit Committees and each member of the People and Compensation Committee also satisfies heightened independence standards established by SEC rules and applicable stock exchange requirements regarding independence of audit committee members and compensation committee members.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 26 | ||||
Each member of the Audit Committees is also financially literate. The following Audit Committee members also have been identified as audit committee financial experts (and background information for each audit committee financial expert can be found in their director biographies beginning on page 14):
| Rajat Bahri | Robert C. Flexon | Arno L. Harris | Benjamin F. Wilson | Edward G. Cannizzaro | ||||||||||
Members of the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees are required to have special expertise in one of the following areas (pursuant to an agreement reached with the CPUC):
• Specific substantial expertise related to wildfire safety, wildfire prevention, and/or wildfire mitigation
• Specific substantial expertise related to the safe operation of a natural gas distribution company
• Specific substantial expertise related to enterprise risk management, including cyber security, and/or experience with nuclear safety
Current committee membership for all directors can be found in the table on page 22.
The Sustainability and Governance Committee, in consultation with the Chair of the applicable Board and the applicable CEO or PEOs, with consideration of the interests of the individual directors, recommends to the full Board the chairmanship and membership of each committee. Committee chairs are appointed for three years at a time, but may serve consecutive terms. The regular review cadence for committee membership is generally aligned with the Board and committee self-evaluation processes, and committee assignments consider input gathered during such evaluations.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
There were no impermissible interlocks or inside directors on the People and Compensation Committee.
Orientation and Continuing Education
As part of the onboarding of new directors, the PG&E Corporation and Utility Boards host several topic-specific onboarding sessions and a Board meeting, during which the new directors and the continuing directors meet together, and with PG&E officers, to discuss, among other things, the overall context for the companies’ current situation and establish the Boards’ governance framework.
Directors regularly receive information on subjects that would assist them in discharging their duties both in formal Board and committee meetings and on an ad hoc basis in response to PG&E or industry events or expressed areas of interest or growth. Topics include business operations, safety, risk management, cybersecurity, corporate governance matters, legal proceedings, the regulatory and policy landscape, sustainability goals and activities, financial performance, and other key stakeholder issues.
Each director receives information regarding opportunities for continuing education and is expected to stay current on important developments pertaining to such director’s function and duties to the companies by attending such programs as appropriate or otherwise.
Commitment to Our Board
During 2022, there were eight meetings of the PG&E Corporation Board and eight meetings of the Utility Board. Board meetings for both Corporation and Utility had an attendance rate of 97 percent in 2022. Each incumbent director attended at least 75 percent of the total meetings of the Boards and the committees on which he or she served.
Under each company’s Guidelines, directors are expected to attend annual meetings of that company’s shareholders. All of the directors attended the joint annual meeting held in 2022.
Audit(3) | People & Compensation | Finance & Innovation | Sustainability & Governance | Safety & Nuclear Oversight(1) | |||||||||||||
| Number of Meetings in 2022 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Attendance | 96% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||||||||||||
(3) | Meetings of the Corporation and Utility committees are concurrent, and numbers reflect numbers for both committees. | ||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 27 | ||||
Shareholder Engagement
We value our shareholders’ views and maintain an open and constructive dialogue with shareholders throughout the year. In 2022, activities included: •Meetings with large institutional investors •Engagement at industry investor conferences •Quarterly earnings calls and live Q&A •Investor Day and hosted on-site meetings | ||||||||
Leading up to the 2023 Annual Meetings, PG&E reached out to our large institutional shareholders, resulting in direct engagement with shareholders representing more than 35 percent of the total outstanding shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock. The discussions focused on topics such as operational metrics, contractor safety, ESG, and executive compensation.
PG&E Corporation has a record of Board responsiveness to shareholders. Under the companies’ Guidelines, the independent Chairs of the Boards are responsible for responding to written communications that are directed to the Boards from shareholders and other parties. See the “User Guide” section on page 89 for information on how to correspond with directors.
OVERSIGHT
| Strategy | ||
The Boards oversee and provide guidance on the business strategy and also monitor the performance of the Corporation and the Utility. The Boards have delegated responsibility for day-to-day business operations to senior management who in turn provides regular updates to the Boards on progress towards accomplishing strategic goals. Board members are expected to develop and maintain a broad understanding of the companies strategic opportunities and plans. Board members actively participate in the regular updates related to strategic planning and goals, providing insight and direction.
| Risk | ||
PG&E has an enterprise risk management program that uses a consistent framework to identify and manage significant risks. The companies work closely with our key regulators on the risk framework, seeking and reflecting their input, and use this framework in rate case proceedings. As a part of the governance structure, the Chief Risk Officer is accountable to the CEO and the Board for ensuring that enterprise risk oversight and management processes are established and operating effectively, and committee charters authorize the Chief Risk Officer to provide reports directly to the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees and the Audit Committees.
The Boards’ oversight of risk management programs includes reviewing that programs are designed and implemented by management appropriately, and are functioning as intended. It begins with the Audit Committees, which oversee the guidelines and policies that govern the process by which major risks are identified, assessed and managed, and thus review the full spectrum of key enterprise risks on an annual basis. The Audit Committees’ oversight includes allocation of responsibility for an in-depth review of each enterprise risk to various Board committees, based on the scope of each committee’s charter. The Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committee have been allocated responsibility over overseeing most of the identified risks. Identified enterprise risks are considered when the companies prepare financial disclosures filed with the SEC. Management provides regular reports to the Committees on the effectiveness of risk mitigations for each risk, including looking ahead and planning for future conditions, among other things. Management’s risk team and representatives from the lines of business regularly perform horizon scanning exercises, including leverage academic and other third-
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 28 | ||||
party surveys, to assist in the identification of future threats and trends. Each committee provides a report of its activities to the Boards. The specific allocation of Board-level risk oversight was most recently reviewed by the Audit Committees in December 2022.
| Board and Committee Risk Oversight Responsibilities | ||||||||
Boards: Oversee risks associated with major investments and strategic initiatives and cyber security | People and Compensation: Oversees potential risks arising from the companies’ compensation policies and practices | |||||||
Audit: Oversees enterprise risk program, and guidelines and policies that govern the processes by which major risks are assessed and managed. Allocates oversight of specific key risks to Committees. | Safety and Nuclear Oversight: Oversees risks arising from operations, including wildfire, employee and public safety, electric, gas and generation operations, other risks associated with facilities, emergency response, and cybersecurity | |||||||
Finance and Innovation: Oversees risks associated with financial markets and liquidity | Sustainability and Governance: Oversees risks associated with climate change | |||||||
The Boards’ role in risk oversight was not considered by either Board when assessing that Board’s leadership structure. However, each company’s chair has expertise in risk management. Further, the Audit Committees and Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees play primary roles in Board-level oversight of the companies’ key risks. These committees include either the chair of PG&E Corporation or the chair of the Utility, and the independent Chairs may be consulted regarding composition of these committees respective board’s committee composition.
| Cybersecurity | ||
PG&E Corporation and the Utility have identified cybersecurity as a key enterprise risk. Oversight for this risk is exercised by the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees and the Board of Directors. The Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees receive a quarterly report and the Board of Directors are briefed annually by PG&E Corporation’s Chief Information Officer or the Utility’s Chief Information Security Officer. These reports describe cybersecurity threats, defenses, mitigation plans, and risk data analytics that impact the companies’ most critical assets. The Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees also oversee risk associated with cybersecurity practices employed at Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP), the Utility’s nuclear facility. The Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees jointly participate in cybersecurity risk reviews to promote alignment in operations and asset management in the implementation of mitigations designed to reduce the risk of cybersecurity threats. To manage this risk, our cybersecurity program tracks and aligns with best practice implementation based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Security Framework. The Corporation’s and Utility’s cybersecurity program leverages defense-in-depth strategy that employ risk mitigation through implementation of logical and physical security controls to reduce risks.
The companies’ cybersecurity program includes the following:
• Utilize a number of government and private sources for intelligence, monitoring, and incident response activities. We have a 24x7x365 day security monitoring, intelligence, threat hunting, forensic, and incident response team;
• Participate in regular assessments, as well as soliciting external program reviews performed by independent third parties who assess our cybersecurity program maturity every three years;
• Conduct annual independent third-party security testing of our internal controls and, as required, external regulatory compliance assessments;
• Implement annual cybersecurity training program on information security requirements and best practices that is required of all employees and contractors. Additional security training is required for users with access to our critical infrastructure and specialized security training is provided to our officers; and
• Hold ongoing cybersecurity incident response plan review, trainings, and annual cybersecurity incident response exercises.
The Utility has not experienced any material breaches due to cybersecurity threats in the last three years.
| Safety | ||
The Boards believe that the safety of employees, contractors, customers, and the public is the top priority for the PG&E Corporation CEO, the senior management team, and PG&E management. PG&E’s Chief Safety Officer has broad responsibilities to implement safety programs and culture, and as part of the Boards’ oversight function, the Boards engage directly with the Chief Safety Officer, Chief Risk Officer and other operational leaders within the companies on the development and implementation of these programs. The Boards’ Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees maintain joint responsibility with the Boards for safety oversight at the companies. The Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees receive regular safety reports from management that include performance metrics, reporting on serious incidents, and actions to improve employee, contractor, customer, and public safety.
In 2022, the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees continued to receive regular updates on the execution of the WMP, engage with senior leadership, and report out to the Boards on a regular basis on progress. In addition, the Chair of the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees personally interacts with the CPUC on an ad hoc basis to provide insight on the WMP. Other significant focus areas have included worker and public safety, safety culture, safe nuclear operations, and evaluation of top enterprise risks, such as risks to key assets, facilities, and technologies.
As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis below (page 42), the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees work closely with the People and Compensation Committee in the selection of the safety performance metrics for inclusion in the short-and long-term incentive compensation programs, and in the evaluation of performance to determine individual awards.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 29 | ||||
| Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility | ||
At PG&E, corporate sustainability as business strategy is integral to delivering on the triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Prosperity underscored by strong operational performance. PG&E believes that integrating and managing ESG topics, such as addressing climate change, into PG&E’s business strategy creates long-term value for PG&E and for our customers, communities, coworkers, and other stakeholders. Mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change presents opportunities for growth for our business and economic opportunity in our communities. It highlights the need to adopt a longer-term perspective about potential risks posed by climate change and to incorporate a resilience mindset and approach. The Boards oversee safety, climate change, and other ESG topics with the support of committees.
| The Boards | • | Oversee ESG risks and opportunities, including the direction of the companies’ opportunities in decarbonization, electric vehicles, greening the gas supply, and helping California define and implement green energy policy | ||||||
| • | Review corporate goals related to safety, reliability, people management, and sustainability commitments | |||||||
| • | Participate in ERG events to support the companies’ diversity and inclusion initiatives | |||||||
| Safety and Nuclear Oversight | • | Oversee the risks associated with the impact of climate change on operations, assets and facilities, and planned mitigations | ||||||
| • | Oversee the companies’ programs related to public, employee and contractor safety, and operational excellence, including training | |||||||
| Sustainability and Governance | • | Oversees consideration of diversity when identifying nominees to the Board | ||||||
| • | Oversees corporate sustainability issues, such as environmental compliance and leadership, climate change resilience, and community investments | |||||||
| • | Includes an annual review of PG&E’s sustainability practices and performance | |||||||
| People and Compensation | • | Approves incentive compensation structures, which reinforce sustainability commitments | ||||||
| • | Oversees diversity and inclusion in workforce planning and management succession | |||||||
| Finance and Innovation | • | Approves capital budgets and investments in zero-carbon technologies and grid modernization | ||||||
For additional information regarding PG&E’s sustainability efforts and progress, please see our Corporate Sustainability Report, which can be accessed at the sustainability portion of PG&E Corporation’s website at pgecorp.com/sustainability.
Political Contributions | ||
The Sustainability and Governance Committee provides oversight of the strategy, budget, and direction of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s political contributions and recommends Board approval limits for political contributions from the companies to candidates, measures, initiatives, political action committees, and certain other organizations that may engage in activities involving elections. All political contributions from the companies are made in full compliance with applicable federal, state, local laws, and regulations. The companies prioritize political contributions that result in support of the companies’ goals of combating climate change, strengthening energy infrastructure, and advancing the companies’ strategic initiatives. The Sustainability and Governance Committee also directs preparation of an annual report, which summarizes political contributions and certain other expenditures made by the companies during the preceding year.
Additional information regarding each company’s political engagement policies and political contributions is available at pgecorp.com/corp/about-us/corporate-governance/corporation-policies/political-engagement/contributions.page.
Ethics and Compliance | ||
Oversight of the companies’ compliance and ethics programs rests with the Audit Committees of PG&E Corporation and the Utility. The Audit Committees receive regular reports on the maturity of the companies’ compliance programs. In addition, the Audit Committees review instances of fraud, focusing on the development of effective controls to prevent and detect fraud. As a part of the governance structure, the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer is accountable to the CEO and the Board, and committee charters authorize the Chief Risk Officer to provide reports directly to the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees and the Audit Committees. PG&E’s Code of Conduct applies to all employees and describes our core values, which should be incorporated into every business decision. PG&E also has a Supplier Code of Conduct, as well as a Code of Conduct for members of the Boards of Directors. Additional information regarding our Codes of Conduct is available at pge-corp.com/corp/about-us/compliance-ethics/program.page.
Management Succession | ||
At least annually, the PG&E Corporation and Utility Boards each reviews the applicable company’s plan for PEO succession, both in the ordinary course of business and in response to emergency situations. Each company’s Board develops profiles of appropriate responsibilities, attributes, and requirements for the PEO positions, which reflect that company’s business functions, vision, and strategy. Potential candidates for PEO positions may be identified internally within the companies in consultation with the People and
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 30 | ||||
Compensation Committee, which oversees the evaluation of management, and the PG&E Corporation CEO, as well as externally through various sources, including independent third-party consultants.
The succession planning process also addresses the continuing development of appropriate leadership skills for internal candidates for PEOs and candidates for other leadership positions within the companies. The People and Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing the CEO’s long-range plans for officer development and succession for PG&E Corporation and the Utility in connection with its review of officer elections, promotions, and compensation matters during the year.
Throughout 2022, the People and Compensation Committee addressed management succession and executive development in connection with its review of officer elections, promotions, and compensation matters during the year.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Transactions Policy
The Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility each adopted a written policy (the companies’ Related Party Transaction Policy, or the “Policy”), which generally requires the applicable Audit Committee’s approval or ratification of transactions that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Item 404(a)”), except that the Policy has a lower dollar threshold than Item 404(a).
Under the Policy, at the first meeting of each year, each company’s Audit Committee reviews, approves, and/or ratifies related party transactions (other than the types of transactions that are excluded from disclosure under Item 404(a)) with values exceeding $10,000 in which either company participates and in which any “Related Party” has a material direct or indirect interest. For these purposes, “Related Party” generally includes (1) any director, nominee for director, or executive officer, (2) holders of greater than 5 percent of that company’s voting securities, and (3) those parties’ immediate family members.
After the annual review and approval of related party transactions, if either company wishes to enter into a new related party transaction, then that transaction must be either pre-approved or ratified by the applicable Audit Committee. If a transaction is not ratified in accordance with the Policy, management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul that transaction.
Where it is not practical or desirable to wait until the next Audit Committee meeting to obtain approval or ratification, the Chair of the applicable Audit Committee may elect to approve a particular related party transaction. If the Chair of the applicable Audit Committee has an interest in the proposed related party transaction, then that transaction may be reviewed and approved by another independent and disinterested member of the applicable Audit Committee. In either case, the individual approving the transaction must report such approval to the full Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
When reviewing any related party transaction, the Audit Committees consider whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s-length dealings with an unrelated third party, and whether the transaction is inconsistent with the best interests of the companies and their shareholders. The Policy also requires that each Audit Committee disclose to the respective Board any material related party transactions.
Since January 1, 2022, all related party transactions have been approved or ratified by the applicable Audit Committee in accordance with this Policy.
Related Person Transactions
Since January 1, 2022, an affiliate of Fidelity Management and Research Company, LLC (Fidelity) has provided recordkeeper and trustee services for benefit plans sponsored by PG&E Corporation. Fidelity beneficially owns at least 5 percent of PG&E Corporation common stock. In exchange for these services, Fidelity affiliates earned approximately $489,000 in fees during 2022. Such services were initiated prior to Fidelity becoming a 5 percent owner of PG&E Corporation common stock, and PG&E Corporation expects that Fidelity affiliates will continue to provide similar services and products in the future, at similar levels, in the normal course of business operations.
During 2022, BlackRock (and its affiliates) provided asset management services to the Utility’s nuclear decommissioning trusts, customer credit trust, and various trusts associated with the companies’ employee benefit plans. During 2022 BlackRock earned approximately $3.6 million for such services. Such services are provided pursuant to contracts established prior to BlackRock’s disclosure that it had become a 5 percent owner of PG&E Corporation common stock during 2022. Trust asset management fees are paid by the independent trusts. The Utility expects that BlackRock (and its affiliates) will continue to provide similar services in the future, at similar levels, in the normal course of business.
Additionally, BlackRock (and its affiliates) have participated in certain of the companies’ and their affiliates’ bond issuances. In 2022, BlackRock purchased $1.2 billion in bonds from the companies and their affiliates. The companies are not able to predict the extent of
BlackRock participation in any bond issuances 2023.
On September 22, 2022, PG&E Corporation and Ms. Patricia K. Poppe (who is the Chief Executive Officer of PG&E Corporation) entered into an arrangement under which PG&E Corporation repurchased 57,396 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock from Ms. Poppe. The shares were repurchased in connection with the forfeiture of additional shares to satisfy state tax obligations arising out of a prior vesting of restricted stock units. The shares had a market value of approximately $752,000. Such transfer was consistent with PG&E governance, parameters regarding awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), accounting rules, and tax requirements. No portion of the arrangement resulted in additional compensation for Ms. Poppe.
Kathy Thomason is employed by the Utility as a Strategic Analyst, Principal, and she is the spouse of David S. Thomason, who served as Vice President (VP), Chief Financial Officer, and Controller of the Utility throughout 2022, and ceased to be a related party on January 9, 2023. Since January 1, 2022, Ms. Thomason received compensation and related payments and benefits from the Utility with
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 31 | ||||
an annual value of approximately $200,000. Any payments to Ms. Thomason for services rendered during 2023 are expected to be similar in nature and value to payments provided during 2022, consistent with the Utility’s policies and practices that apply to employee compensation generally.
In connection with the Plan of Reorganization, in July and August 2020, the Utility distributed 477,743,590 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock to the PG&E Fire Victim Trust (Trust). The companies have entered into the following agreements with the Trust:
• Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement: In addition to various obligations relating to registration of PG&E Corporation common stock (summarized in PG&E Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2020 and July 9, 2021), PG&E Corporation is required to pay the fees and expenses for one counsel for the Trust (subject to a cap of $100,000 for the initial registration and for each assisted underwritten offering) in connection with the initial registration and each assisted underwritten offering, but excluding any underwriting discounts or commissions or fees and expenses of the Trust. During 2022, no payments were made.
• Tax Benefits Payment Agreement: On July 1, 2020, the Utility agreed to pay to the Trust in cash an aggregate amount of $1.35 billion, comprising (i) at least $650 million of tax benefits for fiscal year 2020 to be paid on or before January 15, 2021 (the “First Payment Date”), and (ii) of the remainder of the $1.35 billion of tax benefits for fiscal year 2021 to be paid on or before January 15, 2022. All payments have been made.
• Exchange Transactions: On July 2, 2021, the Corporation, the Utility, an affiliate, and the Trust entered into an agreement pursuant to which the parties committed to entering into one or more share exchange transactions for the exchange of up to an aggregate of 477,743,590 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock issued to the Trust pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization for an equal number of newly-issued shares of PG&E Corporation common stock. During 2022, the Trust conducted five exchange transactions for an aggregate of 230,000 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 32 | ||||
COMPENSATION OF NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
Each of the Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility establishes the level of compensation for that company’s non-employee directors, based on the recommendation of the People and Compensation Committee. Directors who serve as employees of either company receive no additional compensation for concurrent service as directors.
The People and Compensation Committee periodically reviews the amount and form of compensation paid to non-employee directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility. As part of this review, the Committee reviews the compensation provided to the companies’ non-employee directors as compared to other companies.
Compensation paid to non-employee directors for 2022 for service on the Boards and their committees was based upon periodic compensation reviews conducted in consultation with the Committee’s executive compensation consultant for 2022, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC. The People and Compensation Committee’s most recent review of non-employee director compensation was conducted in June 2022, and focused on a market comparison of equity structure, Board leadership fees, and stock ownership guidelines, as compared to non-employee director compensation provided at companies in the 2022 Pay Comparator Group used for benchmarking executive compensation.
Non-Employee Director Total 2022 Compensation Summary | ||
The following framework was in effect during 2022. Additional details are provided in the sections that follow.
| Annual Retainer | Per Quarter | Annual | ||||||||||||
Non-Employee Directors(1) | $30,000 | $120,000 | ||||||||||||
| Corporation Chair of the Board | $25,000 additional | $100,000 additional | ||||||||||||
Utility Chair of the Board(1) | $5,000 additional | $20,000 additional | ||||||||||||
Committee Chair Additional Retainers(2) | ||||||||||||||
Audit Committees(1) | $7,500 | $30,000 | ||||||||||||
| People and Compensation Committee | $5,000 | $20,000 | ||||||||||||
| Safety and Nuclear Oversight (SNO) Committees | $5,000 | $20,000 | ||||||||||||
Finance and Innovation and Sustainability and Governance Committees(1) | $3,750 | $15,000 | ||||||||||||
| Special Committee Additional Retainer | ||||||||||||||
| As determined by the applicable Board (none paid during 2022) | ||||||||||||||
Annual Equity Awards | ||||||||||||||
| Non-Employee Directors | n/a | $140,000 | ||||||||||||
Corporation Chair of the Board(1) | n/a | $80,000 additional | ||||||||||||
| Pre-meeting Fees | ||||||||||||||
| No meeting fees for attendance at Board, Board committee, or shareholder meetings | ||||||||||||||
Special Committee Per-Meeting Fees(1) | ||||||||||||||
| As determined by the applicable Board (none paid during 2022) | ||||||||||||||
(1) No additional retainer, equity award, or per-meeting fee will be paid by the Utility for any quarter during which the director is paid a retainer, equity award, or per-meeting fee from the Corporation for the same role.
(2) No additional retainer is paid for directors serving as members on Board committees.
| Retainers | ||
Retainers and fees (if any) are paid as described in the summary table above. Any director who serves on the PG&E Corporation Board, Audit Committee, Executive Committee, or Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committee does not receive additional retainers for concurrent service on the Utility Board, Audit Committee, Executive Committee, or Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committee, as applicable.
| Non-Employee Director Stock-Based Compensation; Compensation Limits | ||
Under the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Program (LTIP), each non-employee director of PG&E Corporation is entitled to receive annual awards of stock-based compensation. Pursuant to the terms of the applicable LTIP, as approved by PG&E Corporation’s shareholders, the annual value of equity awards provided to any one non-employee director is limited to $400,000 in any calendar year.
Effective June 1, 2021, the maximum aggregate value of equity and cash-based awards to any non-employee director of PG&E Corporation during any calendar year may not exceed $750,000 except that, in the case of a non-employee director who is serving as Chairman of the Board, the annual limit is increased by 200 percent. This limitation was approved by shareholders of PG&E Corporation in connection with the approval of the 2021 LTIP at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of PG&E Corporation and the Utility.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 33 | ||||
LTIP awards for 2022 were granted on May 19, 2022. Each non-employee director’s award—other than that for the Chair of PG&E Corporation—had a total aggregate value of $140,000 (rounded down to reflect awards equivalent to whole units with values equivalent to whole shares of PG&E Corporation common stock) and consisted of restricted stock units (RSUs) that were granted to each non-employee director after his or her election to the Board. The award for the Chair of PG&E Corporation had a total aggregate value of $220,000 (rounded down to reflect awards equivalent to whole units with values equivalent to whole shares of PG&E Corporation common stock) and consisted of RSUs that were granted after his election to the Board. These RSUs will vest at the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant (May 19, 2023), or the end of the director’s annual term, and then will be settled as shares of PG&E Corporation common stock. RSUs will also vest and be settled upon the director’s death or disability, or if there is both a Change in Control (as defined on page 86) and the director is terminated. Otherwise, RSUs are forfeited if the director ceases to be a member of the Board prior to vesting. Non-employee directors also may elect to defer settlement of vested RSUs.
2022 Director Compensation | ||
The following table summarizes the principal components of compensation paid or granted to individuals for their service as non-employee directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility during 2022.
Name | Fees Earned Or Paid in Cash ($)(1) | Stock Awards ($)(2) | Option Awards ($)(3) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||
| Rajat Bahri | 120,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 259,998 | ||||||||||||
| Cheryl F. Campbell | 140,870 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 280,868 | ||||||||||||
| Kerry W. Cooper | 120,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 259,998 | ||||||||||||
| Jessica L. Denecour | 135,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 274,998 | ||||||||||||
| Mark E. Ferguson III | 140,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 279,998 | ||||||||||||
| Robert C. Flexon | 220,000 | 219,989 | 0 | 0 | 439,989 | ||||||||||||
| W. Craig Fugate | 120,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 259,998 | ||||||||||||
| Arno L. Harris | 120,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 259,998 | ||||||||||||
Carlos M. Hernandez(4) | 97,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 236,998 | ||||||||||||
| Michael R. Niggli | 120,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 259,998 | ||||||||||||
Dean L. Seavers(5) | 148,261 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 288,259 | ||||||||||||
| William L. Smith | 120,652 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 260,650 | ||||||||||||
| Benjamin F. Wilson | 150,000 | 139,998 | 0 | 0 | 289,998 | ||||||||||||
(1) Represents receipt of retainers described above under “Non-Employee Director Total 2022 Compensation Summary.”
(2) Represents the grant date fair value of equity awards granted to non-employee directors of PG&E Corporation in 2022, measured in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). Grant date fair value for RSUs is measured using the closing price of PG&E Corporation common stock on the date of grant. Each non-employee director elected at the 2022 Annual Meetings of Shareholders of PG&E Corporation and the Utility—except the Chair of the PG&E Corporation Board—received 11,532 RSUs with a grant date value of $139,998. The Chair of the PG&E Corporation Board received 18,121 RSUs with a grant date value of $219,989. The aggregate number of stock awards outstanding for each non-employee director at December 31, 2022 was: Mr. Bahri, Ms. Campbell, Mr. Cooper, Ms. Denecour, Admiral Ferguson, Mr. Fugate, Mr. Harris, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Niggli, Mr. Seavers, Mr. Smith and Mr. Wilson, 11,532 each; Mr. Flexon, 18,121.
(3) No stock options were granted in 2022. No option awards were outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
(4) Mr. Hernandez joined the Boards on March 11, 2022.
(5) Mr. Seavers resigned from the Boards on December 15, 2022.
| Stock Ownership Guidelines | ||
Non-employee directors of PG&E Corporation are expected to own shares of PG&E Corporation common stock having a dollar value of at least five times the value of the then-applicable annual Board retainer. Non-employee directors must hold 100 percent of their qualifying stock holdings until the guidelines are attained. If any non-employee director is on the Utility Board only, then that director also may satisfy his or her stock ownership obligation with Utility preferred stock. Directors generally should achieve this target within five years from the date of their election to the Board. Ownership includes beneficial ownership of common stock, as well as RSUs and common stock equivalents. These guidelines were adopted to more closely align the interests of directors and each company’s shareholders. All non-employee directors comply with these guidelines.
| Deferral of Retainers | ||
Under the PG&E Corporation 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility may elect to defer all of their retainers, all of their meeting fees (if any), or both. Directors who participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan may elect either to (1) convert their deferred compensation into common stock equivalents, the value of which is tied to the market value of PG&E Corporation common stock, or (2) have their deferred compensation deemed to be invested in the Utility Bond Fund, which is described in the narrative following the “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation—2022” table beginning on page 70. As noted above under the discussion of "Non-Employee Director Stock-Based Compensation," non-employee directors also may elect to defer settlement of vested RSUs.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 34 | ||||
| Reimbursement for Travel and Other Expenses | ||
Directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility are reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attending Board, Board committee, or shareholder meetings, or participating in other activities undertaken on behalf of the Corporation or the Utility.
Effective January 1, 2022, non-employee directors no longer were eligible for certain other miscellaneous benefits, including participation in the companies’ matching charitable contributions programs and eligibility for accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
| Retirement Benefits from PG&E Corporation or the Utility | ||
The non-employee directors of the Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility are not provided retirement benefits.
2023 Non-Employee Director Compensation Program | ||
In connection with the People and Compensation Committee’s June 2022 review of the companies’ non-employee director compensation program, PG&E Corporation adjusted the compensation program and, effective January 1, 2023, the following changes took effect: (1) value of annual LTIP awards for most non-employee directors was increased to $180,000 (from $140,000), (2) the additional value of LTIP awards provided to the Chair of PG&E Corporation was increased from $80,000 to $100,000 (such that the Chair of PG&E Corporation receives an annual LTIP award with a total value of $280,000), and (3) the additional retainer provided to the Chair of PG&E Corporation was reduced to $20,000 per quarter ($80,000 annually) from $25,000 per quarter ($100,000 annually).
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 35 | ||||
Share Ownership Information
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the number of shares of PG&E Corporation common stock beneficially owned (as defined in the rules of the SEC) as of March 7, 2023, by the directors, the nominees for director, the NEOs, and all directors and current executive officers of each of PG&E Corporation and the Utility as a group. As of March 7, 2023, no listed individual owned shares of any class of Utility securities. The table also sets forth common stock equivalents credited to the accounts of directors and executive officers under the Corporation’s deferred compensation and equity plans. Directors and Section 16 Officers of the Corporation and the Utility may not engage in any hedging or monetization transactions that limit or eliminate the officer’s ability to profit from an increase in the value of company stock, and generally are prohibited from pledging company stock as collateral for a loan.
The address of each person listed below is c/o PG&E Corporation or Pacific Gas and Electric Company, as applicable, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612.
| Name | Beneficial Stock Ownership(1)(2) | Percent of Class(3) | Common Stock Equivalents(4) | Total | ||||||||||
Rajat Bahri(5) | 26,281 | * | 0 | 26,281 | ||||||||||
Cheryl F. Campbell(5) | 41,785 | * | 0 | 41,785 | ||||||||||
Edward G. Cannizzaro(5) | 0 | * | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
Kerry W. Cooper(5) | 26,281 | * | 0 | 26,281 | ||||||||||
Jessica L. Denecour(5) | 26,281 | * | 0 | 26,281 | ||||||||||
Mark E. Ferguson III(5) | 26,281 | * | 0 | 26,281 | ||||||||||
Robert C. Flexon(5) | 51,299 | * | 0 | 51,299 | ||||||||||
W. Craig Fugate(5) | 26,281 | * | 0 | 26,281 | ||||||||||
Arno L. Harris(5) | 34,756 | * | 0 | 34,756 | ||||||||||
Carlos M. Hernandez(5) | 0 | * | 0 | |||||||||||
Michael R. Niggli(5) | 26,781 | * | 0 | 26,781 | ||||||||||
Patricia K. Poppe(5)(6)(8) | 1,269,325 | * | 0 | 1,269,325 | ||||||||||
Sumeet Singh(5)(7)(8) | 66,934 | * | 0 | 66,934 | ||||||||||
William L. Smith(5) | 199,692 | * | 0 | 199,692 | ||||||||||
Benjamin F. Wilson(5) | 0 | * | 26,281 | 26,281 | ||||||||||
Julius Cox(8) | 34,390 | * | 0 | 34,390 | ||||||||||
Christopher A. Foster(8)(9) | 58,196 | * | 0 | 58,196 | ||||||||||
Jason M. Glickman(8) | 0 | * | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
Marlene M. Santos(8) | 165,998 | * | 0 | 165,998 | ||||||||||
John R. Simon(8) | 284,437 | * | 160 | 284,597 | ||||||||||
David Thomason(8)(10) | 46,253 | 0 | 46,253 | |||||||||||
Adam L. Wright(8)(11) | 47,703 | * | 0 | 47,703 | ||||||||||
| All PG&E Corporation directors, director nominees, and current executive officers as a group (21 persons) | 2,392,907 | * | 26,441 | 2,419,348 | ||||||||||
| All Utility directors, director nominees, and current executive officers as a group (19 persons) | 2,061,206 | * | 26,441 | 2,087,487 | ||||||||||
* Less than 1 percent
(1) This column includes any shares held in the name of the spouse, minor children, or other relatives sharing the home of the listed individuals and, in the case of current and former executive officers, includes shares of PG&E Corporation common stock held in the defined contribution retirement plan maintained by PG&E Corporation. Except as indicated below, the listed individuals have sole voting and investment power over the shares shown in this column. Voting power includes the power to direct the voting of the shares held, and investment power includes the power to direct the disposition of the shares held.
This column also includes the following shares of PG&E Corporation common stock in which the listed individuals share voting and investment power: Mr. Harris 8,475 shares, Mr. Simon 281,072 shares, Mr. Thomason 663 shares, all PG&E Corporation directors and executive officers as a group 305,465 shares, and all Utility directors and executive officers as a group 8,475 shares. No reported shares are pledged.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 36 | ||||
(2) This column includes the following shares of PG&E Corporation common stock that the individuals have the right to acquire within 60 days of March 7, 2023, through the exercise of vested stock options, the vesting of outstanding RSUs, settlement of vested RSUs that have been deferred, or the settlement of vested phantom stock awards: Ms. Denecour 13,461 shares, Mr. Flexon 21,153, Mr. Foster 12,282 shares, Ms, Santos 106,053, Mr. Simon 43,989 shares, Mr. Thomason 6,354 shares, all PG&E Corporation directors and executive officers as a group 196,938 shares, and all Utility directors and executive officers as a group 143,405 shares. These individuals have neither voting power nor investment power with respect to these shares unless and until they are purchased through the exercise of the options or with respect to the unvested RSUs or phantom stock awards, settled in shares of PG&E Corporation common stock, under the terms of the 2014 LTIP and 2021 LTIP, as applicable.
(3) The percent of class calculation is based on the number of shares of PG&E Corporation common stock outstanding as of February 16, 2023, which was 2,466,208,388. Of that number, 1,988,464,798 shares are entitled to vote, and 477,743,590 shares, which is the aggregate number of shares owned by PG&E ShareCo LLC and not the Utility, are not entitled to vote.
(4) This column reflects the number of stock units that were purchased by listed individuals through salary and other compensation deferrals or that were awarded under equity compensation plans, as well as vested RSUs that have been deferred. The value of each stock unit is equal to the value of a share of PG&E Corporation common stock and fluctuates daily based on the market price of PG&E Corporation common stock. The listed individuals who own these stock units share the same market risk as PG&E Corporation shareholders, although they do not have voting rights with respect to these stock units.
(5) Messrs. Bahri, Cannizzaro, Ferguson, Flexon, Fugate, Harris, Hernandez, Niggli, Smith, and Wilson and Mses. Campbell, Cooper, Denecour, and Poppe, are directors of both PG&E Corporation and the Utility. Mr. Singh is a director of the Utility only.
(6) Ms. Poppe currently serves as CEO of PG&E Corporation, effective January 4, 2021.
(7) Mr. Singh currently serves as EVP, Operations and COO of the Utility effective March 1, 2023.
(8) Ms. Poppe and Messrs. Foster and Simon are included in the Summary Compensation Table as NEOs of PG&E Corporation. Ms. Santos and, Mr. Wright are included in the Summary Compensation Table as NEOs of both PG&E Corporation and the Utility. Messrs. Cox, Glickman, Singh, and Thomason are included in the Summary Compensation Table as NEOs of the Utility only.
(9) Mr. Foster is resigning from his position as EVP and CFO of PG&E Corporation effective May 4, 2023.
(10) Mr. Thomason resigned from his positions as CFO of the Utility and Controller of the companies effective January 9, 2023.
(11) Mr. Wright resigned from his positions as Board member and EVP, Operations and COO of the Utility effective March 1 ,2023.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance | ||
In accordance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC regulations, PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s directors and certain officers, as well as persons who own greater than 10 percent of the Corporation’s or the Utility’s equity securities, must file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such equity securities with the SEC and the principal national securities exchange on which those securities are registered, and must furnish the Corporation or the Utility with copies of all such reports that they file.
Based solely on review of copies of such reports received or written representations from certain reporting persons, PG&E Corporation and the Utility believe that during 2022, all filing requirements applicable to their respective directors, officers, and 10 percent shareholders were satisfied. No information is reported for individuals during periods in which they were not directors, officers, or 10 percent shareholders of the applicable company.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 37 | ||||
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table presents certain information regarding shareholders that PG&E Corporation and the Utility know are beneficial owners of more than 5 percent of any class of voting securities of the Corporation or the Utility as of March 7, 2023 (except as noted below).
| Class of Stock | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent of Class | ||||||||||||||
Pacific Gas and Electric Company stock(1) | PG&E Corporation(2) 77 Beale Street, P.O. Box 770000, San Francisco, CA 94177 | 264,374,809 | 96.24% | ||||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation common stock | The Vanguard Group Inc. 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355 | 224,115,552 | (3) | 11.28% | |||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation common stock | Capital Research Global Investors 333 South Hope Street, 55th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | 200,022,503 | (4) | 10.06% | |||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation common stock | PG&E Fire Victim Trust Two Embarcadero Center, Ste. 1500, San Francisco, CA 94111 | 187,743,590 | (5) | 9.44% | |||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation common stock | FMR LLC 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 | 181,252,881 | (6) | 9.11% | |||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation common stock | BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055 | 129,873,577 | (7) | 5.3% | |||||||||||||
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company first preferred stock | Newtyn Management, LLC 60 East 42nd Street, Ste. 960, New York, NY 10165 | 1,248,774 | (8) | 12.10% | |||||||||||||
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company first preferred stock | Shaolin Capital Management LLC 230 NW 24th Street, Ste. 603, Miami, FL 33127 | 1,125,000 | (9) | 10.90% | |||||||||||||
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company first preferred stock | Stonehill Capital Management LLC, et al. 320 Park Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, New York, 10022 | 921,794 | (10) | 8.93% | |||||||||||||
(1) The Utility’s common stock and preferred stock vote together as a single class. Each share is entitled to one vote.
(2) As of March 7, 2023, the Corporation held 100 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Utility common stock, and no Utility preferred shares.
(3) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 30, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2023, by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (Vanguard). For these purposes, Vanguard has shared voting power with respect to 2,824,833 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 217,111,132 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 7,004,420 shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock.
(4) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 30, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2023, by Capital Research Global Investors (Capital). For these purposes, Capital has sole voting power with respect to 200,007,559 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 200,022,503 shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock.
(5) In connection with the Plan of Reorganization, the Utility distributed 477,743,590 shares of PG&E Corporation common stock to the PG&E Fire Victim Trust (the Trust). The information relates to beneficial ownership as of January 9, 2023, as reported in a Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on January 11, 2023 by the Trust and Cathy Yanni, acting solely in her capacity as the trustee of the Trust (in such capacity, the Trustee). For these purposes, the Trust and the Trustee report sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to 187,743,590 shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock.
(6) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 30, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed with SEC on February 9, 2023, by FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson (FMR LLC’s Director, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer). For these purposes, FMR LLC and Ms. Johnson report sole voting power with respect to 172,179,643 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 181,252,881 shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock.
(7) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 3, 2023, by BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock). For these purposes, BlackRock has sole voting power with respect to 118,460,198 shares, and sole dispositive power with respect to 129,873,577 shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock
(8) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2023, by (i) Newtyn Management, LLC (Newtyn Management), (ii) Newtyn Partners, L.P., and (iii) Newtyn TE Partners, LP. For these purposes, Newtyn Management has shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,248,774 shares of the Utility’s first preferred stock. Newtyn Management is investment adviser to, and thus may be deemed to beneficially own shares of the Utility’s first preferred stock held by, Newtyn Partners, L.P. (which owns and has shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 734,440 shares, constituting 7.1 percent of such first preferred stock) and Newtyn TE Partners, LP (which owns and has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 514,334 shares, constituting 5.0 percent of such first preferred stock).
(9) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2023, by Shaolin Capital Management LLC (Shaolin). For these purposes, Shaolin has sole voting and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,125,000 shares of the Utility’s first preferred stock.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 38 | ||||
(10) The information relates to beneficial ownership as of December 31, 2022, as reported in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 22, 2023 by (i) Stonehill Capital Management LLC (Stonehill Management), (ii) Stonehill Institutional Partners, L.P. and (iii) John Motulsky, Jonathan Sacks, Peter Sisitsky, Michael Thoyer, Michael Stern, and Samir Arora (the “Stonehill Individuals”). For these purposes, Stonehill Management has shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 921,794 shares of the Utility’s first preferred stock. Stonehill Management is investment adviser to, and thus may be deemed to beneficially own shares of the Utility’s first preferred stock held by, Stonehill Institutional Partners, L.P. (which owns and has shared voting and shared dispositive power with respect to 546,223 shares, constituting 5.3 percent of such first preferred stock) and the Stonehill Individuals (each of whom owns and has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 921,794 shares, constituting 8.9 percent of such first preferred stock, except that Samir Arora has shared voting power with respect to 1,672,648 shares).
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 39 | ||||
Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation for PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company
| Board Recommendation | What are you voting on? PG&E Corporation and the Utility each asks its respective shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid for 2022 to the company’s executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table of this Joint Proxy Statement, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and the accompanying narrative discussion. | ||||||||||
| Vote "FOR" | |||||||||||
Each of PG&E Corporation and the Utility believes that its executive compensation policies and practices for 2022 were effective in tying a significant portion of pay to performance, while providing competitive compensation to attract, retain, and motivate talented executives, and aligning the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders. At the Joint Annual Meeting in 2022, shareholders showed high levels of support for the 2021 officer compensation program. PG&E Corporation’s officer compensation programs for 2022 (which also cover officers of the Utility) generally are designed to meet four objectives. These objectives, and how they were met for 2022, are discussed in more detail the Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A), which can be found immediately following this Proposal 2. These objectives are summarized here. | ||||||||||||||
Summary of Objectives • A significant portion of every officer’s compensation should be tied directly to PG&E Corporation’s performance without promoting excessive risk-taking. All variable elements of 2022 annual compensation for our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) were tied to corporate operational and/or financial performance and, therefore, provided a direct connection between compensation and performance in the achievement of both key operating results and long-term shareholder value creation. For Patricia K. Poppe, the PG&E Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), approximately 90 percent of 2022 target compensation was tied to corporate performance. For the other NEOs, approximately 74 percent of average 2022 target compensation was tied to corporate performance. The People and Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant during 2022, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (Meridian), assessed the pay programs and advised that for 2022 the design of the companies’ incentive pay plans does not encourage excessive risk-taking. As such, incentive plan design posed a low likelihood of incenting employees to engage in behaviors that are likely to have an adverse material impact on the companies. • A significant component of officer compensation should be tied to PG&E Corporation’s long-term performance for shareholders in the form of long-term incentive awards. Annual long-term incentive awards for 2022 to NEOs were made entirely in the form of performance share units (PSUs). Consistent with the 2021 framework, awards made in 2022 can be earned depending on performance related to metrics in the areas of customer operations (weighted at 30 percent), public safety (weighted at 40 percent) and financial stability, including a total shareholder return (TSR) metric relative to our 2022 Performance Comparator Group (weighted at 30 percent). PSUs granted in 2022 will vest, if at all, at the end of a three-year period, and their value is tied to the price of PG&E Corporation common stock. • Target direct compensation (base salary and target incentives) should be competitive with the compensation for comparable officers in the 2022 Pay Comparator Group. Target direct compensation for NEOs in 2022 was within competitive market range in the 2022 Pay Comparator Group. • Officer compensation program complies with legal requirements. The officer compensation structure is designed and reviewed to reflect both the letter and spirit of legal requirements. | ||||||||||||||
This vote is non-binding and is required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. PG&E Corporation and the Utility each currently plan to submit this vote to shareholders annually, and expect to next submit this matter to shareholders in connection with next year’s annual shareholder meeting, pending consideration of results from each company's shareholder vote on Proposal 3 in this Proxy Statement. If the shareholders of either company do not approve this proposal, the People and Compensation Committee and members of management will examine the reasons for disapproval and will consider those reasons when developing future executive compensation programs, practices, and policies.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 40 | ||||
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT The People and Compensation Committee of the PG&E Corporation Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed this Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on this review, the related discussions, and such other matters deemed relevant, the People and Compensation Committee has recommended to the Boards of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for the year ended December 31, 2022. Mark E. Ferguson III (Chair) Kerry W. Cooper Jessica L. Denecour Michael R. Niggli | ||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 41 | ||||
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This CD&A provides our shareholders and other stakeholders with information about PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility's performance, compensation framework, compensation decisions, and associated governance for our NEOs in 2022. PG&E Corporation is a holding company whose primary operating subsidiary is the Utility, a public utility operating in northern and central California. The Utility generates revenues mainly through making investments in operating assets and earning an authorized rate of return on those assets through regulated rates for the sale and delivery of electricity and natural gas to customers. The compensation program described in this CD&A applies to PG&E Corporation and the Utility, with the same philosophy, structure, metrics, and goals applying to both. As of December 31, 2022, the companies had approximately 26,000 regular employees, eleven of whom were employees of PG&E Corporation. The following table summarizes our NEOs for 2022. Please note that as of December 31, 2022, three individuals concurrently served as principal executive officers (PEOs) of the Utility: Mr. Glickman, Ms. Santos, and Mr. Wright. | |||||||||||||||||
1. Executive Summary | 43 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2. Compensation Design | 44 | ||||||||||||||||
| 3. Compensation Governance | 48 | ||||||||||||||||
4. 2022 Compensation Decision and Outcomes | 52 | ||||||||||||||||
| 5. 2023 Compensation Structure | 60 | ||||||||||||||||
| 6. Additional Information | 60 | ||||||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation | |||||||||||||||||
| (positions as of 12/31/22) | |||||||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | Christopher A. Foster | John R. Simon | |||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2) | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer | |||||||||||||||
| Pacific Gas and Electric Company | |||||||||||||||||
| (positions as of 12/31/22) | |||||||||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | Marlene M. Santos (1) | Adam L. Wright (1)(3) | |||||||||||||||
| Executive Vice President, Engineering, Planning & Strategy | Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer | Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer | |||||||||||||||
| David S. Thomason | Sumeet Singh | Julius Cox | |||||||||||||||
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller (4) | Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Chief Safety Officer (5)(6) | Executive Vice President, People, Shared Services, and Supply Chain (6) | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | Also served as NEOs of PG&E Corporation during 2022. | ||||
| (2) | Mr. Foster is resigning effective May 4, 2023. | ||||
| (3) | Mr. Wright resigned effective February 6, 2023. | ||||
| (4) | Mr. Thomason resigned effective January 9, 2023. | ||||
| (5) | Mr Singh was elected Executive Vice President, Operations, and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, effective March 1, 2023. In such position, Mr. Singh also serves as one of three PEOs of the Utility. | ||||
| (6) | As of December 31, 2022, also held these positions at PG&E Corporation, although do not have NEO status at PG&E Corporation. | ||||
| “Supporting Information” callout boxes are used within the CD&A to provide additional context. | |||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 42 | ||||
Executive Summary | ||
• Continue industry leading alignment of compensation and performance. Equity awards for NEOs were 100 percent PSUs resulting in approximately 76 percent of NEO pay on average based on the achievement of objective performance measures. Additionally, the individual performance modifier was reintroduced under the 2022 STIP providing the ability to adjust awards up or down based on individual performance.
• Continue emphasis of safety and operational performance Wildfire safety related metrics account for 40 percent of the weightings within both the short and long-term incentive plans. Key wildfire safety metrics include the Wildfire Risk Reduction, CPUC Reportable Fire Ignitions, Quality Inspection Pass Rate, and System Hardening. Additionally, the incentive plans continue to emphasize the safe and efficient delivery of electricity and gas to our hometowns.
• Delivered on short-term and long-term performance objectives. The certified 2022 short-term incentive plan was 116.8 percent of target and the 2020-2022 long-term incentive plan PSUs score was certified as 139.5 percent of target. These scores reflect the lowest number of reportable fire ignitions in the last four years, 100 percent on-time completion of five key wildfire mitigation plan commitments, and strong performance of other operational metrics such as the safe operation of DCPP.
• Delivered strong financial performance. Non-GAAP core earnings(1) were $1.10 per share for the year, up 10 percent from last year. Additionally, Total Shareholder Return (TSR) was 48.4 percent, the highest of the performance group over the three-year performance period ending December 31,2022.
(1) PG&E Corporation discloses historical financial results and bases guidance on “Non-GAAP core earnings” in order to provide a measure that allows investors to compare the underlying financial performance of the business from one period to another, exclusive of non-core items. Non-GAAP core earnings are not a substitute or alternative for income available for common shareholders presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) (see Exhibit A at the end of this CD&A for a reconciliation of results based on earnings from operations to results based on income available for common shareholders in accordance with GAAP).
Performance Highlights
The 2022 performance year was about mitigating operational and financial risk. In addition to delivering strong financial performance, the companies succeeded in mitigating more than ninety percent of wildfire risk2 and achieving many of the performance objectives set for 2022:
• The CPUC authorized the Utility’s exit from Step 1 of the Enhanced Enforcement Oversight Process on December 1, 2022. Under our 2022 WMP, we continued to focus our wildfire mitigation work on improvements in system hardening, vegetation management, system inspections and monitoring and modeling capabilities, but our work is not done until catastrophic wildfires stop.
• The EPSS program allows for automatic shutdown of electric lines within 1/10 of a second if the electric system senses a problem. In 2022, EPSS capability was expanded to all HFRA as well as select adjacent areas. Through December 31, 2022, there was a greater than 36 percent reduction in CPUC reportable ignitions in HFTD areas compared to the 2018-2020 three-year average. This is primarily driven by a more than 65 percent reduction in CPUC reportable ignitions on EPSS enabled lines in HFTD areas (compared to weather normalized 2018-2020 average ignitions). Along with the significant reduction of overall ignition count, we have also observed a dramatic decrease in total HFTD acres burned. In 2022, we observed a 99 percent decrease in total HFTD acres burned relative to the 2018-2020 average. A primary driver for this is understood to be the reduced fault energy that occurs when EPSS protection is enabled.
• In 2022, no customers were de-energized as part of the PSPS program.
• While the companies saw significant progress in 2022, we unfortunately experienced three fatalities with our workforce. Also, Utility assets are being investigated in connection with a 2022 wildfire greater than 100 acres in a high fire threat area.
Compensation Framework
Our core compensation program, which consists of base salary, a cash-based short-term incentive, and equity-based long-term incentives, is applied consistently to both PG&E Corporation and the Utility. This compensation framework applied to all NEOs during the year.
2 Based on a comparison in the Utility's General Rate Case testimony of the wildfire risk score for a baseline risk level to a risk level reflecting the Utility’s mitigation work. Risk scores are calculated using the scoring methodology established by the CPUC in the Safety Model Assessment Proceeding, which reflects the frequency with which various risks are expected to occur and the potential safety, reliability, and financial impacts of varying degrees of wildfire severity. | ||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 43 | ||||
Core Pay Component and Rationale(1) | 2022 NEO Target Direct Compensation Mix(2) | 2022 Performance Measures | Performance Period | Form of Payment | ||||||||||
| Base Salary Fixed pay to attract and retain talent; takes account of scope, performance and experience | N/A | N/A | Cash | |||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentives Variable pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of short-term strategic importance | • Safety • Customer • Financial • Individual Specific metrics associated with each category; see below | One year | Cash | |||||||||||
| Long-Term Incentives Equity-based pay to incent and recognize performance in areas of long-term strategic importance, promote retention and stability, and align executives with shareholders | • Safety • Customer • Financial Specific metrics associated with each category; see below | Three years | PSUs | |||||||||||
(1) In addition to these core direct components of compensation, during 2022 NEOs received modest perquisites, were eligible to participate in post-employment benefit programs on terms broadly similar to our other employees, and were covered by an executive severance plan.
(2) Reflects average target compensation for all of our NEOs as of December 31, 2022.
The core compensation framework for 2022 is broadly consistent with 2021, with the following updates:
• NEO equity grants were made entirely in the form of PSUs, rather than a combination of PSUs and RSUs.
• Minor changes were made to performance metrics and their associated weightings to, among other things, increase the emphasis on safety performance and refine definitions.
• The individual performance modifier was reintroduced under the 2022 STIP, providing the ability to adjust awards up or down by 20 percent based on individual performance, with earned awards subject to the same payout at 50 percent of target for threshold performance and overall cap of 200 percent of target.
| Compensation Design | ||
Compensation Objectives
Our companies’ primary purpose is to deliver safe, reliable, affordable, and clean electricity and gas to our customers. Our focus on customer welfare, prioritizing both public and employee safety, is central to how we operate and reflected in our executive officer compensation program design. We believe that focusing on those attributes of our business will lead to long-term value creation for our shareholders. This focus also aligns with the criteria under AB 1054 and our commitments under the POR OII.
To be successful, we need to attract, motivate, and retain executives with the necessary skills and experience, who are aligned with our vision and who can deliver on our commitments to all stakeholders. Four fundamental objectives form the foundation of our compensation program.
| Objective | How we achieve this | |||||||||||||
| Pay for performance | • | A significant portion of total compensation is at-risk and based on performance—in 2022, approximately 90 percent of CEO target compensation was at-risk (and an average of 74 percent for other NEOs). | ||||||||||||
| • | Short- and long-term incentives are earned based on performance reflecting safety, customer, operational, and financial goals, including shareholder returns. | |||||||||||||
| • | Metrics and goals are designed so as not to promote excessive risk-taking. | |||||||||||||
| Align with shareholders | • | Equity-based compensation, the value of which reflects movements in our stock price, accounted for more than 75 percent of CEO target compensation and an average of 56 percent of other NEOs’ target compensation in 2022. | ||||||||||||
| • | Total shareholder return relative to our Performance Comparator Group is used as a performance measure or modifier. | |||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 44 | ||||
| Objective | How we achieve this | |||||||||||||
| Provide market competitive pay | • | Target direct compensation should be competitive with comparable roles in our Pay Comparator Group. | ||||||||||||
| • | Provide a compensation structure that provides for the attraction and retention of talented, experienced executive talent, while ensuring alignment with long-term shareholder interest. | |||||||||||||
| Comply with legal requirements | • | The officer compensation structure is designed and reviewed to reflect both the letter and spirit of legal requirements. | ||||||||||||
Compensation Policies and Practices
We are focused on creating an effective compensation program that successfully aligns our key strategic objectives with the interests of our shareholders and broader stakeholders. To reinforce this, we have adopted policies and practices that guide our compensation practices as summarized below.
| We Do… | We Do Not… | ||||||||||
Pay for performance | Majority of compensation is at risk, linked to company performance and shareholder interests. | Pay tax gross-ups | No tax gross-ups are provided, except for those generally available to all management employees, such as for one-time relocation expenses upon hire. | ||||||||||
Engage with stakeholders | Ongoing discussions with key institutional investors and regulators, including on the topic of compensation. | Permit hedging or pledging | Our policy prohibits hedging and pledging of either company’s stock. | ||||||||||
Require meaningful ownership | Executives subject to share ownership and retention requirements. | Reprice stock options | Any repricing would require advance shareholder approval. | ||||||||||
Engage an independent consultant | The People and Compensation Committee engages a consultant and annually assesses independence. | Provide additional executive service credits | No granting of additional service under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. | ||||||||||
Operate clawback provisions | Incentive compensation and severance for certain officers is subject to clawback or restriction. | Pay unearned dividends | No dividends or dividend equivalents are paid on unvested equity awards. | ||||||||||
Have a double trigger | Change in control severance requires a change in control and involuntary termination (includes constructive termination for good reason). | Provide excessive benefits or perquisites | Benefits and perquisites are limited, reflecting market norms. | ||||||||||
Commitment to Compliance
The Utility is subject to AB 1054, a California law which, among other things, sets out certain criteria regarding the design of the Utility’s executive compensation program. Although these criteria only apply to the Utility’s executive officers as defined in AB 1054, the criteria have also influenced the executive compensation design and arrangements for officers at both companies. There are also additional executive compensation requirements that the Utility is subject to as a result of the POR OII.
| Supporting Information: California Assembly Bill 1054 Considerations | ||
AB 1054 is legislation applying to the Utility that addresses the dangers and devastation from catastrophic wildfires in California caused by electric utility infrastructure. There are two subsections setting forth criteria regarding executive compensation with which the Utility complies. These criteria apply specifically to a subset of Utility officers and influence the design of our programs more broadly at both the Utility and PG&E Corporation. We have designed our programs to comply with these requirements, as described below.
Supporting Information: Chapter 11 Considerations — Plan of Reorganization Order Instituting Investigation | ||
The POR OII is the process by which the CPUC reviewed and approved the companies’ Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization. As part of the POR OII, the Utility is subject to additional requirements regarding executive compensation that apply specifically to a subset of Utility officers, and we have designed our programs to comply with these requirements, as described below.
Requirement(1) | How We Achieve This(2) | |||||||
| Compensation should be structured to promote safety as a priority and to ensure public safety. | Incentive plan metrics are weighted toward customer and workforce welfare, placing a priority on public safety. | |||||||
| All long-term incentive awards also incent customer and public welfare directly through customer and safety focused performance metrics and indirectly due to their exposure to absolute and relative stock performance. | ||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 45 | ||||
| A significant portion of long-term incentive compensation shall be based on safety, customer satisfaction, engagement, and welfare; the remaining portion may be based on financial performance or other considerations. | PSU metrics promote customer experience and public safety. | |||||||
| Compensation should be structured to promote utility financial stability. | Incentive plan metrics collectively promote customer, public, and workforce safety, thus contributing indirectly to financial stability. | |||||||
| Short-term incentive includes a core earnings per share metric, a measure sensitive to dilution incurred during emergence from Chapter 11. | ||||||||
| Long-term incentive awards are subject to a financial or relative TSR metric, either as a modifier or standalone measure, that reduces payouts if our relative returns lag those of other energy companies. | ||||||||
| Incentive compensation should be based on meeting performance metrics that are measurable and enforceable. | Incentive plan metrics are designed to be objective, measurable, enforceable, and auditable. | |||||||
| Metrics are predominantly outcome-based, focused on end results rather than operational activity or effort. | ||||||||
| Guaranteed cash compensation should be limited, with the primary portion of executive officers’ compensation based on the achievement of objective performance metrics. | Compensation structure emphasizes at-risk, performance-based variable pay, making up an average of 76 percent of NEO target compensation in 2022. | |||||||
| Long-term incentive awards are aligned with shareholders and are performance-based through share price exposure (all equity-based compensation) and the application of performance metrics (PSUs). | ||||||||
| The compensation structure must not include any guaranteed monetary incentives. | Short- and long-term incentives are at risk through the application of performance measures and/or share price exposure. | |||||||
| The only guaranteed cash payment is base salary. | ||||||||
| The compensation should include a significant long-term element based on the electrical corporation’s long-term performance and value, held or deferred for at least three years. | Long-term incentive awards represent a significant portion of total compensation. | |||||||
| Performance-based equity is subject to a three-year performance period. | ||||||||
| Ancillary compensation that is not aligned with shareholder and taxpayer interests in the electrical corporation should be minimal or eliminated. | Effective January 1, 2022, executive officers are no longer eligible to receive perquisites or stipends in lieu of perquisites. | |||||||
| Notes. | (1) | This is an abbreviated summary of some of the criteria and not intended to be comprehensive or contain formal legal definitions. | ||||||
| (2) | Comments in this column with regard to target compensation refer to the aggregate of salary, target short-term incentive, and the target annual long-term incentive award, with percentages reflecting the proportionate mix of these elements for our NEOs. | |||||||
Strategic Alignment
It is important that the performance metrics used in our officer compensation framework align with our strategic priorities if we are to be effective in paying for performance and demonstrating accountability. Our performance metrics reflect our focus on customer welfare, prioritizing both public and employee safety, including contributing to long-term sustainable value for our shareholders.
The majority of both our short- and long-term incentive plan metrics are connected to our focus on customer welfare, prioritizing public and employee safety. These metrics are described below. Additional details regarding each of the listed performance measures can be found in the discussions of “Short-Term Incentives” and “Long-Term Incentives” below.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 46 | ||||
| 2022 Performance Metric | Short-Term | Long-Term | Why This Matters | ||||||||
| SAFETY | |||||||||||
| Wildfire risk reduction | Public safety measure of the results of work to mitigate wildfire risk and reduce the number of potentially significant wildfires. | ||||||||||
| Reportable fire ignitions | Public safety measure of the results of work to mitigate wildfire risk and reduce the overall number of wildfires. | ||||||||||
| Quality pass rate | Public safety index measure of the quality of completion of electric system inspections and vegetation management. | ||||||||||
| Core commitment completion | Public safety measure of the timely completion of five core wildfire mitigation plan commitments. | ||||||||||
| Total gas dig-ins reductions | Public safety measure of the results of work to mitigate the risk of loss of containment from underground gas transmission and distribution facilities. | ||||||||||
| Preventable motor vehicle incidents | Employee safety measure of safe driving effectiveness. | ||||||||||
| DCPP reliability and safety indicator | Public safety measure of the results of work to reduce the risk of a nuclear core damaging event with the potential for radiological release; composite metric of 10 performance indicators developed by the nuclear industry. | ||||||||||
| Safe dam operating capacity | Public safety measure of the results of work to mitigate the risk of large uncontrolled water release. | ||||||||||
| Non-fatal Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) actuals | Coworker safety measure of workplace safety effectiveness; includes employees, contractors and subcontractors. | ||||||||||
| System hardening effectiveness | Public safety and reliability measure assessing actions taken to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires. | ||||||||||
| Enhanced vegetation management effectiveness | Public safety and reliability measure assessing actions taken to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires. | ||||||||||
| CUSTOMER | |||||||||||
| Customers experiencing multiple unplanned interruptions | Customer experience measure of the results of efforts to promote system reliability. | ||||||||||
| Gas customer emergency response | Public safety measure of work to reduce risk and increase reliability of service by promoting prompt responses to customer calls, or notifications reporting a gas odor, or gas emergency. | ||||||||||
| Electric 911 emergency response | Public safety measure of the percentage of incidents where Utility personnel arrive onsite within 60 minutes of a 911 call; promotes prompt response times that reduce public safety risks and frees up public agency resources to respond to other emergency situations. | ||||||||||
| Customer satisfaction score | Customer experience measure of satisfaction with the services offered by the companies. | ||||||||||
| System average interruption duration index | Customer experience measure of the results of efforts to promote system reliability. | ||||||||||
Our incentive programs also incorporate metrics and goals reflecting our financial performance.
| Supporting Information: What “Financial Performance” Means for Us | ||
Our business model generates revenue through making investments in operating assets and earning an authorized rate of return on those assets through regulated rates, or “cost of service ratemaking.” There is no guarantee that regulated rates will yield the authorized rate of return; only by managing costs within the framework of authorized rates can we deliver value to shareholders. With limited exceptions, we do not make more money by selling more electricity and gas. Reducing our operating cost, which is tied to customer affordability through our rate-setting process, is directly aligned with creating shareholder value. | ||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 47 | ||||
| 2022 Performance Metric | |||||||||||
| FINANCIAL | Short-Term | Long-Term | Why This Matters | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP core earnings per share | Measure to promote and assess financial stability; aligns with cost efficiency; promotes customer affordability; financial stability critical to continued provision of services to customers. | ||||||||||
| Greater affordability for customers | Measure of earnings relative to amounts authorized by our regulators; assesses the efficient deployment of authorized revenues. | ||||||||||
| Relative TSR | Measure to assess relative value created for our shareholders, providing an indirect external assessment of our performance in all other areas. | ||||||||||
In 2022, the STIP also includes an individual performance modifier which enables greater individual accountability for contributions to our success in delivering results in the areas described above.
| Compensation Governance | ||
Role of the People and Compensation Committee
The People and Compensation Committee is made up of at least three, and currently four, independent directors who collectively have the delegated authority to oversee matters relating to compensation, benefits, and human capital issues. In discharging their duties, the People and Compensation Committee receives input from the management teams and external independent consultants as appropriate.
| Management | People and Compensation Committee | Boards | ||||||||||||
Present proposals to the Committee on aspects of compensation and incentive plan design. | Oversee the companies’ compensation programs and makes recommendations to the Boards. | Review and approve the Committee’s recommendations related to PG&E Corporation CEO and Utility President (or equivalent officer) pay, and other matters brought to the Boards. | ||||||||||||
| Independent Consultants and Advisors | ||||||||||||||
| Provide independent advice to the Committee, including the provision of market data, guidance on incentive plan design and legal/regulatory updates | ||||||||||||||
The core activities of the People and Compensation Committee include:
• Recommending the total target compensation for the CEO of PG&E Corporation and the Utility President (or equivalent officer(s)) to the relevant Board for approval, informed by reviews of comparative data, advice from the People and Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultants, and an assessment of individual performance, objectives, and scope of responsibilities.
• Approving the total target compensation for other senior officers (including all NEOs) based on similar contextual inputs and proposals from the PG&E Corporation CEO and the Utility President (or equivalent officer(s)), as applicable. The PG&E Corporation CEO has the authority to approve compensation within the guidelines approved by the People and Compensation Committee for lower-level officers (excluding Section 16 Officers) and non-officer employees.
• Approving compensation guidelines based on input from management for different categories of employees, including target short- and long-term incentive opportunities, an aggregate cap on the value of long-term incentive awards, and the terms and conditions that will apply to long-term incentive awards made during the year.
• Administering the LTIP, under which equity-based awards are made, with the ability to delegate ministerial matters to management.
• Reviewing and approving the performance metrics and associated goals for the short- and long-term incentive awards proposed by management.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 48 | ||||
Role of Management
The PG&E Corporation CEO and the Utility President (or equivalent officer(s)) are generally invited to People and Compensation Committee meetings but do not participate in discussions on their own compensation. In certain areas, as described above, the People and Compensation Committee welcomes these officers’ feedback on NEO performance given their knowledge of executives’ contributions, and gives this feedback appropriate consideration in the executive compensation-setting process. The People and Compensation Committee may exercise its discretion to accept, reject, or modify the officers' recommendations based on the People and Compensation Committee members’ collective assessment of the NEOs’ performance and pay position relative to the peer groups, and PG&E’s overall financial and operating performance and other factors that the People and Compensation Committee deems appropriate.
Use of Consultants and Advisors
To assist in discharging its duties, the People and Compensation Committee retains a nationally recognized independent compensation consultant to provide advice and data, including advising and reviewing annual executive compensation arrangements and individual compensation packages. In addition to being of value to the People and Compensation Committee, retaining a nationally recognized independent consultant is also a commitment under POR OII.
Throughout 2022, the People and Compensation Committee retained Meridian as an independent consultant to provide advice on general compensation issues. During this period, Meridian did not provide services to management of either company or their respective affiliates although Meridian was invited to maintain a working relationship with management in order to effectively fulfill an advisor role to the People and Compensation Committee. During and in respect of 2022, Meridian advised the People and Compensation Committee on the following matters:
• Non-employee director compensation
• Market competitiveness of executive officer compensation
• Emerging trends and best practices in executive pay and corporate governance
• Performance goal and metric selection
• Compensation risk
• Shareholder advisory firms’ pay and performance analyses
• Disclosures relating to compensation
• Severance and change-in-control practices and policies
The People and Compensation Committee determined that no conflicts of interest were raised by the work of Meridian during 2022. The People and Compensation Committee may also engage other compensation consultants, legal counsel, and advisers, after consideration of their independence and the potential for conflicts of interest. PG&E Corporation pays reasonable compensation costs for any such advisers and consultants. Management may also retain separate compensation consultants.
Shareholder Engagement
Feedback from shareholders is an important consideration for the People and Compensation Committee when reviewing and setting compensation for our executive officers. In a typical year, this feedback is collected through two primary channels:
• Directly through proactive engagement with our major shareholders and stakeholders throughout the year, and
• Indirectly through the results of our say-on pay vote.
At our 2022 Joint Annual Meeting, support for our 2021 executive compensation program was evidenced through votes in favor of each company’s say-on-pay proposal from over 97 percent of votes cast on each proposal.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 49 | ||||
The People and Compensation Committee regularly reviews executive compensation, taking into consideration input received through PG&E’s regular and ongoing engagement with investors, as well as indirect feedback from proxy advisor voting recommendations and investor voting guidelines. This feedback is then considered alongside the applicable regulatory requirements and our commitment to reach balanced and informed decisions.
During our engagement for the year, prior to the 2023 Annual Meetings, we reached out to our large institutional shareholders, resulting in direct engagement with shareholders representing more than 35 percent of the total outstanding shares of PG&E Corporation’s common stock. When executive compensation was raised, shareholders communicated that they did not have any concerns with our programs and did not believe any changes to our framework are necessary at this time.
In addition to reviewing feedback from direct engagement, the People and Compensation Committee also considers the results of the annual say-on-pay vote. At our 2022 shareholder meeting, approximately 97 percent of votes cast on each company's say-on-pay proposal were in support of our executive compensation program, which reinforced that our investors more broadly remain supportive of PG&E’s executive compensation program and design for the companies.
Compensation and Risk
The People and Compensation Committee annually reviews an assessment of the general risk factors associated with the companies’ compensation policies and practices to determine whether they encourage inappropriate risk-taking. The People and Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant in 2022, Meridian, assisted in this review. The People and Compensation Committee also receives advice from the Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees of the companies’ respective Boards of Directors.
| Annual Risk Assessment | Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees’ Input | Compensation Risk Mitigation Policies and Practices | ||||||||||||
Annual risk assessment conducted by Meridian covered: • Compensation structure and mix • Incentive plan structures and associated time horizons • Other pay plans • Governance of plan design and administration oversight • Target and maximum opportunities • Nature and mix of performance metrics • Risk of earnings manipulation • People and Compensation Committee/Board discretion to reduce or eliminate performance • Change in control severance provisions • Use of risk-mitigation policies and practices (see final column) • Regulatory compliance | • Advice regarding appropriate safety and operational incentive measures • Assessment of emphasis on and overlap/consistency in safety metrics and weightings, and the extent to which these metrics and weightings support an organization-wide focus on safety | • Executive stock ownership guidelines • Clawback policy • Hedging and pledging policy • Severance and change-in-control benefits • Incentive goal-setting approach | ||||||||||||
| For 2022, Meridian concluded that the companies’ compensation arrangements do not encourage excessive risk taking (which also applies to PG&E's CEO and the PEO of the Utility). The companies believe compensation programs and policies are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on either PG&E Corporation or the Utility. | ||||||||||||||
Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines
We believe that stock ownership further aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders, encouraging executives to consider the long-term performance and prospects for our companies. Our guidelines require senior officers to achieve and maintain a minimum investment in PG&E Corporation common stock, expressed as a percentage of their base salary. In assessing compliance with the ownership target, beneficially owned stock, phantom stock units credited to the Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, stock held in the stock fund of any defined contribution plan sponsored by either Company or its subsidiaries, and unvested RSUs are counted. A senior officer has five years to meet the ownership target for his or her position. Until a senior officer meets the applicable ownership target, the officer is subject to a 100 percent holding requirement in relation to net shares realized after tax withholding from the vesting of RSUs or PSUs.
The current ownership targets are as follows:
| Roles | 2023 Ownership Targets (% of Base Salary) | |||||||
| CEO, PG&E Corporation | 600 | % | ||||||
| Executive Vice Presidents | 300 | % | ||||||
| Senior Vice Presidents | 200 | % | ||||||
| Vice Presidents | 100 | % | ||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 50 | ||||
Clawback
The Executive Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy enables the People and Compensation Committee and Boards to recoup payments made to Section 16 Officers across both companies in defined circumstances, including no-fault scenarios that would negatively impact our shareholders. The policy remains under periodic review to help ensure continued relevance.
| What | Why | |||||||
• Short-term incentives • Long-term cash incentives • Equity-based incentives | • Financial restatement with the SEC for any of the three most recently completed fiscal years • A material miscalculation with respect to the amount of any payment • Individual involvement in fraud or misconduct that caused material financial or reputational harm | |||||||
The 2012 PG&E Corporation Officer Severance Policy, as amended (Officer Severance Policy), further enables the People and Compensation Committee and Boards to recoup severance rights, payments, and benefits provided to executive officers across both companies (including executive officers as defined in AB 1054) in defined circumstances.
| What | Why | |||||||
• Severance benefits | • Individual misconduct materially contributes to PG&E Corporation or Utility felony conviction relating to public health or safety or company financial misconduct | |||||||
The People and Compensation Committee will work with management and Meridian in 2023 to review and, as necessary, update our Executive Incentive Compensation Recoupment Policy to ensure its compliance with new SEC requirements.
Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy
The Insider Trading Policy prohibits certain hedging and pledging activities conducted by the companies’ Board members, officers, and designated employees who are subject to a quarterly earnings blackout period or event-specific blackout period. The policy covers equity instruments related directly or indirectly to either company or their subsidiaries. Covered individuals may not engage in short sales, transactions in publicly traded options, or hedging or monetization transactions; hold securities in a margin account; or pledge securities as collateral for a loan.
Use of Market Data
The People and Compensation Committee refers to two peer groups: one for benchmarking pay and the other for measuring the companies’ relative performance. Distinct groups are maintained to help ensure each is relevant for its primary purpose. In particular, larger companies may be reasonable comparators for performance but not for compensation levels.
Pay Comparator Group | • | Provides insights into compensation levels and design within companies that PG&E Corporation and the Utility compete with for talent and that are similar in terms of size and business operations. | |||||||||
| • | Comprises publicly traded gas and electric energy companies. | ||||||||||
| • | Supplemented by pay practice data from surveys for the broader energy services sector and general industry companies based on survey data. | ||||||||||
Performance Comparator Group | • | Provides comparative benchmark for PG&E Corporation‘s total shareholder return performance, and other relative industry-standard benchmarks that might be considered in goal setting. | |||||||||
| • | Comprises publicly traded gas and electric energy companies that are categorized consistently by the investment community as “regulated” and have a market capitalization of at least $6 billion. | ||||||||||
Each year the People and Compensation Committee approves the constituents of the pay and performance comparator groups. Informed by recommendations from the independent compensation consultant, the People and Compensation Committee approved the following comparator groups for 2022.
| Company | Pay | Performance | ||||||
| AES Corporation | ||||||||
| Alliant Energy Corporation | ||||||||
| Ameren Corporation | ||||||||
| American Electric Power Company, Inc. | ||||||||
| CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 51 | ||||
| Company | Pay | Performance | ||||||
| CMS Energy Corporation | ||||||||
| Consolidated Edison, Inc. | ||||||||
| Dominion Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
| DTE Energy Company | ||||||||
| Duke Energy Corporation | ||||||||
| Edison International | ||||||||
| Entergy Corporation | ||||||||
| Evergy, Inc. | ||||||||
| Eversource Energy | ||||||||
| Exelon Corporation | ||||||||
| FirstEnergy Corp. | ||||||||
| NextEra Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
| NiSource Inc. | ||||||||
| Pinnacle West Capital Corporation | ||||||||
| Public Service Enterprise Group | ||||||||
| Sempra Energy | ||||||||
| The Southern Company | ||||||||
| WEC Energy Group, Inc. | ||||||||
| Xcel Energy Inc. | ||||||||
There were no changes made to the Pay and Performance Comparator Groups used to inform 2022 decision-making versus the prior year.
In reviewing pay data, the People and Compensation Committee does not adhere strictly to formulas or data to determine the actual mix and amounts of compensation. When referencing positioning against market data, the People and Compensation Committee also considers factors including each NEO’s scope of responsibility and organizational impact, experience, and performance, as well as PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s overall safety, operating, and financial results in reaching decisions. This flexibility is important in supporting the overall pay-for-performance philosophy and in meeting the People and Compensation Committee’s objectives of attracting, retaining, and motivating a talented executive leadership team.
Incentive Plan Goal Setting
To be successful in aligning pay with performance, it is important that performance goals are set appropriately within our incentive programs. For each of the metrics used in our incentive plans, the People and Compensation Committee reviews a comprehensive analysis that typically sets out the following, on a metric-specific basis:
• Data on historic performance, showing multi-year trends;
• Projected performance on a multi-year basis, driven by workplans and anticipated timing of milestone achievements;
• Target setting methodology, with recommended ranges around the target to establish threshold and maximum goals; and
• Degree of change in the proposed threshold, target, and maximum goals as compared with the prior year.
Each metric also has associated contacts and approvers to maximize accountability and transparency.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 52 | ||||
2022 Compensation Decision and Outcomes | ||
Base Salary
Base salaries are reviewed on an annual basis and are targeted to be within a competitive range of market for comparable roles in the Pay Comparator Group. In determining each NEO’s base salary, consideration is given to role scope and individual experience and performance. The People and Compensation Committee believes that this level of comparability to market is appropriate and consistent with its pay philosophy of taking into consideration factors other than market data in establishing individual pay levels, while delivering cash compensation that is competitive with the market. In reviewing salaries for 2022, adjustments reflected a combination of merit and market adjustments by role, with additional consideration given to the removal of the perquisite allowance effective in 2022. Mr. Singh’s increase reflects his promotion effective January 1, 2022.
NEO(1) | Role (as of 12/31/22) | 2022 Salary | (1) | Increase | (2) | ||||||||||||
Patricia K. Poppe | Chief Executive Officer, PG&E Corporation | $1,400,000 | 4% | ||||||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | Executive Vice President, Engineering, Planning and Strategy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $720,000 | 7% | ||||||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $875,000 | 6% | ||||||||||||||
Adam L. Wright (3) | Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $875,000 | 6% | ||||||||||||||
Christopher A. Foster (4) | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, PG&E Corporation | $655,000 | 7% | ||||||||||||||
David S. Thomason (5) | Vice President, Controller, and Utility Chief Financial Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $390,370 | 7% | ||||||||||||||
| John R. Simon | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, PG&E Corporation | $820,000 | 6% | ||||||||||||||
Sumeet Singh (6) | Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Chief Safety Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $675,000 | 42% | ||||||||||||||
| Julius Cox | Executive Vice President, People, Shared Services and Supply Chain, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $645,000 | 6% | ||||||||||||||
| Notes. | (1) | Annualized salary as of December 31, 2022. | ||||||
| (2) | Increase relative to salary as of December 31, 2021. Salaries were effective March 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted. | |||||||
| (3) | Mr. Wright resigned effective February 6, 2023. | |||||||
| (4) | Mr. Foster is resigning effective May 4, 2023. | |||||||
| (5) | Mr. Thomason resigned effective January 9, 2023. | |||||||
| (6) | Mr. Singh’s salary was effective January 1, 2022 in association with his promotion from his prior role as Senior Vice President, Chief Risk Officer. This promotion is also reflected in his salary increase for 2022. | |||||||
Short-Term Incentives
Our STIP and related awards are designed to drive the companies’ business objectives and strategic priorities, providing an opportunity for a cash payout reflecting the results achieved during the year. The plan focuses on quantifiable outcome-based metrics in the overall company score. Effective in 2022, the use of individual performance modifiers (IPMs) based on year-end ratings was re-instated for all eligible participants, including NEOs, meaning any incentive earned was based on a combination of company and individual performance. This enables greater individual accountability in contributing to our overall success.
The People and Compensation Committee establishes an annual target opportunity, expressed as a percentage of an individual’s base salary, set with reference to market median practices in our Pay Comparator Group. Target opportunities for the NEOs eligible to participate in the program in 2022 ranged from 50 percent to 135 percent of actual salary earned. In respect of the company score, achieving threshold performance will earn a payout at 50 percent of target and achieving maximum performance will earn a payout up to 200 percent of target. Our Core Commitment Completion metric, weighted at 15 percent, can only be earned up to 100 percent of target, while all other metrics can be earned at up to 200 percent of target if the maximum performance goals are achieved. The individual performance modifier cannot exceed 1.2, with the overall earned incentive subject to a cap of 200 percent of target.
The People and Compensation Committee retains complete and sole discretion to adjust any performance formula or score, including to zero, on any and all short-term incentive performance measures for any reason, including consideration of (without limitation) performance with respect to safety, compliance, and ethics.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 53 | ||||
The fundamentals of the company performance assessment in 2022 were consistent with 2021. The People and Compensation Committee established 2022 metrics across the same three performance areas, retaining a weighting of 75 percent towards metrics that focus on underlying objectives tied to customer and safety, and 25 percent towards financial stability, which itself is inherently tied to our safety performance.
In determining and approving the appropriate performance metrics in each of these performance areas the People and Compensation Committee considered factors including:
• The alignment with our fundamental belief that safety is paramount, complemented by a focus on customer welfare across all aspects of our business.
• The interaction between metrics to help ensure they collectively drive the right behaviors. For example, an overly narrow focus on reporting might result in employees failing to seek appropriate medical treatment for work-related injuries in order to keep reported injury metrics low.
• Guidance from the CPUC reinforcing the priority placed on outcome-based metrics for alignment with reducing the companies’ highest-priority risks, such as the risk of catastrophic events like wildfires, dam failures, or gas explosions.
• The companies’ ability to establish robust threshold, target, and maximum achievement milestones.
• The proportion of metrics that are outcome-based, as opposed to metrics that are based on operational activity or effort. As described in the earlier “Incentive Plan Goal Setting” section on page 52, in approving performance goals, the People and Compensation Committee references a range of factors including historic performance inclusive of multi-year trends; projected performance driven by workplans and anticipated timing of milestone achievements; the target-setting methodology, with recommended ranges around target to establish threshold and maximum goals; and the degree of change the proposed goals represent versus the prior year.
Each metric has a clear definition with a predetermined and pre-approved calculation methodology.
| Metric | Definition(1) | ||||
| Wildfire risk reduction | The count of Fire Ignitions that result in fires equal to or greater than 100 acres in PG&E’s HFTD and reportable to the CPUC per Decision 14-02-015. A reportable fire incident per Decision 14-02-015 is a fire event that meets the following criteria: (i) ignition is associated with PG&E powerlines (both transmission and distribution); (ii) something other than PG&E facilities burned, and (iii) the resulting fire travelled more than one meter from the ignition point. Reportable Fire Ignitions that result in fires ≥100 acres in PG&E’s HFTD for which PG&E submits an Electric Incidents report (EIR) are counted. If the ignition source for a fire ≥100 acres in PG&E’s HFTD is unknown or disputed, it will also be counted if PG&E records a financial reserve associated with that ignition | ||||
| Reportable fire ignitions | Fire incidents that meet the following criteria: (i) occur within a PG&E HFTD; (ii) and is reportable to the CPUC per Decision 14-02-015. A reportable fire incident includes all the following: 1) Ignition is associated with PG&E overhead distribution circuits, 2) something other than PG&E facilities burned, and 3) the resulting fire travelled more than one meter from the ignition point. | ||||
| Quality pass rate | Equally weighted index that tracks the quality of four core Wildfire Mitigation programs as measured by: (i) Percentage of Distribution Inspections performed in HFTD that pass the field Quality Verification reviews and contain no critical defects. (ii) Percentage of Transmission Inspections performed in HFTD that pass the field Quality Verification reviews and contain no critical defects. (iii) Percentage of the completed Enhanced Vegetation Management (EVM) work that passes the Quality Verification field reviews (iv) Percentage of the completed Routine Vegetation Management in HFTD work that passes the Quality Verification reviews | ||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 54 | ||||
| Metric | Definition(1) | ||||
| Core commitment completion | The metric measures timely completion of five core commitments across two key areas in the Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP): (i) Reduce Wildfire Potential: 1) Distribution System Inspections 2) Transmission System Inspections 3) Substation Inspections 4) Replacement of Non-Exempt Expulsion Fuses (ii) Reduce Impact of PSPS: 5) Distribution Sectionalization Devices. The metric is measured as a percentage of the five commitments meeting the time and work volume targets that PG&E commits to in the annual WMP. If the commitment work volume is achieved but the due date is missed (“Late” commitment), it will be considered as missed for the purposes of the metric. Core Commitment Completion = Distribution Inspections Completion Value (25 percent) + Transmission Inspections Completion Value (25 percent) + Substation Inspections Completion Value (10 percent) + Replacement of Non-Exempt Expulsion Fuses Completion Value (20 percent) + Distribution Sectionalization Devices Completion Value (20 percent) | ||||
| Non-fatal serious injuries actuals | A work-related high-energy incident from work at/ for PG&E that results in any of the following to employees, contractors, or directly supervised contractors: (i) a life-threatening injury or illness that required immediate life-preserving action that if not applied immediately would likely have resulted in the death of that person; or (ii) a life-altering injury or illness that resulted in a permanent and significant loss of a major body part or organ function. Metric will include motor vehicle incidents. Metric will be reported as a count. Metric excludes fatalities and potential SIF events. | ||||
| Total gas dig-in rate | This metric tracks the number of gas dig-ins per 1,000 Underground Service Alert (USA) tickets received. The dig-in component tracks all gas dig-ins to PG&E gas subsurface installations. A dig-in refers to damage which occurs during excavation activities (impact or exposure) and results in a repair or replacement of an underground gas facility. | ||||
| Preventable motor vehicle incidents | A Preventable Motor Vehicle Incident (PMVI) is any incident where the PG&E driver could have but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the incident. Includes company, rental and personal vehicles driven for company business. Count of all PMVIs*1M/Total Company Miles Driven. | ||||
| DCPP reliability and safety indicator | The year-end combined (average) score for Unit 1 and Unit 2, representing a composite of 10 performance indicators for nuclear power generation developed by the nuclear industry and applied to all U.S. nuclear power plants. Indicator performance periods range from 18 to 36 months (rolling). | ||||
| Safe dam operating capacity | Measure of operating capability of mechanical equipment used as main control to reduce the enterprise risk of a Large Uncontrolled Water Release (LUWR). Expanded to include planned and unplanned unavailability (previously only unplanned). | ||||
| Customers experiencing multiple interruptions | CEMI-5 is the total number of customers experiencing 5 or more sustained interruptions (planned/unplanned) and CEMI-10 is the total number of customers experiencing 10 or more sustained interruptions (planned/unplanned); both metrics are reported as a YTD measure for a rolling 12-month period. Metric calculated as a composite index with total CEMI-5 and CEMI-10 scores each contributing 50 percent. | ||||
| Gas emergency response time | The average response time for immediate response (IR) orders. The response time by PG&E is measured from the time PG&E is notified to the time a Gas Service Representative (GSR) or a qualified first responder arrives onsite to the emergency location. PG&E notification time is defined as when a gas emergency order is created and timestamped. | ||||
| Electric 911 emergency response | Measures the percentage of time that PG&E personnel respond (are on site) within 60 minutes after receiving a 911 call, with onsite defined as arriving at the premises where the 911 agency personnel are waiting | ||||
| Non-GAAP core earnings per share | Financial performance from ongoing core operations, in dollars per share. The measurement is Non-GAAP core earnings. Non-GAAP core earnings excludes non-core items (expenses that Management does not consider representative of ongoing earnings and affects comparability of financial results between periods). For purposes of the 2022 STIP performance, if core earnings is positive, the result will be divided by diluted shares. If core earnings is a loss, the result will be divided by basic shares. | ||||
| Notes. | (1) | These are abbreviated summary definitions and may not reflect complete details, including certain exclusions, for each metric. | ||||||
In the first quarter of 2023, the People and Compensation Committee reviewed and certified the following results for the company score:
| Performance Metrics | Weight | Threshold (50%) | Target (100%) | Maximum (200%) | Actual | Unweighted Score | Weighted Score | ||||||||||||||||
| Safety | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wildfire Risk Reduction | 15% | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1.000 | 0.150 | ||||||||||||||||
| Reportable Fire Ignitions | 5% | 116 | 103 | 90 | 89 | 2.000 | 0.100 | ||||||||||||||||
| Quality Pass Rate | 5% | 0.500 | 1.000 | 2.000 | 0.850 | 0.849 | 0.043 | ||||||||||||||||
| Core Commitment Completion | 15% | 80% | 100% | N/A | 100% | 1.000 | 0.150 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-Fatal Serious Injury Actuals | 5% | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0.000 | 0.000 | ||||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 55 | ||||
| Operate Safely Index: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Gas Dig-In Rate | 5% | 1.13 | 0.98 | 0.95 | 0.94 | 2.000 | 0.100 | ||||||||||||||||
| Preventable Motor Vehicle Incidents | 5% | 2.68 | 2.61 | 2.54 | 2.58 | 1.429 | 0.071 | ||||||||||||||||
| DCPP Reliability and Safety Indicator | 5% | 87.40 | 94.00 | 97.40 | 96.00 | 1.588 | 0.079 | ||||||||||||||||
| Safe Dam Operating Capacity | 5% | 95.11% | 96.22% | 97.32% | 96.93% | 1.645 | 0.082 | ||||||||||||||||
| Customer | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEMI-5 / CEMI-10 | 5% | 0.500 | 1.000 | 2.000 | 0.850 | 0.850 | 0.043 | ||||||||||||||||
| Respond to Emergencies Index: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gas Emergency Response | 2.5% | 21 | 20.5 | 20.0 | 19.9 | 2.000 | 0.050 | ||||||||||||||||
| Electric 911 Emergency Response | 2.5% | 96.01% | 97.30% | 98.13% | 98.23% | 2.000 | 0.050 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Core Earnings per Share | 25% | $1.05 | $1.10 | $1.15 | $1.10 | 1.000 | 0.250 | ||||||||||||||||
2022 Overall Short-Term Incentive Plan Company Score | 1.168 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In addition, to assess company performance relative to the above scorecard, the People and Compensation Committee can apply an modifier to reflect individual performance during the year via the IPM. This can modify awards to as low as zero and up to 120 percent. Following an assessment of individual performance in 2022, IPMs ranging from 80 – 109 percent were approved. The table below shows the short-term incentive compensation paid to each of the NEOs:
NEO(1) | Target Incentive (percent of Base) | Target Incentive | Company Score | Individual Performance Modifier(1) | Actual Incentive | Actual Incentive (percent of Target) | ||||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | 135% | 1,890,000 | 1.168 | 100 | % | $2,207,520 | 117 | % | ||||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | 75% | 534,375 | 1.168 | 101 | % | $630,392 | 118 | % | ||||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | 90% | 780,000 | 1.168 | 109 | % | $993,034 | 127 | % | ||||||||||||
| Adam L. Wright | 90% | 780,000 | 1.168 | 100 | % | $911,040 | 117 | % | ||||||||||||
Christopher A. Foster | 75% | 486,250 | 1.168 | 80 | % | $454,352 | 93 | % | ||||||||||||
David S. Thomason | 50% | 192,988 | 1.168 | 90 | % | $202,868 | 105 | % | ||||||||||||
| John R. Simon | 75% | 609,186 | 1.168 | 102 | % | $725,760 | 119 | % | ||||||||||||
Sumeet Singh | 75% | 506,250 | 1.168 | 101 | % | $597,213 | 118 | % | ||||||||||||
Julius Cox | 75% | 479,375 | 1.168 | 100 | % | $559,910 | 117 | % | ||||||||||||
| Notes. | (1) | The 2022 STIP base award for each NEO was subject to upward or downward adjustment for individual performance on key performance variables. The Individual Performance Modifier can range from zero to 120 percent of the base award, with a potential maximum total award at 200 percent of each NEO’s target opportunity. | ||||||
Long-Term Incentives
2022 Long-Term Incentive Awards
Our LTIP awards are designed to measure and incentivize our success in ensuring operational continuity and employee engagement through a focus on customer welfare and our financial stability. For 2022, all NEO awards were made solely in the form of performance-based equity.
In 2022, the People and Compensation Committee established annual target opportunities for each NEO, expressed as absolute dollar values.
NEO(1) | Role (as of 12/31/22) | 2022 Target Long-Term Incentive | 2022 Equity Mix | |||||||||||
| PSUs | RSUs | |||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | Chief Executive Officer, PG&E Corporation | $9,500,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | Executive Vice President, Engineering, Planning and Strategy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $1,750,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $2,600,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| Adam L. Wright | Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $2,600,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| Christopher A. Foster | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, PG&E Corporation | $1,750,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 56 | ||||
NEO(1) | Role (as of 12/31/22) | 2022 Target Long-Term Incentive | 2022 Equity Mix | |||||||||||
| David S. Thomason | Vice President, Controller, and Utility Chief Financial Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $400,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| John R. Simon | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, PG&E Corporation | $1,750,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Chief Safety Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $1,750,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
| Julius Cox | Executive Vice President, People, Shared Services and Supply Chain, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | $1,250,000 | 100% | 0% | ||||||||||
As a result of a clerical error, the initial number of PSUs awarded in respect of the 2022 target values approved by the People and Compensation Committee was incorrect. Following the discovery of this error, the awards were updated by means of a supplemental grant to ensure the underlying number of PSUs correctly reflected the approved target values, as adjusted. Further details can be found in the footnotes to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 65. A similar error was found in respect of the 2021 awards. Accordingly, for the 2021 PSUs, the Companies requested, and the executive officers consented to, the return of excess 2021 PSUs that had been granted using the originally calculated target value, as detailed in the footnotes to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 65.
Performance Share Units
All executive officers received 100 percent of the annual equity grant in the form of PSUs. Performance will be measured over the three-year performance period from January 2022 to December 2024 and vest to the extent threshold or greater performance objectives are accomplished three years after the grant date, in accordance with the three-year holding period for equity required under AB 1054. Dividend equivalents, if any, are accrued and paid in cash at the end of the performance period on earned shares only.
The People and Compensation Committee retains complete and sole discretion to adjust any performance formula or score, including to zero, on any and all incentive plan performance measures or modifiers for any reason.
In determining the performance metrics for the 2022 awards, the People and Compensation Committee considered a range of factors similar to those noted above in respect of the 2021 STIP awards. These included alignment with our core focus on customer welfare; the interaction with other metrics under the short- and long-term incentive programs; the companies’ ability to establish robust goals; and the extent to which the metrics measure outcomes in an objective manner. Six metrics were approved for the 2022 awards as shown in the table below.
| Performance Metric | Weight | Threshold (50%) | Target (100%) | Maximum (200%) | ||||||||||
| Customer Experience | 30% | |||||||||||||
| Customer satisfaction score | 15% | 73.0 | 76.0 | 78.5 | ||||||||||
| System average interruption duration index (SAIDI) | 15% | 384.2 | 376.7 | 327.9 | ||||||||||
| Public Safety | 40% | |||||||||||||
| System hardening effectiveness (risk miles) | 20% | 1,701 | 1,790 | 1,956 | ||||||||||
| Enhanced vegetation management effectiveness (risk miles) | 20% | 5,400 | 5,670 | 6,210 | ||||||||||
| Financial Stability | 30% | |||||||||||||
Greater affordability for customers (millions)(1) | 15% | N/D | N/D | N/D | ||||||||||
Relative total shareholder return (TSR)(2) | 15% | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 90th Percentile | ||||||||||
| Notes: | (1) | The targets are based on non-GAAP core earnings excluding unrecoverable interest expense, compared to authorized earnings. Accordingly, the associated targets are material non-public information and therefore not included in this disclosure. | ||||||
| (2) | Comparator companies comprised those listed in our 2022 Performance Comparator Group: Alliant Energy Corporation, Ameren Corporation, American Electric Power Company, Inc., CMS Energy Corporation, Consolidated Edison, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Edison International, Evergy, Inc., Eversource Energy, FirstEnergy Corp., NiSource Inc., Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, The Southern Company, WEC Energy Group, Inc., and Xcel Energy Inc. See “Use of Market Data” section on page 46 for details on peer group selection. | |||||||
Actual performance relative to the goals approved by the People and Compensation Committee will be disclosed, to the extent it is not considered commercially sensitive, following the conclusion of the three-year performance period and certification of results in the first quarter of 2025. The People and Compensation Committee retains complete discretion to adjust the formula and results and the final score, including to zero, on any and all incentive plan performance measures for any reason. All PSUs may be subject to earlier vesting or forfeiture upon certain events, in accordance with the terms of the grant.
Assessment of 2020 Long-Term Incentive Awards
The three-year performance period for the 2020 PSU awards concluded on December 31, 2022. The 2020 PSUs were subject to three performance metrics reflecting strategic priorities at the time of grant: core focus on customer welfare, public safety and financial stability. In the first quarter of 2023, the People and Compensation Committee assessed performance over the three-year
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 57 | ||||
performance period. Payout amounts were determined by multiplying the number of 2020 vested PSUs by the overall 2020 PSU metric score of 1.395.
| Performance Metrics | Weight | Threshold (50%) | Target (100%) | Maximum (200%) | Actual | Unweighted Score | Weighted Score | ||||||||||||||||
| Customer Experience | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer satisfaction score | 25% | 71.7 | 72.3 | 74.4 | 72.0 | 0.718 | 0.180 | ||||||||||||||||
| PSPS notification accuracy | 25% | 98.0% | 99.0% | 99.9% | 98.3% | 0.673 | 0.168 | ||||||||||||||||
| Public Safety | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| System hardening | 25% | 919 | 1,021 | 1,225 | 1,036 | 1.073 | 0.268 | ||||||||||||||||
| Substation enablement | 25% | 30 | 40 | 50 | 62 | 2.000 | 0.500 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial Modifier | Modifier | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relative Total Shareholder Return | 0.75 – 1.25 | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 90th Percentile | 100th Percentile | 1.250 | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall 2020 PSU Metric Score (with modifier) | 1.395 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other LTIP Matters
During 2022, PG&E Corporation authorized the amendment of certain LTIP equity award agreements to provide the company with flexibility to increase the applicable tax withholding percentages used as high as the maximum withholding rates when determining the actual number of shares delivered to a participant following the vesting of an LTIP award (which is delivered net of shares deemed sufficient to satisfy certain PG&E withholding obligations). Additionally, the Compensation Committee approved changes to the original targets relating to system hardening effectiveness, enhanced vegetation management, and greater affordability for customers for the 2021 awards, as indicated below. The Committee decided to change the target for system hardening to more closely align the target with PG&E’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan, which contemplates fewer system hardening miles than were anticipated when the 2021 program design was established. The Committee also changed the enhanced vegetation management target in recognition of the fact that the enhanced vegetation management program is being phased out in favor of other wildfire risk-reduction initiatives. Finally, the Committee changed the customer affordability target to align the metric more closely with financial projections.
| Threshold | Target | Maximum | ||||||||||||
| Performance Metric | Weight | (50%) | (100%) | (200%) | ||||||||||
| Customer Operations | 35% | |||||||||||||
| Customer satisfaction score | 18% | 73% | 75% | 79% | ||||||||||
| Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Notification Accuracy | 18% | 98.00% | 99.00% | 99.90% | ||||||||||
| Public Safety | 35% | |||||||||||||
| System hardening effectiveness (risk miles) (Original) | 18% | 1,030 | 1,140 | 1,190 | ||||||||||
System hardening effectiveness (risk miles) (Revised) | 18% | 985 | 1,090 | 1,138 | ||||||||||
| Enhanced vegetation management effectiveness (risk miles) (Original) | 18% | 5,400 | 5,670 | 6,210 | ||||||||||
Enhanced vegetation management effectiveness (risk miles) (Revised) | 18% | 3,600 | 3,780 | 4,140 | ||||||||||
| Financial Stability | 30% | |||||||||||||
| Greater affordability for customers (millions) (Original) | 15% | N/D | N/D | N/D | ||||||||||
Greater affordability for customers (millions) (Revised) | 15% | N/D | N/D | N/D | ||||||||||
| Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR)(2) | 15% | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 90th Percentile | ||||||||||
Post-Retirement Benefits
PG&E Corporation and the Utility provide retirement benefits to eligible employees, including the NEOs. Eligibility for different plans reflects factors including appointment date and employing entity. Tax-qualified pensions or similar plans, other tax-qualified defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) plans), and non-tax-qualified retirement plans for NEOs are common in our Pay Comparator Group, and the People and Compensation Committee believes these defined benefit and defined contribution plans offer significant recruiting and retention incentives.
The different benefits that NEOs are eligible for are summarized below:
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 58 | ||||
| Benefit | Eligible | Key Features | ||||||
| PG&E Corporation Retirement Savings Plan | All NEOs | • Tax-qualified 401(k) plan • Maximum matching contribution of 75 cents for each dollar contributed, up to: • 6 percent of base salary for individuals eligible for the final average pay pension benefit • 8 percent of base salary for individuals eligible for a cash balance pension benefit • Matching funds above IRS limits contributed to the NEO’s account in the PG&E Corporation 2005 Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, a non-qualified deferred compensation plan | ||||||
| Retirement Plan | All NEOs | • Utility’s tax-qualified defined benefit plan • Takes the form of either a final average pay pension benefit or a cash balance benefit | ||||||
| PG&E Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) | Simon | • Non-tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan • Frozen to new entrants after 2012 | ||||||
| PG&E Corporation Defined Contribution Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan (DC-ESRP) | Poppe, Glickman, Santos, Wright, Foster, Thomason, Singh, and Cox | • Non-tax-qualified defined contribution plan • Covers all officers elected on or after January 1, 2013 | ||||||
Upon retirement, NEOs may also be eligible for post-retirement health, welfare, insurance, and other benefits broadly similar to those provided to all employees. Additional details regarding the retirement programs and post-retirement benefits, and the value of pension benefits accumulated as of December 31, 2022, for the NEOs can be found in the table entitled “Pension Benefits – 2022” on page 69, the table entitled “Non-qualified Deferred Compensation – 2022” on page 70, and the section entitled “Potential Payments – Resignation/Retirement” on page 74.
Perquisites
In 2021, the People and Compensation Committee reviewed the perquisites policies and practices with the help of its independent advisor. The following changes were approved to take effect in 2022:
• The lump-sum annual cash stipend was discontinued effective January 1, 2022;
• The de minimis perquisite policy, which enabled the Chief Human Resources Officer to approve low-value perquisites to non-CEO officers, was discontinued effective January 1, 2022; and
• Subsidized financial planning services was discontinued effective March 1, 2022.
Details of the perquisites and benefits made available to our NEOs during 2022 can be found in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table.
Severance Benefits
General severance benefits are provided to the NEOs through the Officer Severance Policy and specific incentive plan award agreements and guidelines. The purpose of this policy is to:
• Attract and retain senior management by providing severance benefits that are part of a competitive total compensation package;
• Provide consistent treatment for all terminated officers;
• Minimize potential litigation costs in connection with terminations of employment by conditioning payments upon a general release of claims; and
• Focus management on maximizing shareholder value and aligning interests, rather than being distracted by concerns about job security in a potential change-in-control situation.
Change-in-control benefits require a “double trigger” and are not payable based on a change-in-control event alone, which the People and Compensation Committee believes best reflects shareholder interests and aligns with typical market practices. Details of the policy are summarized below.
| Termination Scenario | Eligible | Key Provisions | |||||||||
| Termination without cause | All NEOs | • | Cash severance of two-times (CEO) or one-times (other NEOs) the sum of base salary and STIP target | ||||||||
| • | Pro-rata vesting of PSUs | ||||||||||
| • | Continued vesting of unvested RSUs for one year | ||||||||||
| • | Continued vesting of stock options for one year, with an exercise period equal to the lesser of one year or the remaining term of the options | ||||||||||
| • | Limited COBRA benefits and outplacement services | ||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 59 | ||||
| Termination Scenario | Eligible | Key Provisions | |||||||||
| Termination for cause or resignation when not retirement eligible | All NEOs | Termination for cause or resignation when not retirement eligible: | |||||||||
| • | Forfeits all unvested PSUs, RSUs, and stock options | ||||||||||
| • | Forfeits any unpaid dividends associated with long-term incentive awards | ||||||||||
Termination following a Change in Control | All NEOs (except D. Thomason) | • | Cash severance of three-times (CEO) or two-times (other NEOs) the sum of base salary and STIP target | ||||||||
| • | LTIP award agreements detail treatment that accelerate vesting of all awards on a change of control (CIC) if either (1) the officer is severed in connection with the CIC, or (2) the award is not continued, assumed, or substituted | ||||||||||
The Golden Parachute Restriction Policy requires shareholder approval of certain defined executive severance payments provided in connection with a change in control of PG&E Corporation, to the extent that those payments exceed 2.99 times the sum of a covered officer’s base salary and target short-term incentive award.
The Officer Severance Policy also permits reduction and repayment of severance benefits from certain officers, with certain triggers.
Specifically, the Boards of Directors of PG&E Corporation and the Utility will have:
• A right to cancel, reduce, or require forfeiture of severance payments or benefits from (1) executive officers of either company in the event of a felony conviction of either company related to public health and safety or financial misconduct by either company following its July 1, 2020 emergence from Chapter 11 (Company Conviction), provided that an affected executive officer was serving as an executive officer of the convicted company at the time of the conduct leading to the Company Conviction; or (2) either company’s CEO or CFO if that company is required to restate its financial statements due to that company’s material non-compliance with financial reporting requirements as a result of misconduct, provided that the individual was serving as CEO or CFO during the period covered by the restatement; and
• A right to recoup or require reimbursement or repayment of severance rights, payments, and benefits from executive officers in the event such executive officers engaged in misconduct that materially contributed to some of the actions or omissions on which a Company Conviction is based.
Additional details regarding severance benefits can be found in the sections entitled “Potential Payments—Termination Without Cause” beginning on page 75, and “Potential Payments—Severance in Connection with Change in Control” beginning on page 76.
| 2023 Compensation Structure | ||
In the first quarter 2023, the People and Compensation Committee submitted the 2023 compensation program for approval under AB 1054. The plans continue to our focus on safety.
Short-Term Incentive Plan
For 2023, the design is largely consistent with 2022, maintaining a sixty-five percent weight of safety and WMP metrics with a continued to emphasis on outcome-oriented and risk reduction metrics. Minor changes have been made to metric definitions. The People and Compensation Committee will have the ability to approve individual performance adjustments provided they do not result in an outcome that exceeds the overall plan maximum of 200 percent of target.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Annual equity grants to executive officers (including NEOs) continue to be 100 percent PSUs. Similar to the changes under the short-term incentive program, the weighting of safety metrics is the focus. The metrics used in 2022 will be retained except for Enhanced Vegetation Management and Greater Affordability for Customers, and a new Electric Corrective Maintenance in HFTA will be added under the "Safety" category.
| Additional Information | ||
Equity Grant Date Policy
The PG&E Corporation Equity Grant Date Policy, as last amended in September 2017, generally provides that annual LTIP awards, if any, are granted once per year on March 1 (or if that day is not a business day, then on the following business day). The PG&E Corporation Board or the People and Compensation Committee may determine a different grant date if appropriate or necessary.
The Companies retain discretion to grant LTIP awards other than annual awards (such as for newly hired or newly promoted officers or for retention, recognition or other like purposes. If the grant date of any non-annual LTIP award would occur during a trading blackout period, as defined under the companies’ Insider Trading Policy, then the actual grant date will be the first business day after the trading blackout period ends.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 60 | ||||
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics
NEOs receive incentive awards that are subject to earnings metrics that are considered “Non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules and regulations. See “Exhibit A,” starting on page 62, for a reconciliation of these measures to GAAP measures.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
The People and Compensation Committee sets NEO compensation in accordance with our compensation philosophy and continues to believe that attracting, retaining, and motivating our employees with a compensation program that supports long-term value creation is in the best interests of our shareholders. In reaching decisions on executive compensation, the People and Compensation Committee considers the tax and accounting consequences. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code does not permit companies to deduct certain qualified performance-based executive compensation. As a result, in establishing compensation, the People and Compensation Committee no longer considered the tax deductibility limitations imposed by Section 162(m). Despite the new limits on the deductibility of performance-based compensation, the People and Compensation Committee continues to believe that a significant portion of NEO compensation should be tied to company performance.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 61 | ||||
EXHIBIT A
Reconciliation of PG&E Corporation’s Consolidated Income Available for Common Shareholders in Accordance with GAAP to Non-GAAP Core Earnings.
For the year ended December 31, 2022.
| Earnings | Earnings per Common Share (Diluted) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | 2022 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation’s Earnings (Loss) on a GAAP basis | $ | 1,800 | $ | 0.84 | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-core items: (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Wildfire Fund contribution (2) | $ | 344 | $ | 0.16 | ||||||||||||||||
| Wildfire-related costs, net of insurance (3) | $ | 254 | $ | 0.12 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investigation remedies (4) | $ | 93 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bankruptcy and legal costs (5) | $ | 216 | $ | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Strategic repositioning costs (6) | $ | 65 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Fire Victim Trust tax benefit net of securitization (7) | $ | (418) | $ | (0.20) | ||||||||||||||||
| Prior period net regulatory impact (8) | $ | (11) | $ | (0.01) | ||||||||||||||||
| PG&E Corporation’s Non-GAAP Core Earnings (9) | $ | 2,343 | $ | 1.10 | ||||||||||||||||
All amounts presented in the table above and footnotes below are tax adjusted at PG&E Corporation’s statutory tax rate of 27.98 percent for 2022 and 2021, except for certain costs that are not tax deductible. Earnings per Common Share is calculated based on diluted shares, except as noted. Amounts may not sum due to rounding.
(1) “Non-core items” include items that management does not consider representative of ongoing earnings and affect comparability of financial results between periods, consisting of the items listed in the table above. See Exhibit F: Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) The Utility recorded costs of $477 million (before the tax impact of $133 million) during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 associated with the amortization of the Wildfire Fund asset and accretion of the related Wildfire Fund liability.
(3) Includes costs associated with the 2019 Kincade fire, 2020 Zogg fire, and 2021 Dixie fire, net of insurance, as shown below.
| (in millions) | Twelve Months December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| 2019 Kincade fire third-party claims | $ | 225 | ||||||
| 2019 Kincade fire-related costs | 30 | |||||||
| 2019 Kincade fire-related legal settlements | 20 | |||||||
| 2020 Zogg fire third-party claims | 25 | |||||||
| 2020 Zogg fire-related costs | 25 | |||||||
| 2020 Zogg fire-related insurance recoveries | (33) | |||||||
| 2021 Dixie fire-related legal settlements | 43 | |||||||
| Wildfire-related costs, net of insurance (pre-tax) | $ | 334 | ||||||
| Tax impacts | (80) | |||||||
| Wildfire-related costs, net of insurance (post-tax) | $ | 254 | ||||||
4) Includes costs associated with the settlement agreement with the Safety and Enforcement Division’s investigation into the 2020 Zogg fire, restoration and rebuild costs for the town of Paradise, the CPUC’s OII into the 2017 Northern California Wildfires and 2018 Camp Fire, the settlement agreement with the Safety and Enforcement Division’s investigation into the 2019 Kincade fire, and the system enhancements related to the locate and mark OII, as shown below.
| (in millions) | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| 2020 Zogg fire settlement | $ | 10 | ||||||
| Paradise restoration and rebuild | 3 | |||||||
| Wildfire OII disallowance and system enhancements | 19 | |||||||
| 2019 Kincade fire settlement | 85 | |||||||
| Locate and mark OII system enhancements | 3 | |||||||
| Investigation remedies (pre-tax) | $ | 120 | ||||||
| Tax impacts | (27) | |||||||
| Investigation remedies (post-tax) | $ | 93 | ||||||
(5) Includes bankruptcy and legal costs associated with PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s Chapter 11 filing, including legal and other costs, exit financing costs, and securities litigation costs, as shown below.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 62 | ||||
| (in millions) | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Legal and other costs | $ | 75 | ||||||
| Exit financing | 81 | |||||||
| Securities litigation costs | 145 | |||||||
| Bankruptcy and legal costs (pre-tax) | $ | 301 | ||||||
| Tax impacts | (85) | |||||||
| Bankruptcy and legal costs (post-tax) | $ | 216 | ||||||
(6) The Utility recorded one-time costs related to repositioning PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s operating model, including their workforce, and the potential sale of a minority interest in Pacific Generation LLC.
| (in millions) | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Operating model | $ | 90 | ||||||
| Pacific Generation LLC minority interest sale | — | |||||||
| Strategic repositioning costs (pre-tax) | $ | 90 | ||||||
| Tax impacts | 25 | |||||||
| Strategic repositioning costs (post-tax) | $ | 65 | ||||||
(7) Includes any earnings-impacting investment losses, net of gains, associated with investments related to the upfront contributions to the Customer Credit Trust, the charge related to the establishment of the SB 901 securitization regulatory asset and the SB 901 securitization regulatory liability associated with revenue credits funded by Net Operating Loss monetization, and tax benefits related to the Fire Victim Trust’s sale of PG&E Corporation common stock.
| (in millions) | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Rate neutral securitization inception charge | $ | 608 | ||||||
| Losses, net of gains related to Customer Credit Trust | 19 | |||||||
| Fire Victim Trust tax benefit net of securitization (pre-tax) | $ | 627 | ||||||
| Tax impacts | (175) | |||||||
| Tax benefits from Fire Victim Trust share sales | (870) | |||||||
| Fire Victim Trust tax benefit net of securitization (post-tax) | $ | (418) | ||||||
(8) Includes adjustments associated with the recovery of capital expenditures from 2011 through 2014 above amounts adopted in the 2011 GT&S rate case per the CPUC decision dated July 14, 2022, partially offset by adjustments for the TO18 and TO19 ROE impact as a result of the FERC order dated March 17, 2022, which established a base ROE of 9.26 percent for the TO18 period, plus the approved CAISO incentive adder of 0.5 percent, for a total ROE of 9.76 percent.
| (in millions) | Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| 2011-2014 GT&S capital audit | $ | (78) | ||||||
| TO18 and TO19 ROE impact | 63 | |||||||
| Prior period net regulatory impact (pre-tax) | $ | (16) | ||||||
| Tax impacts | 5 | |||||||
| Prior period net regulatory impact (post-tax) | $ | (11) | ||||||
Undefined, capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in the PG&E Corporation and the Utility’s joint annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
“Non-GAAP core earnings” is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as income available for common shareholders less non-core items. “Non-core items” include items that management does not consider representative of ongoing earnings and affect comparability of financial results between periods, consisting of the items listed in this Exhibit A. “Non-GAAP core earnings per share” is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as non-GAAP core earnings divided by common shares outstanding (taken on a basic basis in the event of a GAAP loss and a diluted basis in the event of a GAAP gain). PG&E Corporation and the Utility use non-GAAP core earnings and non-GAAP core earnings per share to understand and compare operating results across reporting periods for various purposes including internal budgeting and forecasting, short- and long-term operating planning, and employee incentive compensation. PG&E Corporation and the Utility believe that non-GAAP core earnings and non-GAAP core EPS provide additional insight into the underlying trends of the business, allowing for a better comparison against historical results and expectations for future performance.
Non-GAAP core earnings and non-GAAP core earnings per share are not substitutes or alternatives for GAAP measures such as consolidated income available for common shareholders and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 63 | ||||
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table – 2022 | ||
This table summarizes the principal components of compensation paid or granted during 2022 (including cash incentives earned for corporate performance in 2022 but paid in 2023). This table also includes information disclosed in the 2021 Joint Proxy Statement and the 2019 Form 10-K/A for compensation paid or granted to certain officers during 2020 and 2021, respectively. Titles are as of December 31, 2022.
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($)(1) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($)(2) | Option Awards ($)(3) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(4) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(5) | All Other Compensation ($)(6) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Patricia K. Poppe CEO, PG&E Corporation | 2022 | 1,391,667 | 0 | 10,069,628 | 0 | 2,207,520 | 13,269 | 438,509 | 14,120,593 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 1,344,643 | 6,600,000 | 41,175,002 | 0 | 1,487,578 | 18,198 | 573,050 | 51,198,471 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Jason M. Glickman EVP, Engineering, Planning and Strategy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | 2022 | 712,500 | 0 | 1,854,956 | 0 | 630,392 | 8,826 | 112,784 | 3,319,458 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 450,000 | 500,000 | 1,750,021 | 0 | 287,213 | 13,373 | 74,255 | 3,074,861 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Marlene M. Santos EVP and Chief Customer Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | 2022 | 866,667 | 0 | 2,755,918 | 0 | 993,034 | 16,727 | 155,677 | 4,788,022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 657,609 | 900,000 | 5,113,471 | 0 | 503,663 | 22,292 | 287,052 | 7,484,086 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adam L. Wright (7) EVP, Operations and COO, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | 2022 | 869,191 | 0 | 2,755,918 | 0 | 911,040 | 11,992 | 161,777 | 4,709,917 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 762,596 | 500,000 | 4,200,016 | 0 | 579,212 | 13,695 | 452,641 | 6,508,160 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Christopher A. Foster (8) EVP and CFO, PG&E Corporation | 2022 | 648,333 | 0 | 1,854,956 | 0 | 454,352 | 0 | 100,913 | 3,058,554 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 627,355 | 0 | 1,330,083 | 0 | 375,723 | 42,320 | 98,653 | 2,474,133 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 438,095 | 0 | 300,001 | 0 | 145,287(a) | 166,195 | 67,636 | 1,117,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||
David S. Thomason (9) VP, CFO and Controller, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | 2022 | 385,975 | 0 | 424,024 | 0 | 202,868 | 0 | 61,633 | 1,074,499 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 381,858 | 0 | 400,051 | 0 | 200,906 | 28,373 | 65,050 | 1,076,238 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 353,853 | 0 | 700,002 | 0 | 114,441 | 303,438 | 55,516 | 1,527,251 | |||||||||||||||||||||
John R. Simon EVP, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, PG&E Corporation | 2022 | 812,248 | 0 | 1,854,956 | 0 | 725,760 | 11,337 | 36,605 | 3,440,906 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 841,039 | 0 | 1,750,023 | 0 | 488,657 | 556,326 | 63,945 | 3,699,990 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 768,786 | 0 | 3,062,499 | 0 | 439,400 | 790,616 | 67,543 | 5,128,845 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Sumeet Singh EVP, Chief Risk and Chief Safety Officer, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company | 2022 | 675,000 | 0 | 1,854,956 | 0 | 597,213 | 3,251 | 96,811 | 3,227,232 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 502,000 | 0 | 715,045 | 0 | 273,320 | 48,649 | 80,082 | 1,619,095 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Julius Cox EVP, People, Shared Services and Supply Chain, Pacific Gas and Electric Company | 2022 | 639,167 | 0 | 1,324,950 | 0 | 559,910 | 13,095 | 166,267 | 2,703,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Due to an administrative error, this number was incorrectly reported as 108,426 in our 2022 and 2021 proxy.
(1) Includes payments for accrued vacation.
(2) Represents the grant date fair value of PSUs and RSUs measured in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, without considering an estimate of forfeitures related to service-based vesting. For PSUs using safety and affordability measures, and for RSUs, grant date fair value is measured using the closing price of PG&E Corporation common stock on the grant date. Assumptions made in valuation of reported performance shares with a relative TSR measure, including adjustments to values reported in 2022 for 2021 TSR PSU awards to account for certain one-time events, are described in footnote 4 to the table entitled “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2022” on page 65. If the highest level of performance conditions were achieved, the estimated maximum grant date value of PSUs granted in 2022 would be: Ms. Poppe $20,139,257, Mr. Glickman $3,709,912, Ms. Santos $5,511,835, Mr. Wright $5,511,835, Mr. Foster $3,709,912, Mr. Thomason $848,047, Mr. Simon $3,709,912, Mr. Singh $3,709,912, and Mr. Cox $2,649,900.
(3) No stock options were granted in 2022.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 64 | ||||
(4) Amounts represent payments received or deferred in 2023, 2022, and 2021 for achievement of corporate and organizational objectives in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, under the STIP.
(5) Amounts reported for 2022 consist of (i) the change in pension value during 2022 for all NEOs (Ms. Poppe $13,269, Mr. Glickman $8,826, Ms. Santos $16,727, Mr. Wright $11,992, and Mr. Cox $13,095, and (ii) the above-market earnings on compensation deferred into the PG&E Corporation Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan and invested in the AA Utility Bond Fund for Mr. Simon ($11,337) and Mr. Singh ($3,251). The AA Utility Bond Fund accrues interest based on the long-term corporate bond yield average for AA utilities reported by Moody’s Investors Service. The above-market earnings are calculated as the difference between actual earnings from the AA Utility Bond Fund investment option and hypothetical earnings that would have resulted using an interest rate equal to 120 percent of the applicable federal rate.
(6) Amounts reported for 2022 consist of (i) perquisites and personal benefits (Ms. Poppe $145,239, Mr. Glickman $54, Ms. Santos $7,754, Mr. Wright $8,414, Mr. Foster $54, Mr. Thomason $3,182, Mr. Simon $54, Mr. Singh $54, and Mr. Cox $45,192), (ii) company contributions to defined contribution retirement plans (Ms. Poppe $285,047, Mr. Glickman $112,730, Ms. Santos $147,923, Mr. Wright $153,363, Mr. Foster $100,859, Mr. Thomason $58,451, Mr. Simon $36,551, Mr. Singh $96,757, and Mr. Cox $103,077), and (iii) tax restoration payments to reflect additional taxation on relocation benefits (Ms. Poppe $8,222 and Mr. Cox $17,998).
(7) Mr. Wright resigned effective February 6, 2023.
(8) Mr. Foster is resigning effective May 4, 2023.
(9) Mr. Thomason resigned effective January 9, 2023.
The following chart provides additional information regarding certain perquisites and personal benefits that are included in the Summary Compensation Table and discussed in section (i) of footnote 6.
| Fitness ($) | Executive Health ($) | Relocation Services ($) | AD&D ($) | Security Services ($) | |||||||||||||
| P. K. Poppe | 0 | 0 | 121,653 | 54 | 23,532 | ||||||||||||
| J. M. Glickman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| M. M. Santos | 0 | 7,700 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| A. L . Wright | 0 | 7,700 | 0 | 54 | 660 | ||||||||||||
| C. A. Foster | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| D. S. Thomason | 3,128 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| J. R. Simon | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| S. Singh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| J. Cox | 0 | 0 | 16,627 | 54 | 28,511 | ||||||||||||
The above perquisites and personal benefits consist of the following:
• The value of reimbursements for health club fees, pursuant to a program available to certain management employees, including non-officers.
• The cost of executive health services provided to executive officers. Amounts vary among officers, reflecting (i) the decisions of each individual officer regarding the specific types of tests and consultations provided, and (ii) the exact value of reimbursed expenses.
• The cost to PG&E Corporation and the Utility, as applicable, for relocation assistance services, which may include moving services, payments to a third-party home sale assistance firm (which may include inspection, appraisal, and other costs related to the sale of the home, third-party service fees, etc.), mortgage subsidies, and commuting expenses during the relocation process. Recipients of relocation assistance also received tax reimbursement payments (Mr. Cox, $17,998) with respect to this benefit in accordance with a broad-based program that provides relocation benefits to all employees. Such tax restoration payments are reflected in section (iv) of footnote 6 above.
•The cost to PG&E Corporation and the Utility, as applicable, for providing enhanced personal residential security to certain officers based on risks associated with these positions. Such home security program was approved by, as applicable, the Committee or either company's Board following, and consistent with, a security assessment conducted by an independent security consulting firm. The amounts shown in the table include the incremental cost of expenses incurred related to the installation and remote and in-person monitoring of the security system, and, as applicable, short-term home security guards.
Please see the CD&A beginning on page 42 for additional information regarding the elements of compensation discussed above, including information regarding salary, short-term incentives, and long-term incentives. Additional information regarding grants of LTIP awards can be found in the narrative following the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2022” table below.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2022 | ||
This table provides information regarding incentive awards and other stock-based awards granted during 2022 to NEOs.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 65 | ||||
| Committee / | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (2) | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Board Action | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Threshold | Target | Maximum | or Units | Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Grant Date | Date | ($) | ($) | ($) | (#) | (#) | (#) | (#) | ($)(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | 945,000 | 1,890,000 | 3,780,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 357,303 | 714,605 | 1,429,210 | 0 | 8,075,037 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39,170 | 78,340 | 156,680 | 0 | 1,425,007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13,259 | 26,517 | 53,034 | 0 | 569,585 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | 267,188 | 534,375 | 1,068,750 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65,821 | 131,641 | 263,282 | 0 | 1,487,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7,216 | 14,432 | 28,864 | 0 | 262,504 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,442 | 4,884 | 9,768 | 0 | 104,908 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | 390,000 | 780,000 | 1,560,001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 97,789 | 195,578 | 391,156 | 0 | 2,210,031 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10,721 | 21,441 | 42,882 | 0 | 390,006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,629 | 7,257 | 14,514 | 0 | 155,880 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adam L. Wright | 390,000 | 780,000 | 1,560,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 97,789 | 195,578 | 391,156 | 0 | 2,210,031 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10,721 | 21,441 | 42,882 | 0 | 390,006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3,629 | 7,257 | 14,514 | 0 | 155,880 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Christopher A. Foster | 243,125 | 486,250 | 972,500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65,821 | 131,641 | 263,282 | 0 | 1,487,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7,216 | 14,432 | 28,864 | 0 | 262,504 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,442 | 4,884 | 9,768 | 0 | 104,908 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| David S. Thomason | 96,494 | 192,988 | 385,975 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15,045 | 30,090 | 60,180 | 0 | 340,017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,650 | 3,299 | 6,598 | 0 | 60,013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 559 | 1,117 | 2,234 | 0 | 23,993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| John R. Simon | 304,593 | 609,186 | 1,218,372 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65,821 | 131,641 | 263,282 | 0 | 1,487,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7,216 | 14,432 | 28,864 | 0 | 262,504 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,442 | 4,884 | 9,768 | 0 | 104,908 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | 253,125 | 506,250 | 1,012,500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65,821 | 131,641 | 263,282 | 0 | 1,487,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7,216 | 14,432 | 28,864 | 0 | 262,504 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,442 | 4,884 | 9,768 | 0 | 104,908 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Julius Cox | 239,688 | 479,375 | 958,751 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47,014 | 94,027 | 188,054 | 0 | 1,062,505 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | 2/23/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5,154 | 10,308 | 20,616 | 0 | 187,501 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/12/2022 | 10/12/2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,745 | 3,489 | 6,978 | 0 | 74,944 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Compensation opportunity granted for 2022 under the STIP. Actual amounts earned are reported in the Summary Compensation Table in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column. Threshold equals a 0.5 times target. Maximum equals 2.0 times target.
(2) Represents PSUs granted in 2022 under the 2021 LTIP. Thresholds equals 0.5 times target. Maximum equals 2.0 times target for PSUs
(3) For PSUs with a relative TSR measure, the number and fair value of awards are measured at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. The model assumes that performance conditions are probable of being achieved, applies a risk-free interest rate meant to equal
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 66 | ||||
the expected yield on a U.S. 3 Year Treasury Note, and uses historical common stock volatilities from the Company and from peer companies for the 36-month period preceding the grant date. On October 12, 2022, and due to certain one-time events, the Company adjusted the volatility used in the model to better balance the Company’s own history with that of its industry. The modeling adjustment resulted in changes to the number of certain awards granted during 2021 and 2022 as well as to each award’s respective fair value measurement. For 2021, the companies requested, and each NEO consented to, a cancellation of the excess PSUs. For 2022, each NEO received a supplemental corrective grant. Only the adjustment made to the 2022 awards resulted in an increase to total compensation expense. The assumed per-share value on March 1, 2022, was $18.19 and the assumed per-share value on October 12, 2022, was $21.48.
Detailed information regarding compensation reported in the tables entitled “Summary Compensation Table” one page 64 and “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” on page 65, including the relative amounts apportioned to different elements of compensation, can be found in the CD&A. Information regarding specific grants and arrangements is provided below.
STIP Awards
Information regarding the terms and basis of 2022 STIP awards can be found in the CD&A.
Performance Shares
Performance shares granted in 2022 will vest, if at all, upon the third anniversary of the grant date, following and based on results during a three-year performance period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Upon vesting, PSUs are settled in shares of PG&E Corporation common stock, net of the number of shares having a value equal to applicable withholding taxes. The specific payout formulas are discussed in the CD&A. All PSUs may be subject to earlier vesting or forfeiture upon certain events, in accordance with the terms of the grant.
Each time that a cash dividend is paid on PG&E Corporation common stock, an amount equal to the cash dividend per share multiplied by the number of PSUs granted to the recipient will be accrued on behalf of the recipient. At the end of the vesting period, the amount of any accrued dividend equivalents will be increased or decreased by the same payout factor used to increase or decrease the number of vested PSUs for the period.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – 2022 | ||
This table provides additional information regarding performance shares, stock options, and RSUs that were held as of December 31, 2022, by the NEOs, including awards granted prior to 2022. Any awards described below that were granted in 2022 also are reflected in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table on page 65.
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable(1) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable(2) | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)(3) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(4) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(5) | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)(4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| P. K. Poppe | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,623,745 | 26,402,094 | 1,388,953 | 37,010,898 | ||||||||||||||||||
| J. M. Glickman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 300,232 | 7,647,436 | ||||||||||||||||||
| M. M. Santos | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 106,053 | 1,724,422 | 435,970 | 11,145,254 | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. L. Wright | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 72,926 | 1,185,777 | 452,952 | 11,454,259 | ||||||||||||||||||
| C. A. Foster | 3,911 | 0 | 41.26 | 3/1/2028 | 72,203 | 1,174,021 | 228,873 | 6,330,636 | ||||||||||||||||||
| D. S. Thomason | 6,354 | 0 | 41.26 | 3/1/2028 | 106,722 | 1,735,300 | 69,692 | 1,762,356 | ||||||||||||||||||
| J. R. Simon | 43,989 | 0 | 41.26 | 3/1/2028 | 298,709 | 4,857,008 | 258,699 | 6,869,509 | ||||||||||||||||||
| S. Singh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 112,134 | 1,823,299 | 194,981 | 5,710,154 | ||||||||||||||||||
| J. Cox | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32,362 | 526,206 | 147,845 | 4,234,624 | ||||||||||||||||||
(1) Consists of unexercised stock options from awards granted in 2018.
(2) As of December 31, 2022, no unvested stock options were outstanding.
(3) Consists of unvested RSUs and unvested PSUs granted in 2020 for which the performance period ended on December 31, 2022. Earned, but not vested PSUs are shown in the table below as Earned PSUs. See the CD&A for additional details regarding awards granted in 2022.
(4) Market value is based upon the $16.26 closing price of PG&E Corporation common stock on December 30,2022 (the last trading date of fiscal 2022).
(5) Consists of unvested PSUs granted in 2021 and 2022. Consistent with SEC rules, the number of shares is presented assuming target performance for 2021 awards using operational measures and maximum performance for 2021 awards using measures based on TSR, and assuming maximum performance for 2022 awards using operational measures and threshold performance for 2022 awards using measures based on TSR. The numbers reported in this column reflect adjustments to the number of PSUs awarded for 2021 and 2022 to reflect changes in the Monte Carlo simulation values for relative TSR. See the CD&A and Grant of Plan-Based Awards table for additional details regarding awards granted in 2022.
(6) Disclosed below is the vesting schedule for each of the RSU awards described above.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 67 | ||||
(7) Disclosed below is the vesting schedule for each of the earned, but not vested PSUs, and the unearned PSU awards described above.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End – 2022 (Continued) | ||
| Name | Award Date | Award Type | Vesting Schedule | Units # | Total | ||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | 3/1/2021 | RSU | 1/4/2023 | 1,455,103 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2023 | 84,321 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2024 | 84,321 | 1,623,745 | |||||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | 3/15/2021 | RSU | 3/15/2023 | 106,053 | 106,053 | ||||||||||||
| Adam L. Wright | 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2023 | 72,926 | 72,926 | ||||||||||||
| Christopher A. Foster | 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2023 | 4,862 | |||||||||||||
| 3/22/2021 | RSU | 3/22/2023 | 8,371 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2024 | 4,862 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/22/2021 | RSU | 3/22/2024 | 8,371 | 26,466 | |||||||||||||
| John R. Simon | 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2023 | 15,953 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2024 | 15,953 | 31,906 | |||||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2023 | 6,518 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2024 | 6,518 | 13,036 | |||||||||||||
| Julius Cox | 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2023 | 26,436 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | RSU | 3/1/2024 | 5,926 | 32,362 | |||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 569,491 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 819,462 | 1,388,953 | |||||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | 5/3/2021 | Unearned PSU | 5/3/2024 | 149,275 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 150,957 | 300,232 | |||||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | 3/15/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/15/2024 | 211,694 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 224,276 | 435,970 | |||||||||||||
| Adam L. Wright | 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 228,676 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 224,276 | 452,952 | |||||||||||||
| Christopher A. Foster | 3/2/2020 | Earned PSU | 2/15/2023 | 45,737 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 21,111 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/22/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/22/2024 | 56,805 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 150957 | 274,610 | |||||||||||||
| David S. Thomason | 3/2/2020 | Earned PSU | 2/15/2023 | 106,722 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 35,186 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 34,506 | 176,414 | |||||||||||||
| John R. Simon | 3/2/2020 | Earned PSU | 2/15/2023 | 266,803 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 107,742 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 150,957 | 525,502 | |||||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | 3/2/2020 | Earned PSU | 2/15/2023 | 99098 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 44,024 | ||||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 150,957 | 294,079 | |||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 68 | ||||
| Julius Cox | 3/1/2021 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2024 | 40,021 | |||||||||||||
| 3/1/2022 | Unearned PSU | 3/1/2025 | 107,824 | 147,845 | |||||||||||||
Option Exercises and Stock Vested during 2022 | ||
This table provides additional information regarding the amounts received during 2022 by NEOs upon vesting or transfer of restricted stock and other stock-based awards.
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||
| Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | Value Realized on Exercise ($) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)(1) | Value Realized on Vesting ($)(1) | ||||||||||
| P. K. Poppe | 0 | 0 | 1,539,423 | 19,054,296 | ||||||||||
| J. M. Glickman | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| M. M. Santos | 0 | 0 | 106,052 | 1,219,598 | ||||||||||
| A. L. Wright | 0 | 0 | 72,926 | 824,064 | ||||||||||
| C. A. Foster | 0 | 0 | 13,233 | 152,212 | ||||||||||
| D. S. Thomason | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| J. R. Simon | 0 | 0 | 85,692 | 1,026,204 | ||||||||||
| S. Singh | 0 | 0 | 6,518 | 73,653 | ||||||||||
| J. Cox | 0 | 0 | 26,435 | 298,716 | ||||||||||
(1) Reflects RSUs that vested on January 4, 2022, March 1, 2022, March 15, 2022, March 22, 2022, and August 13, 2022. Also includes the value of dividends upon vesting. No dividends have been paid, nor dividend equivalents accrued, since December 2017. Aggregate dollar amount realized upon vesting was computed by multiplying the number of shares of stock by the market value of the underlying shares on the applicable vesting date.
Pension Benefits – 2022 | ||
This table provides information for each NEO relating to accumulated benefits as of December 31, 2022, under any plan that provides for payments or other benefits at, after, or relating to retirement.
| Name | Plan Name | Number of Years Credited Service (#) | Present Value of Accumulated Benefits ($) | Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) | ||||||||||
| P. K. Poppe | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 1.99 | 31,467 | 0 | ||||||||||
| J. M. Glickman | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 1.66 | 22,199 | 0 | ||||||||||
| M. M. Santos | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 1.8 | 39,019 | 0 | ||||||||||
| A. L. Wright | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 1.92 | 25,687 | 0 | ||||||||||
| C. A. Foster | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 11.32 | 291,596 | 0 | ||||||||||
| D. S. Thomason | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 21.13 | 730,173 | 0 | ||||||||||
| J. R. Simon | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 15.71 | 2,676,099 | 0 | ||||||||||
| J. R. Simon | PG&E Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | 15.71 | 899,385 | 0 | ||||||||||
| S. Singh | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 20.64 | 651,546 | 0 | ||||||||||
| J. Cox | Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan | 1.92 | 29,821 | 0 | ||||||||||
Additional information regarding compensation reported in the “Pension Benefits” table, and any associated policies, can be found in the CD&A. The present value of accumulated benefits as of December 31, 2022, is determined assuming that the NEOs retire at the earliest unreduced retirement age, using mortality and interest assumptions consistent with those used in preparing PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial statements. The RP-2014 “Employees” mortality table was used without collar or amount adjustments (adjusted to 2006 using a variation of MP-2014). Rates were projected on a generational basis from 2006 using a variation of MP-2014. Interest discount rates of 5.54 percent and 5.42 percent were used for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Retirement Plan (Retirement Plan) and the PG&E Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), respectively.
For 2022, the pension benefits described in the above table are provided to officers under two plans. The Utility provides retirement benefits to its eligible employees, including its officers, under the Retirement Plan, which is a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The Retirement Plan historically also has provided benefits to a significant number of PG&E Corporation’s employees and officers. Since April 1, 2007, all PG&E Corporation employees and officers are eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 69 | ||||
The Retirement Plan has two forms of benefit formula: a final pay formula and a cash balance formula. With respect to the Retirement Plan’s final pay benefit formula, a participating officer may begin receiving tax-qualified pension benefits at age 55, but benefits will be reduced unless the individual has at least 35 years of service and subject to adjustment for actuarial factors, including if an individual commences retirement after becoming eligible for an unreduced pension. At age 65, a participant becomes eligible for an unreduced pension, irrespective of the years of service. Between age 55 and age 65, any pension benefit may be reduced based on the number of years of service, and in accordance with the Retirement Plan’s early retirement reduction factors. The normal benefit formula is 1.7 percent of the average annual salary for the last 36 consecutive months of service multiplied by years of credited service. The default form of benefit is a single-life annuity for participants who are unmarried at retirement or a 50 percent joint spousal annuity for married participants. However, other types of joint pensions are available, and participants may designate non-spousal joint pensioners (subject to spousal consent).
Effective January 1, 2013, a cash balance formula was added to the Retirement Plan. Employees hired or re-hired after a break in employment on or after January 1, 2013, participate in the cash balance benefit. Employees hired before January 1, 2013, were given a one-time opportunity during 2013 to irrevocably select to switch to the cash balance benefit on a going-forward basis, effective January 1, 2014, or to retain the final pay benefit to which they were otherwise entitled. On the last day of each year (or on the date of benefit commencement, if earlier), an employee’s cash balance account is credited with pay credits based on a point system of age plus service and eligible pay during the year. At the end of each calendar quarter, the account is credited with interest credits, based on an average of the 30-year Treasury rates for the three months before the calendar quarter. Special interest credit rules apply in the quarter in which the benefit payment commences. The default forms of payment are similar to those under the final pay benefit formula. Additionally, however, a cash balance participant may elect a lump-sum payout that is eligible for rollover into an Individual Retirement Account or other tax-advantaged employer plan. Cash balance participants may elect to receive their vested benefit when they leave employment with any participating employer, regardless of whether they have attained age 55. The cash balance benefit does not include an early retirement reduction. No current NEOs elected to switch to the cash balance benefit.
PG&E Corporation’s non-qualified SERP provides benefits to certain officers and key employees. The SERP benefit formula is 1.7 percent of the average of the three highest combined salary and annual STIP payments during the last 10 years of service, multiplied by years of credited service, less the amount of the participant’s benefit from the Retirement Plan. Payments are in the form of a single-life annuity or, at the election of the officer, a joint spousal annuity. Normal retirement age is 65. Benefits may begin earlier, on the later of the NEO’s reaching age 55 or separation from service with the companies, subject to reduction depending on years of credited service, in accordance with the Retirement Plan’s early retirement reduction factors. Payments are reduced by amounts payable from the Retirement Plan.
Effective January 1, 2013, the SERP was closed to new participants. Individuals who do not participate in the SERP but who are newly hired or promoted to officer after January 1, 2013, may be eligible to participate in the 2013 PG&E Corporation Defined Contribution Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan (DC-ESRP), a non-tax-qualified deferred compensation plan. All NEOs with the exception of Mr. Simon participate in the DC-ESRP. See the table “Non-qualified Deferred Compensation—2022” below and the accompanying narrative for additional DC-ESRP details.
At December 31, 2022, Mr. Simon was eligible for early retirement under the Retirement Plan and the SERP. If Mr. Simon had retired on December 31, 2022, his benefit under both plans would have been subject to an early retirement reduction of 14 percent.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation – 2022 | ||
This table provides information for 2022 for each NEO regarding such individual’s accounts in non-qualified defined contribution plans and other deferred compensation plans as of December 31, 2022. The table presents balances from both the PG&E Corporation Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan for deferrals made prior to January 1, 2005, and the PG&E Corporation 2005 Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan (together, the SRSP Plans) for deferrals made on and after January 1, 2005, and from the PG&E Corporation DC-ESRP. The below descriptions pertain to 2022.
| Name | PLAN | Executive Contributions in Last FY($)(1) | Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)(2) | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($)(3) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distribution ($) | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($)(4) | ||||||||||||||
| P. K. Poppe | SRSP Plan | 0 | 76,742 | (9,897) | 0 | 134,346 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 201,547 | (28,634) | 0 | 271,374 | |||||||||||||||
| J. M. Glickman | SRSP Plan | 0 | 24,450 | (1,100) | 0 | 30,550 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 69,980 | (9,560) | 0 | 92,757 | |||||||||||||||
| M. M. Santos | SRSP Plan | 0 | 43,844 | (4,013) | 0 | 72,831 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 95,923 | (12,720) | 0 | 130,670 | |||||||||||||||
| A. L. Wright | SRSP Plan | 0 | 36,776 | (5,125) | 0 | 65,780 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 101,212 | (15,748) | 0 | 140,690 | |||||||||||||||
| C. A. Foster | SRSP Plan | 0 | 18,562 | (5,360) | 0 | 44,537 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 71,684 | (33,829) | 0 | 197,651 | |||||||||||||||
| D. S. Thomason | SRSP Plan | 100,453 | 11,780 | 12,677 | 0 | 560,303 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 41,082 | (41,583) | 0 | 213,909 | |||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 70 | ||||
| Name | PLAN | Executive Contributions in Last FY($)(1) | Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)(2) | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($)(3) | Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distribution ($) | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($)(4) | ||||||||||||||
| J. R. Simon | SRSP Plan | 0 | 23,168 | (34,693) | 0 | 2,118,460 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| S. Singh | SRSP Plan | 0 | 18,375 | (1,938) | 0 | 28,681 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 66,382 | 14,342 | 0 | 364,824 | |||||||||||||||
| J. Cox | SRSP Plan | 0 | 22,975 | (4,025) | 0 | 46,400 | ||||||||||||||
| DC-ESRP | 0 | 64,727 | (10,540) | 0 | 94,964 | |||||||||||||||
(1) Represents contributions made in 2022.
(2) The amounts shown were earned and reported for 2022 as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table.
(3) Represents earnings from the SRSP Plans and the DC-ESRP described below. Includes the following amounts that were reported for 2022 as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table: Mr. Simon $11,337 and Mr. Singh $3,251.
(4) Includes the following amounts that were reported as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table for 2022 and prior years: Ms. Poppe (SRSP Plans) $144,242, Ms. Poppe (DC-ESRP) $295,672, Mr. Glickman (SRSP Plans) $31,650, Mr. Glickman (DC-ESRP) $101,480, Ms. Santos (SRSP Plans) $76,844, Ms. Santos (DC-ESRP) $141,956, Mr. Wright (SRSP Plans) $70,905, Mr. Wright (DC-ESRP) $154,150, Mr. Foster (SRSP Plans) $47,911, Mr. Foster (DC-ESRP) $215,405, Mr. Thomason (SRSP Plans) $397,415, Mr. Thomason (DC-ESRP) $232,419, Mr. Simon (SRSP Plans) $2,055,189, Mr. Singh (SRSP Plans) $34,318, Mr. Singh (DC-ESRP) $66,382, Mr. Cox (SRSP Plans) $22,975, Mr. Cox (DC-ESRP) $64,727.
Under the SRSP Plans, officers may defer 5 percent to 75 percent of their base salary, and all or part of their STIP payment, and PSU award if settled in cash.
PG&E Corporation also will contribute an amount equal to any employer contributions due under the 401(k) plan that were not made due to limitations under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(m), 401(a)(17), or 415. Under the SRSP Plans, officers may elect deferrals to be distributed in 1 to 10 installments commencing in January of the year following termination of employment. For deferrals made in 2005 and thereafter, distributions may commence seven months after termination of employment or in January of a year specified by the officer. Earlier distributions may be made in the case of an officer’s death. The plan administrator may, in its discretion, permit earlier withdrawals as requested by participants to meet unforeseen emergencies.
Under the DC-ESRP, each time salary or STIP is paid, PG&E Corporation credits the participant’s account with an amount equal to 7 percent of the payment. Benefits vest after three years of cumulative service with the companies, and benefits are paid in a single lump sum upon the officer’s separation from service commencing as soon as reasonably practicable, following a date seven months after the separation from service. Officers may also elect deferrals to be distributed in 2 to 10 equal annual installments. Earlier distributions may be made in the case of an officer’s death.
Earnings on amounts in participant accounts under the SRSP Plans and the DC-ESRP are calculated based on the performance of the following funds available in the 401(k) plan:
| Fund Name | 2022 Return | ||||
| Bond Index Fund | -13.15% | ||||
| Emerging Markets Enhanced Index Fund | -17.49% | ||||
| International Stock Index Fund | -14.02% | ||||
| Large Company Stock Index Fund | -18.12% | ||||
| Money Market Investment Fund | 1.50% | ||||
| Retirement Income Fund | -10.98% | ||||
| Short Term Bond Index Fund | -3.70% | ||||
| Small Company Stock Index Fund | -25.46% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2020 | -12.20% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2025 | -14.83% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2030 | -17.00% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2035 | -17.84% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2040 | -18.35% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2045 | -18.75% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2050 | -19.08% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2055 | -19.10% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2060 | -19.10% | ||||
| Target Date Fund 2065 | -19.16% | ||||
| Total US Stock Index Fund | -19.09% | ||||
| U.S. Government Bond Index Fund | -7.96% | ||||
| World Stock Index Fund | -18.03% | ||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 71 | ||||
Other available measures are the PG&E Corporation Phantom Stock Fund, which mirrors an investment in PG&E Corporation common stock (2022 return of 33.10 percent), and the AA Utility Bond Fund. The AA Utility Bond Fund accrues interest based on the long-term corporate bond yield average for AA utilities reported by Moody’s Investors Service (yields reported during 2022 ranged from 3.01 percent to 5.82 percent). Pre-2005 deferrals under the SRSP Plans are limited to the Large Company Stock Index Fund, the PG&E Corporation Phantom Stock Fund, and the AA Utility Bond Fund. In general, the earnings measures are selected by the officer for the SRSP Plans and independent from such selections in the 401(k) plan, and may be reallocated subject to restrictions imposed by regulations of the SEC. However, deferrals of Special Incentive Stock Ownership Premiums received under the prior Executive Stock Ownership Program before December 31, 2012, may only be invested in the PG&E Corporation Phantom Stock Fund and may not be reallocated.
| Potential Payments Upon Resignation, Retirement, Termination, Change in Control, Death, or Disability | ||
The NEOs are eligible to receive certain benefits upon termination, or when a Change in Control (as defined in the Officer Severance Policy) occurs and either (1) the officer’s employment is terminated (including constructive termination by the officer for good reason) in connection with the Change in Control, or (2) the acquiring company does not continue or assume outstanding LTIP awards or substitute the LTIP awards with substantially equivalent awards.
The following table estimates potential payments for each NEO as if, effective December 31, 2022, that individual’s employment was terminated or an acquiror did not assume, continue, or grant substitute awards for LTIP awards previously granted by PG&E Corporation or the Utility. Estimates assume that the value of any stock-based compensation received was $16.26 per share, which was the closing price of PG&E Corporation common stock on December 31, 2022. The table generally excludes (1) payments for services already rendered (such as unpaid and earned salary), which would be due to the NEO even if the individual had remained employed with the companies, (2) post-retirement benefits that would be available to employees generally, and (3) any deferred compensation that was previously earned but would become payable due to the termination (these deferred amounts are reflected in the table entitled “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation” on page 70).
The value of actual cash and equity received on or shortly after December 31, 2022, would be less than the “total” amount listed below because (1) pension benefits are paid over time in the form of a life annuity, and (2) stock awards reflected in the table will be payable only after vesting, which may occur in subsequent years.
| Name | Resignation / Retirement ($) | Termination For Cause ($) | Termination Without Cause ($) | Change in Control ($) | Death or Disability ($) | ||||||||||||
| Patricia K. Poppe | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 31,467 | 31,467 | 31,467 | 31,467 | 42,188 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 37,003,312 | 48,986,469 | 48,986,469 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 6,580,000 | 9,870,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 2,207,520 | 2,207,520 | 2,207,520 | 2,207,520 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 39,246 | 39,246 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,238,987 | 31,467 | 45,881,045 | 61,154,202 | 51,236,177 | ||||||||||||
| Jason M. Glickman | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 22,199 | 22,199 | 22,199 | 22,199 | 36,161 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 2,436,237 | 4,881,772 | 4,881,772 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,246,875 | 2,520,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 630,392 | 630,392 | 630,392 | 630,392 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 54,199 | 54,199 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 652,591 | 22,199 | 4,409,401 | 8,128,062 | 5,548,325 | ||||||||||||
| Marlene M. Santos | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 48,215 | 48,215 | 48,215 | 48,215 | 48,215 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 5,234,079 | 8,813,294 | 8,813,294 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,646,667 | 3,325,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 993,034 | 993,034 | 993,034 | 993,034 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 39,246 | 39,246 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,041,249 | 48,215 | 7,980,741 | 13,238,289 | 9,854,543 | ||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 72 | ||||
| Name | Resignation / Retirement ($) | Termination For Cause ($) | Termination Without Cause ($) | Change in Control ($) | Death or Disability ($) | ||||||||||||
| Adam L. Wright | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 25,687 | 25,687 | 25,687 | 25,687 | 36,161 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 4,880,439 | 8,550,776 | 8,550,776 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,646,667 | 3,325,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 911,040 | 911,040 | 911,040 | 911,040 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 54,199 | 54,199 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 936,727 | 25,687 | 7,537,532 | 12,886,202 | 9,497,977 | ||||||||||||
| Christopher A. Foster | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 325,396 | 325,396 | 325,396 | 325,396 | 165,060 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 2,622,291 | 4,684,929 | 4,684,929 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,134,583 | 2,292,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 454,352 | 454,352 | 454,352 | 454,352 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 50,989 | 50,989 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 779,748 | 325,396 | 4,607,112 | 7,827,666 | 5,304,341 | ||||||||||||
| David S. Thomason | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 752,258 | 752,258 | 752,258 | 752,258 | 533,378 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 1,812,414 | 2,377,131 | 2,377,131 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 578,962 | 1,171,110 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 202,868 | 202,868 | 202,868 | 202,868 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 33,640 | 33,640 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 955,126 | 752,258 | 3,399,642 | 4,556,507 | 3,113,377 | ||||||||||||
| John R. Simon | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 3,945,214 | 3,945,214 | 3,945,214 | 3,945,214 | 2,319,046 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 5,353,003 | 5,612,398 | 7,835,076 | 7,835,076 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,421,434 | 2,870,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 725,760 | 725,760 | 725,760 | 725,760 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 54,199 | 54,199 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Payment in Lieu of Post-Retirements Life Insurance | 754,519 | 754,519 | 754,519 | 754,519 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 10,778,496 | 4,699,733 | 12,533,024 | 16,204,268 | 10,879,882 | ||||||||||||
| Sumeet Singh | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 627,168 | 627,168 | 627,168 | 627,168 | 318,136 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 2,656,655 | 4,537,434 | 4,537,434 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,181,250 | 2,362,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 597,213 | 597,213 | 597,213 | 597,213 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 54,199 | 54,199 | ||||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,224,381 | 627,168 | 5,135,984 | 8,198,014 | 5,452,783 | ||||||||||||
| Julius Cox | |||||||||||||||||
| Value of Accumulated Pension Benefits | 29,821 | 29,821 | 29,821 | 29,821 | 42,188 | ||||||||||||
| Value of Stock Awards Vesting | 0 | 1,540,765 | 2,930,166 | 2,930,166 | |||||||||||||
| Severance Payment | 1,118,542 | 2,257,500 | |||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 73 | ||||
| Name | Resignation / Retirement ($) | Termination For Cause ($) | Termination Without Cause ($) | Change in Control ($) | Death or Disability ($) | ||||||||||||
| Short-Term Incentive Plan Award | 559,910 | 559,910 | 559,910 | 559,910 | |||||||||||||
| Health Care Insurance | 0 | 0 | 54,199 | 54,199 | |||||||||||||
| Career Transition | 19,500 | 19,500 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | 589,731 | 29,821 | 3,322,736 | 5,851,095 | 3,532,264 | ||||||||||||
(1) Payments made in connection with a Change in Control may require shareholder approval, pursuant to the PG&E Corporation Golden Parachute Restriction Policy, discussed below. If excise taxes are levied in connection with Internal Revenue Code Section 4999, the aggregate benefits shown may be reduced to a level that does not trigger the excise tax, but only if doing so would be more beneficial to the officer on an after-tax basis.
(2) For pension payments, the number reflects the value of aggregated benefits upon termination due to death. Pension payments upon termination due to disability would be the same as in the event of resignation.
(3) Reflects the value of outstanding equity awards for which vesting is continued or accelerated due to the termination event. Outstanding PSUs granted in 2021 and 2022 are included assuming a target payout (100 percent).
(4) Assumes 2022 STIP performance scores as determined by the Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility and the People and Compensation Committee as disclosed in the CD&A.
The following describes post-service payment arrangements effective as of December 31, 2022, and does not address changes that will apply after January 1, 2023.
Pension Benefits in General
If any NEO is terminated for any reason, that officer generally is entitled to receive accrued and vested pension benefits, as described in the narrative accompanying the “Pension Benefits” table on page 69. The value of the pension benefit will be paid out over time in the form of an annuity, consistent with payment elections made by the NEO. The qualified plan trust is funded by contributions from both PG&E Corporation and the Utility. Payments from the non-qualified plan are paid by PG&E Corporation and are reduced by any benefit payable from the qualified plan.
The value of pension benefits reported in the table above is identical in all termination scenarios, except if an NEO’s employment is terminated due to that officer’s death. In that case, if (1) the officer was at least 55 years of age, or (2) the combined total of his or her age and the number of years worked exceeded 70, then the officer’s surviving spouse or beneficiary would be entitled to an immediate commencement of payment of 50 percent of the single-life pension benefit that would otherwise have been available to the officer at age 65. For all other officers, the value of this pre-retirement survivor’s benefit would be 50 percent of the single life pension benefit that would otherwise have been available to the officer at age 55, and the benefit would commence on the first of the month after the day that officer would have reached age 55.
Officer Severance Policy
The Officer Severance Policy provides for severance payments, treatment of STIP, and the treatment of certain LTIP awards upon termination with cause, termination without cause, and termination in connection with a Change in Control. Benefits under the Officer Severance Policy are paid by the individual’s former employer. Certain award agreements provide that if there is a conflict between it and the Officer Severance Policy than the award agreement's terms control.
Potential Payments – Resignation/Retirement
LTIP Awards
Unvested PSUs, stock options, and RSUs generally are cancelled upon resignation, unless the holder’s resignation qualifies as a “retirement.” For these purposes, “retirement” means a termination of employment, other than for cause, when an employee is at least 55 years old and has been employed for at least the last five consecutive years immediately before termination. If the holder “retires,” then:
• Unvested PSUs vest pro-rata, based on the number of months the holder was employed during the performance period. Any vested PSUs are settled, if at all, at the end of the applicable performance period, in the same manner as for active employees.
• Unvested annual RSU awards continue to vest for 12 months after retirement (unless retirement occurs within two years following a Change in Control, in which case unvested RSUs that would have vested in the next 12 months will vest and be paid out within 60 days following the retirement).
• Unvested annual stock options continue to vest for 12 months after retirement and may be exercised for the shorter of the remaining term or five years (unless retirement occurs within two years following a Change in Control, in which case all options vest immediately and may be exercised for the shorter of the remaining term or five years).
Mr. Simon was eligible for retirement under the LTIP as of December 31, 2022.
STIP
For 2022 STIP awards, if an NEO resigns or retires on or after December 31 of a performance year, that officer will be entitled to receive a lump-sum STIP payment for that calendar year.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 74 | ||||
If an NEO resigns prior to December 31 of any calendar year, potential STIP payments for that year generally are forfeited. However, if the NEO is at least 55 years of age at the time of resignation, then potential STIP payments will be treated in the same manner as for a “retirement.”
If an NEO retires before December 31 of any calendar year, then the People and Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, approve providing the retired NEO with a lump-sum STIP payment for that calendar year. Any such STIP payment generally would reflect actual earnings, and thus be prorated to reflect the amount of time the retired NEO was employed during the performance period.
Any STIP payment generally would reflect the STIP performance score applicable to active employees and would be paid by the former employer at the same time as for active employees.
Starting on January 1, 2023, treatment of STIP upon retirement or resignation will be different.
Post-Retirement Life Insurance Benefits
Upon retirement (as defined under the qualified pension plan), all employees of PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and certain subsidiaries are eligible to receive a life insurance coverage benefit under the Post-Retirement Life Insurance Plan of Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If an employee retires at age 55 or older with at least 15 years of service (qualifying retirement) with the companies and their respective subsidiaries, the employee may qualify for a different “benefit level” and the value of the benefit may increase. Each retiree’s applicable “benefit level” is determined based on factors such as the participant’s position with the company at retirement and the date of hire or promotion. Prior to December 31, 2008, upon qualifying retirement, certain benefit levels also permitted the retiree to elect to receive the benefit in the form of a lump-sum cash payment equal to the present value of the insurance coverage benefit. Participants no longer may elect the cash payment upon retirement, but certain individuals who were employees as of December 31, 2008, and who were likely upon retirement to qualify for the benefit levels that previously offered the cash alternative were given the opportunity to make a one-time election as to whether to receive future benefits (if any) as insurance coverage or in the form of a lump-sum cash payment. Benefits are paid by the former employer.
Upon qualifying retirement, Mr. Simon would receive a lump-sum cash benefit equal to the present value of a post-retirement life insurance policy with coverage equal to his last 12 months of salary. Upon qualifying retirement, Mses. Poppe, and Santos, and Messrs. Cox, Glickman, Wright, Foster, Thomason, and Singh each would be entitled to receive a life insurance benefit in the amount of $50,000. Messrs. Wright and Thomason resigned from their roles at PG&E on February 6, 2023 and January 9, 2023, respectively, and Mr. Foster is resigning effective May 4, 2023.
Potential Payments – Termination for Cause
If an officer is terminated for cause, all outstanding PSUs and unvested RSUs are cancelled, stock options are forfeited, no severance payment is available, and the officer is not eligible to receive a STIP payment for that year.
As provided in the Officer Severance Policy, in general, an officer is terminated “for cause” if the employer determines in good faith that the officer has engaged in, committed, or is responsible for:
• Serious misconduct, gross negligence, theft, or fraud against PG&E Corporation and/or the officer’s employer,
• Refusal or unwillingness to perform his or her duties,
• Inappropriate conduct in violation of the Corporation’s equal employment opportunity policy,
• Conduct that reflects adversely upon, or making any remarks disparaging of, the Corporation, its Board, officers, or employees, or its affiliates or subsidiaries,
• Insubordination,
• Any willful act that is likely to injure the reputation, business, or business relationship of the Corporation or its subsidiaries or affiliates, or
• Violation of any fiduciary duty, or breach of any duty of loyalty.
Ms. Poppe’s offer letter provides that “cause” for purposes of defining eligibility for severance payments has the definition used for determining “constructive termination” in connection with a Change in Control (see discussion under “Potential Payments-Severance In Connection with a Change in Control”).
With respect to vesting of LTIP awards, “cause” generally is determined in the sole discretion of PG&E Corporation, and typically includes dishonesty, a criminal offense, or violation of a work rule. Ms. Poppe’s offer letter provides that, for Ms. Poppe’s make-whole RSU award, “cause” is defined in the manner as under the Officer Severance Policy (described above).
Potential Payments – Termination Without Cause
LTIP Awards
Termination provisions are described in the Officer Severance Policy, LTIP award agreements, and individual arrangements as described below.
• Unvested PSUs generally vest proportionately based on the number of months during the performance period that the officer was employed divided by 36 months. Any vested PSUs are settled, if at all, at the end of the applicable performance period, in the same manner as for active employees.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 75 | ||||
• Unvested RSUs generally continue to vest for 12 months. Ms. Poppe’s make-whole RSU award will vest in full subject to execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims.
• Unvested stock options that would have vested over the 12 months following termination will continue to vest. Vested stock options may be exercised for the shorter of one year or the remaining term.
If the officer is at least 55 years of age with at least five years of service, his or her termination without cause is treated as a retirement under the terms of the LTIP award agreement, rather than as described in this section. (Please see the section entitled “Potential Payments—Resignation/ Retirement” for a discussion of vesting provisions.)
Mr. Simon was the only NEO eligible for retirement under the LTIP as of December 31, 2022.
Severance Payment
All NEOs would be entitled to a lump-sum payment of one times annual base salary and STIP target, except Ms. Poppe who, as the PG&E Corporation CEO, would receive a lump sum payment of two times annual base salary and STIP target.
Ms. Poppe’s offer letter also provides that “termination without cause” for Ms. Poppe includes “constructive termination” as otherwise defined in connection with a Change in Control (see discussion under “Potential Payments-Severance In Connection with a Change in Control”).
STIP
If an officer is terminated without cause before December 31 of a given year and has at least six months of service in that year, the officer is eligible to receive a prorated lump-sum STIP award for that year. Such STIP payment generally would reflect the STIP performance score applicable to active employees and would be prorated to reflect the amount of time that the officer was employed during the performance period. Payments would be paid by the former employer and at the same time as for active employees.
Miscellaneous Benefits
The officer is entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to the estimated value of 18 months of COBRA premiums, based on the officer’s benefit levels at the time of termination (with such payment subject to taxation under applicable law), and a lump sum payment of $19,500 equal to the estimated reasonable value of career transition services.
Covenants
In consideration for severance benefits other than those relating to LTIP awards, (1) the officer agrees not to divulge any confidential or privileged information obtained during his or her employment, unless required or permitted by law, (2) the officer agrees that during a period of 12 months following severance, the officer will refrain from soliciting customers and employees, (3) the officer agrees to assist in legal proceedings as reasonably required during this period, (4) the officer must sign a release of claims, and (5) the officer must agree not to compete with the companies during the period to the extent permitted by law.
Potential Payments – Severance in Connection with Change in Control
Change-in-Control benefits require a “double trigger” and are not payable based on a Change-in-Control event alone. Benefits in connection with a Change in Control are provided by the Officer Severance Policy, the LTIP, and related LTIP award agreements and guidelines. Benefits may be limited by the PG&E Corporation Golden Parachute Restriction Policy, which is discussed further below.
Definition of Change in Control
A Change in Control occurs upon any of the following events:
• Any person or entity (excluding employee benefit plans or a plan fiduciary) becomes the direct or indirect owner of more than 30 percent of PG&E Corporation’s outstanding common stock;
• Over any two-year period, a majority of the PG&E Corporation directors in office at the beginning of the period are no longer in office (unless each new director was elected or nominated for shareholder election by at least two-thirds of the remaining active directors who also were in office at the beginning of the period or who were elected or nominated by at least two-thirds of the active directors at the time of election or nomination);
• Following any shareholder-approved consolidation or merger of PG&E Corporation, the former Corporation shareholders own less than 70 percent of the voting power in the surviving entity (or parent of the surviving entity);
• Consummation of the sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer of all or substantially all of PG&E Corporation’s assets; or
• Shareholder approval of a plan of liquidation or dissolution of PG&E Corporation.
LTIP Awards
Following a Change in Control, LTIP award agreements (applicable to all LTIP awards other than Ms. Poppe’s make-whole RSU award) generally accelerate or automatically vest if either (a) the successor company fails to assume, continue, or substitute previously granted awards in a manner that preserves the value of those awards, or (b) the award recipient is terminated (including constructive termination) in connection with a Change in Control during a set period of time before or after the Change in Control. Specific acceleration, vesting, and settlement provisions are as follows (subject to any delays necessary to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A).
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 76 | ||||
| Treatment of Unvested LTIP Awards Upon Termination Without Cause in Connection with a Change in Control (CIC) | ||
CIC Occurs and Acquiror Does Not Assume, Continue, or Grant Substitute LTIP Awards | Termination Within Three Months Before CIC; Awards Are Assumed, Continued, or Substituted | Termination Within Two Years After CIC; Awards Are Assumed, Continued, or Substituted | |||||||||
| Performance Shares | Vest upon CIC, payable at end of the performance period, but based on a payout factor measuring TSR for PG&E for the period from the beginning of the performance period to the date of CIC, and assuming performance for other measures was at target | Vest upon CIC, payable at the end of the performance period | Vest upon termination, payable at the end of the performance period | ||||||||
| RSUs | Vest upon CIC, settled under the normal schedule | Vest upon CIC, settled under the normal schedule (includes any RSUs that would have continued to vest after termination) | Vest upon termination, settled within 60 days | ||||||||
| Stock Options | Vest upon CIC and will be cancelled in exchange for fair value | Vest upon CIC; may be exercised within shorter of remaining term or one year | Vest upon termination; may be exercised within shorter of remaining term or one year | ||||||||
The Officer Severance Policy provides that, unless otherwise set forth in an award agreement, if an award is not assumed or continued by an acquiror, and an officer is terminated between three months before and two years after a Change in Control, all outstanding LTIP awards vest in full, all performance conditions are deemed satisfied at target, and are settled within 30 days of the change in control.
Severance Payment
The Officer Severance Policy provides enhanced Change-in-Control severance benefits to “covered officers” who are in positions of SVP or above. Such covered officers include all NEO’s except Mr. Thomason. If Mr. Thomason was terminated without cause in connection with a Change in Control prior to his resignation on January 9, 2023, he would have been eligible for standard severance benefits as discussed in the section entitled “Potential Payments—Termination Without Cause.”
If a covered officer is terminated without cause or is constructively terminated within three months before and two years after a Change in Control, the officer generally would be eligible for a lump-sum payment equal to the total of:
• Unpaid base salary earned through the termination date,
• Any accrued but unpaid vacation pay, and
• Two times (or three times for Ms. Poppe, as PG&E Corporation CEO) the sum of (a) target STIP for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (b) the officer’s annual base salary in effect immediately before either the date of termination or the Change in Control, whichever amount is greater.
However, in connection with the elimination of reimbursement payments for excise taxes levied in connection with Internal Revenue Code Section 4999, eligible officers either (1) are responsible for paying any such excise taxes, or (2) have their aggregate Change-in-Control benefits reduced to a level that does not trigger the excise tax, but only if doing so would be more beneficial to the officer on an after-tax basis.
For these purposes, “cause” means:
• The covered officer’s willful and continued failure to substantially perform the officer’s duties with PG&E Corporation or one of its affiliates, after a written Board demand for substantial performance is delivered to the officer, or
• The willful engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that is materially injurious to PG&E Corporation.
Constructive termination includes resignation in connection with conditions that constitute Good Reason as defined in the Officer Severance Policy (which includes, among other things, a material diminution in duties, authority, or base compensation).
STIP
If a covered officer (all NEOs except Mr. Thomason) is terminated without cause or is constructively terminated in connection with a Change in Control, the Officer Severance Policy provides that the officer will receive a lump-sum payment equal to the officer’s prorated target STIP calculated for the fiscal year in which termination occurs. If Mr. Thomason was terminated in connection with a Change in Control prior to his resignation on January 9, 2023, he would have been eligible for STIP payments consistent with the discussion in the section entitled “Potential Payments—Termination Without Cause” on page 75.
Miscellaneous Benefits
The officer is entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to the estimated value of 18 months of COBRA premiums, based on the officer’s benefit levels at the time of termination (with such payment subject to taxation under applicable law), and a lump sum payment of $19,500 equal to the estimated reasonable value of career transition services.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 77 | ||||
Covenants
In consideration for severance benefits other than those relating to LTIP awards, (1) the officer agrees not to divulge any confidential or privileged information obtained during his or her employment, unless required or permitted by law, (2) the officer agrees that during a period of 12 months following severance, the officer will refrain from soliciting customers and employees, (3) the officer agrees to assist in legal proceedings as reasonably required during this period, (4) the officer must sign a release of claims, and (5) the officer must agree not to compete with the companies during the period to the extent permitted by law.
PG&E Corporation Golden Parachute Restriction Policy
The Golden Parachute Restriction Policy requires shareholder approval of executive severance payments provided in connection with any change in control, to the extent that those payments exceed 2.99 times the sum of a covered officer’s base salary and target annual bonus. This Policy was adopted by the PG&E Corporation Board in February 2006.
The policy applies to the value of cash, special benefits, or perquisites that are due to the executive following or in connection with both (1) a change in control, and (2) the termination or constructive termination of an officer of PG&E Corporation, the Utility, or their respective subsidiaries at the level of SVP or higher. It does not apply to the value of benefits that would be triggered by a change in control without severance, or to the value of benefits that would be triggered by severance in the absence of a change in control. The Golden Parachute Restriction Policy also does not apply to certain enumerated payments, including, among others, compensation for services rendered prior to termination, tax restoration payments, and accelerated vesting or settlement of equity awards.
Potential Payments – Termination Due to Death or Disability
LTIP Awards
If an officer’s employment is terminated due to death or disability, LTIP awards are treated as follows:
• Unvested PSUs vest immediately. Upon death, vested shares are payable immediately at target. Upon termination due to disability, vested shares are payable, if at all, as soon as practicable after completion of the performance period relevant to the PSUs, in the same manner as for active employees.
• If a participant’s death or disability (as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A) occurs while employed, unvested RSUs vest immediately and will be settled within 60 days. Ms. Poppe's make-whole RSU award will vest in full subject to execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims.
• If a participant’s death or disability (as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A) occurs while employed, unvested stock options vest immediately. Vested stock options may be exercised within the shorter of one year or the remaining term.
Vested LTIP awards are payable to the officer’s designated beneficiary(ies) in the case of death, or otherwise in accordance with the officer’s instructions or by law.
STIP
If an officer’s employment is terminated due to death or disability before December 31 of the STIP performance year, a prorated portion of the target STIP award will become payable to the officer, or, in the case of death, to the officer’s beneficiary(ies), by the former employer and at the same time as STIP payments are made to active employees.
| Principal Executive Officers’ (PEO) Pay Ratio – 2022 | ||
The PG&E Corporation PEO’s 2022 total compensation was $14,120,593. The total compensation of the median employee was $177,477. The ratio of PEO pay to median worker pay for PG&E Corporation was 80:1.
The Utility PEO’s 2022 total compensation was $4,272,466. The total compensation of the median employee was $177,477. The ratio of PEO pay to median worker pay for the Utility was 24:1.
December 31, 2022 was selected as the date to identify the “median employee.” The companies identified the same individual as was identified as the “median employee” on December 31, 2020, for purposes of disclosures in the 2021 Joint Proxy Statement, given that since December 31, 2020, there have been no changes to either company’s employee population or employee compensation arrangements that would result in significant changes to the pay ratio disclosure. To identify the “median employee” on December 31, 2020, Medicare wages from tax records were utilized to make the initial identification. At that time, of the companies’ total of approximately 26,000 employees, an insignificant number (9) were employed by PG&E Corporation, so the same employee was used as the “median employee” for both PG&E Corporation and the Utility in 2020 and 2021. After identifying the median employee, all the elements of compensation, including cash compensation and change in pension value, for 2021 were combined in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of SEC Regulation S-K.
As of December 31, 2022, Ms. Poppe was PEO of PG&E Corporation.
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Wright, Mr. Glickman, and Ms. Santos were PEOs of the Utility. The calculated Utility PEO total compensation was an average of these annualized amounts.
These ratios are reasonable estimates calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 78 | ||||
2022 Pay Versus Performance Tables and Supporting Narrative
The following tables and supporting narrative contain information regarding Compensation Actually Paid (“CAP”) to our NEOs and the relationship to company performance.
Pay Versus Performance Tables ("PVP")
Corporation PEOs/NEOs (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | SCT Total for PEO #1 | CAP to PEO #1 | SCT Total for PEO #2 | CAP to PEO #2 | SCT Total for PEO #3 | CAP to PEO #3 | ASCT Total for Non-PEO NEOs | ACAP to Non-PEO NEOs | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: | Net Income ($mm) | Non-GAAP Core EPS (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TSR | Peer Group TSR (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Not NEO | Not NEO | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Not NEO | Not NEO | ( | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Utility PEOs/NEOs(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | SCT Total for PEO #1 | CAP to PEO #1 | SCT Total for PEO #2 | CAP to PEO #2 | SCT Total for PEO #3 | CAP to PEO #3 | SCT Total for PEO #4 | CAP to PEO #4 | SCT Total for PEO #5 | CAP to PEO #5 | SCT Total for PEO #6 | CAP to PEO #6 | ASCT Total for Non-PEO NEOs | ACAP to Non-PEO NEOs | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: | Net Income ($mm) | Non-GAAP Core EPS (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TSR | Peer Group TSR (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not NEO | Not an NEO | Not NEO | Not an NEO | Not NEO | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Legend | ||||||||
| 1) SCT | – | Summary Compensation Table | ||||||
| 2) ASCT | – | Average Summary Compensation Table | ||||||
| 3) CAP | – | Compensation Actually Paid | ||||||
| 4) ACAP | – | Average Compensation Actually Paid | ||||||
| 5) TSR | – | Total Shareholder Return | ||||||
| 6) EPS | – | Earnings Per Share | ||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 79 | ||||
| Year | Corporate PEOs | Utility PEOs | Corporate Non-PEO NEOs | Utility Non-PEO NEOs | ||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| 2020 | ||||||||||||||
(3) Non-GAAP Core EPS is identified as our company-selected measure and included in column (i) of both tables. Details of the reconciliation to our audited financial statements can be found in Exhibit A of the Proxy for each respective year.
(4) Non-GAAP Core EPS for the full year 2021 was $1.00 per share on a fully diluted basis and $1.08 using a basic share count. The impact of dilution was $(0.08) per share.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 80 | ||||
| Deductions from SCT Total Pay | Additions to SCT Total Pay | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| PEO | Year | SCT Total ($) | Amounts Reported in the Summary Compensation Table for Stock Awards ($) | Amounts Reported in the Summary Compensation Table for Pension Value ($) | Fair Value of Equity Awards Calculated in Accordance with Compensation Actually Paid Requirements (a) | Value of Service Cost and Prior Service Cost under the Pension Plans | CAP ($) | ||||||||||||||||
| Poppe, P | 2022 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Smith, W | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | ( | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Johnson, W | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | ( | - | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Singh, S | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Lewis, M | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vesey, A | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Glickman, J | 2022 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Santos, M | 2022 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Wright, A | 2022 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Average for non-PEO Corporate NEOs | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average for non-PEO Utility NEOs | 2022 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) The following elements comprise the equity fair values included in CAP.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 81 | ||||
| PEO | Year | Addition of fair value at fiscal year (FY) end, of equity awards granted during the FY that remained outstanding | Addition of fair value at vesting date, of equity awards granted during the FY that vested during the FY | Addition of change in fair value at FY end versus prior FY end for awards granted in prior FY that remained outstanding | Addition of change in fair value at vesting date versus prior FY end for awards granted in prior FY that vested during the FY | Deduction of the fair value at the prior FY end for awards granted in prior FY that failed to meet their vesting conditions | Total Equity Adjustments Reflected in CAP | ||||||||||||||||
| Poppe, P | 2022 | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Smith, W | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | ( | - | - | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | ( | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Johnson, W | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Singh, S | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | ( | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Lewis, M | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | ( | ( | - | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Vesey, A | 2022 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Glickman, J | 2022 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Santos, M | 2022 | ( | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Wright, A | 2022 | ( | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Average for non-PEO Corporate NEOs | 2022 | ( | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | ( | ( | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | ( | - | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Average for non-PEO Utility NEOs | 2022 | ( | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | ( | ( | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 82 | ||||
Compensation Actually Paid Versus Company Performance
The following charts provide a clear, visual comparison, for each of 2022, 2021, and 2020, between SCT paid to our PEOs, CAP to our PEOs, the average SCT paid to our non-PEO NEOs, and CAP to our non-PEO NEOs, to PG&E’s TSR and the peer group’s TSR for each of those years. In addition, the charts illustrate how PG&E’s TSR compares to our PVP peer group’s TSR.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 83 | ||||
TSR is used as a performance measure in our LTIP program, applicable to PSUs, but the peer group of companies against which LTIP TSR performance is compared and the calculation for determining the LTIP TSR performance score are different than what is shown in the above charts. Additionally, TSR has a 15 percent weighting in our LTIP and, accordingly, it has limited impact on the CAP. However, as LTIP awards make up a large portion of total compensation, it is a factor that impacts the value of outstanding and vested awards and thereby the CAP.
Our company-selected measure is non-GAAP Core EPS, which accounts for 25 percent of the outcome under our STIP. Given the relatively small weight of this measure in our incentive framework, non-GAAP Core EPS has a very limited relationship with CAP. We do not use GAAP net income in our incentive plans, although it is a component of non-GAAP Core EPS. Accordingly, net income, like non-GAAP Core EPS, has a very limited relationship with CAP. As discussed in our Compensation Discussion & Analysis. While financial measures are not heavily weighted, PG&E emphasizes many quantifiable non-financial performance measures in our incentive plans, based on operational customer and safety metrics. Details of these can be found in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis.
Tabular List of Company Performance Measures
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, non-GAAP Core EPS is the most important financial performance measure in linking CAP to PG&E Corporate and Utility’s performance and is included in the PVP tables. The other two most important measures for PVP purposes consists of the remaining financial measures identified in our Compensation Discussion & Analysis for 2022. The following table lists the collective ‘most important’ financial measures alphabetically.
| Tabular List of Most Important Measures | ||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 84 | ||||
Proposal 3: Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation for PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company
| Board Recommendation | What are you voting on? PG&E Corporation and the Utility each asks its respective shareholders to approve, on an advisory basis, that the frequency of the advisory vote to approve executive compensation be one year. | ||||||||||
| Vote "FOR ONE YEAR" | |||||||||||
PG&E Corporation and the Utility are required to provide shareholders at least once every six calendar years the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote on whether a non-binding advisory vote to approve executive compensation (“say-on-pay vote”), such as the one included in Proposal 2 of this Proxy Statement, shall occur every one, two, or three years.
Since 2010, PG&E Corporation and the Utility each has provided shareholders with an annual advisory vote to approve the companies’ executive compensation policies.
Consistent with the companies’ existing policy and practice, the Boards recommend that the companies continue to provide shareholders with an annual opportunity to provide an advisory vote to approve executive compensation matters and, therefore, recommend that the frequency of the say-on-pay vote be one year.
This vote is non-binding and is required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Shareholders are not voting to approve the Boards’ recommendation. Shareholders will be given choices of one, two, or three years (or abstain). Shareholders’ non-binding approval of a one-, two-, or three-year frequency will not require either company to adopt that frequency. However, if the shareholders of either PG&E Corporation or the Utility do not approve an annual say-on-pay vote, the Board of the applicable company will examine the voting results and consider whether, among other things, the company should change the frequency of its say-on-pay vote.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 85 | ||||
Proposal 4: Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company
| Board Recommendation | What are you voting on? PG&E Corporation and the Utility each asks its respective shareholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as that company’s independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2023. | ||||||||||
| Vote "FOR" | |||||||||||
The Audit Committees of PG&E Corporation and the Utility each has selected and appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte & Touche) as the independent auditor for that company to audit the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, and to audit the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. Deloitte & Touche is a major national accounting firm with substantial expertise in the energy and utility businesses. Deloitte & Touche has served as the independent auditors for PG&E Corporation and the Utility since 1999.
One or more representatives of Deloitte & Touche are expected to be present at the annual meetings. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they wish and are expected to be available to respond to questions from shareholders. Each company’s Board believes that the appointment of Deloitte & Touche is in the best interests of that company and its shareholders.
PG&E Corporation and the Utility are not required to submit these appointments to a vote of their shareholders. However, each Board believes that requesting shareholder ratification of this selection is a good corporate governance practice. If the shareholders of either PG&E Corporation or the Utility do not ratify the appointment, the applicable Audit Committee will investigate the reasons for rejection by the shareholders and will reconsider the appointment. Even if a company’s shareholders ratify the selection, the applicable Audit Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of that company and its shareholders.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEES The Audit Committees of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company are comprised of independent directors and operate under written charters adopted by their respective Boards. The members of the Audit Committees of PG&E Corporation and the Utility are identical. At both PG&E Corporation and the Utility, management is responsible for internal controls and the integrity of the financial reporting process. The Audit Committees reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of PG&E Corporation and the Utility with management and the independent auditor. The Audit Committees also discussed with the independent auditor the matters that are required to be discussed by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the SEC. Deloitte & Touche LLP was the independent auditor for PG&E Corporation and the Utility in 2022. Deloitte & Touche LLP provided to the Committees the written disclosures and letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding an independent auditor’s communications with an audit committee concerning independence and non-audit services, and the Audit Committees discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP that firm’s independence. Based on the Audit Committees’ review and discussions described above, the Audit Committees recommended to the respective Boards and their delegates that the audited consolidated financial statements for PG&E Corporation and the Utility be included in the PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC. February 15, 2023 Audit Committees of the Boards of Directors of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company Benjamin F. Wilson (Chair) Rajat Bahri Robert C. Flexon Arno L. Harris Carlos M. Hernandez | ||||||||
1 “The five names listed above reflect the composition of the Audit Committees as of February 15, 2023, the date of this report of the Audit Committees." | ||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 86 | ||||
INFORMATION REGARDING THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR PG&E CORPORATION AND PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
| Selection and Oversight of the Independent Auditor | ||
Each Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, replacement, compensation, and oversight of the work of the independent auditor. The Audit Committees review the scope of the audit, including the terms of the engagement. The independent auditor reports directly to the Audit Committees; at each Audit Committee meeting, the independent auditor meets separately with the Audit Committees, without management present.
Annually, each Audit Committee also evaluates the independence, qualifications, and performance of the independent auditor, taking into account the opinions of management and the internal auditors. To ensure continuing independence of the independent auditor, the Audit Committees also consider whether there should be rotation of the independent auditor. In accordance with SEC rules, the lead audit partner may provide a maximum number of five consecutive years of service to the companies. Consistent with that requirement, Deloitte & Touche assigned a new lead auditor to lead the integrated audit of PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s financial statements, starting in 2022. The Audit Committees reviewed and evaluated the new lead auditor as part of their annual process for reviewing the independent auditor.
For 2023, the Audit Committees selected Deloitte & Touche as the companies’ independent auditor, following consideration of the following factors and criteria: (1) status as a registered public accounting firm and is subject to oversight by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (2) status as a “Big Four” public accounting firm, nationally and internationally recognized as an expert in accounting and auditing; (3) having one of the largest utility practices of the “Big Four” public accounting firms; (4) having made a strong commitment to supporting supplier diversity; (5) having significant experience with the companies; and (6) having an experienced team, including the lead partner, familiar with the industry, assigned to the companies’ engagements. The Audit Committees also considered (1) Deloitte & Touche’s quality control report, (2) Deloitte & Touche’s discussion of its independence, (3) Deloitte & Touche’s performance, and (4) a review of Deloitte & Touche’s proposed audit plan (including draft engagement letter) for 2023.
Although Deloitte & Touche has been the companies’ independent auditor since 1999, in 2015 and at the Audit Committees’ direction, the companies solicited bids from accounting firms to conduct the external audits of the companies’ financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2016. The bids were evaluated by the Auditor Selection Committee, which was comprised of members from the companies’ accounting, internal auditing, regulatory, operational, sourcing, and legal functions. The bids were evaluated with respect to four key factors: firm capabilities and background, firm resources and audit plan, supplier diversity plans, and pricing. Upon consideration of the information provided by the Auditor Selection Committee, each Audit Committee appointed Deloitte & Touche as the independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2016.
Fees Paid to the Independent Auditor During 2022 and 2021(2) | ||
The Audit Committees have reviewed the audit and non-audit fees that PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and their respective controlled subsidiaries have been billed for by the independent auditor (including subsidiaries and affiliates), in order to consider whether the nature and relative value of those fees are compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence.
Table 1: Fees Billed to PG&E Corporation
(Amounts include Fees Billed to the Utility and its Subsidiaries shown in Table 2 below)
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Audit Fees | $7.145 million | $6.250 million | ||||||
| Audit-Related Fees | $0.365 million | $0.180 million | ||||||
| Tax Fees | $0 | $0 | ||||||
| All Other Fees | $0 | $0 | ||||||
Table 2: Fees Billed to the Utility and its Subsidiaries
(Amounts are included in Fees Billed to PG&E Corporation shown in Table 1 above)
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Audit Fees | $6.160 million | $5.348 million | ||||||
| Audit-Related Fees | $0.340 million | $0.180 million | ||||||
| Tax Fees | $0 | $0 | ||||||
| All Other Fees | $0 | $0 | ||||||
2 The 2022 fee amounts are not final as of the date of this report due to ongoing audit procedures related to potential sale of a minority interest in Pacific Generation LLC. | ||||||||||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 87 | ||||
| Audit Fees | ||
Audit fees billed for 2022 and 2021 relate to services rendered by Deloitte & Touche and its affiliates in connection with reviews of Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; certain limited procedures on registration statements; the audits of the annual financial statements of PG&E Corporation and its subsidiaries and the Utility and its subsidiaries; the audits of both PG&E Corporation’s and the Utility’s internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; support for statutory or regulatory filings or engagements and regulators’ reviews of auditor workpapers; procedures related to California wildfires, tax matters, and transactions including securitization accounting, the sale of transmission tower wireless licenses, and the Oakland lease. The increase in audit fees billed for 2022 as compared to 2021 is primarily due to audit procedures related to the potential sale of a minority interest in Pacific Generation LLC.
| Audit-Related Fees | ||
Audit-related fees billed for 2022 and 2021 relate to services rendered by Deloitte & Touche and its affiliates for nuclear decommissioning trust audits, consultations on financial accounting and reporting standards, required agreed-upon procedure reports related to contractual obligations of the Utility and its subsidiaries, and attest services for securitization entities. The increase in audit-related fees billed in 2022 as compared to 2021 is primarily due to an increase in attest services for securitization entities.
| Tax Fees and All Other Fees | ||
Deloitte & Touche and its affiliates provided no services in these categories during 2022 and 2021.
Obtaining Services from the Independent Auditor | ||
Annual Review and Pre-Approval of Services
For each fiscal year, each Audit Committee approves a list of services that will be obtained during that year by the applicable company and its controlled subsidiaries and affiliates from the independent auditor (including its affiliates). The approved services generally are consistent with the descriptions below:
| Category | Description | ||||
| Audit services | Audit and review of annual and quarterly financial statements, expressing opinions on the conformity of the audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, auditing management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and services that only the independent auditor reasonably can provide (e.g., comfort letters, statutory and regulatory audits, attest services, consents, assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC, and assistance with new accounting standards, laws, and regulations). | ||||
| Audit-related services | Assurance and related services that traditionally are performed by the independent auditor (e.g., agreed-upon procedure reports related to contractual obligations and financing activities, nuclear decommissioning trust audits, and attest services). | ||||
| Tax services | Advice relating to compliance, tax strategy, tax appeals, and specialized tax issues, all of which also must be permitted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. | ||||
| Non-audit services | None. | ||||
The Audit Committees also approve maximum fee amounts for each type of approved service. As part of the review process, the Audit Committees assess, among other things, the impact of that service on the independent auditor’s independence. During 2018, management adopted a policy of retaining Deloitte & Touche, Deloitte Consulting, or their subsidiaries or affiliates (together, “Deloitte”) for non-audit services only if the services (1) do not impair Deloitte & Touche’s independence, in fact or appearance, and are permitted by any rules regarding auditor independence, and (2) when aggregated, total amounts paid per year by the companies to Deloitte for “tax service” and “other services” (non-audit services) will be no more than 20 percent of the expected amounts that the companies will pay to Deloitte for “audit services” and “audit-related services.”
Mid-Year Monitoring and Approval of Additional Services
During the year, management periodically updates each Audit Committee as to the extent to which the approved services have already been provided. The Audit Committees also must approve (1) any proposed new services that were not approved during the annual review and (2) any increase in authorized fee amounts for previously approved services.
Delegation of Pre-Approval Authority
Each Audit Committee has delegated to its Committee Chair, or to any other independent Committee member if the Chair is not available, the authority to pre-approve services provided by the applicable company’s independent auditor. These pre-approvals must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled Committee meeting.
Services Provided During 2022 and 2021
During 2022 and 2021, all services provided by Deloitte & Touche to PG&E Corporation, the Utility, and their consolidated affiliates were approved consistent with the applicable pre-approval procedures.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 88 | ||||
User Guide
DEFINED TERMS
“2014 LTIP” refers to the PG&E Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. | ||
“2021 LTIP” refers to the PG&E Corporation 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan. | ||
“2022 Annual Report” refers to the PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company 2022 Joint Annual Report to Shareholders. | ||
“2023 Annual Meetings” refers to the 2023 annual meetings of shareholders of PG&E Corporation and the Utility, which will be held concurrently on May 18, 2023. | ||
“2023 Proxy Materials” refers to , this Proxy Statement, Joint Notice, Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Card, and the 2022 Annual Report. | ||
“401(k) Plan” refers to the PG&E Corporation Retirement Savings Plan or the PG&E Corporation Retirement Savings Plan for Union-Represented Employees. | ||
“AB 1054” refers to California Assembly Bill 1054 relating to California utilities and wildfire protections | ||
“Board” refers to the Board of Directors of either PG&E Corporation or the Utility, as applicable. | ||
“CD&A” refers to the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” | ||
“CEO” refers to the position of Chief Executive Officer of PG&E Corporation. | ||
“CFO” refers to the position of Chief Financial Officer of PG&E Corporation or the Utility, as appropriate. | ||
“COO” refers to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the Utility. | ||
“Chapter 11” refers to chapter 11 of title 11 of the U.S. Code. | ||
“Corporation” refers to PG&E Corporation. | ||
“Corporation Board” refers to the Board of Directors of PG&E Corporation. | ||
“CPUC” refers to the California Public Utilities Commission. | ||
“DEIB” refers to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging | ||
“ESG” refers to Environmental, Social, and Governance topics covered in this Proxy Statement. | ||
"EVP" refers to the position of Executive Vice President of PG&E Corporation. | ||
"GAAP" refers to Generally Accepted Accounting Principals. | ||
“Guidelines” refers to the Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted by the Boards of PG&E Corporation and the Utility. | ||
“Independent Auditor” refers to the independent registered public accounting firm. | ||
“Joint Notice” refers to the Joint Notice of Annual Meetings of Shareholders of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. | ||
“LTIP” refers to the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan and/or the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan. | ||
“NEO” or “Named Executive Officer” refers to an officer who is listed in the Summary Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement. | ||
“Notice of Internet Availability” refers to the “Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on May 18, 2023, and Notice of Annual Meetings of Shareholders” for PG&E Corporation or the Utility, as applicable, which was mailed to certain shareholders starting on or about April 6, 2023. | ||
“NYSE” refers to the New York Stock Exchange. | ||
“PEO” refers to an officer or officers who serve as “principal executive officer” of PG&E Corporation or Pacific Gas and Electric Company, as appropriate. | ||
“PG&E” refers to both PG&E Corporation and its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, or the “Utility.” | ||
“POR OII” refers to the Plan of Reorganization Order Instituting Investigation proceeding initiated by the CPUC on September 26, 2019. | ||
“Proxy” refers to your authorization for another person or persons to vote your shares at the 2023 Annual Meetings, in the manner indicated on the Proxy also may refer to the person or persons so authorized (also called proxy holders). | ||
“Proxy Card” refers to your proxy card, on which you may indicate how you would like the named proxy holders to vote your shares at the 2023 Annual Meetings. | ||
“Proxy Statement” refers to this 2023 Joint Proxy Statement for PG&E Corporation and the Utility. | ||
“PSU” refers to a performance share unit (sometimes also called a performance share). | ||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 89 | ||||
“Record Date” is March 20, 2023. This is the date set by the Boards to determine which shareholders may vote at and attend the 2023 Annual Meetings. | ||
"RSU" refers to restricted stock unit. | ||
“SEC” refers to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. | ||
“Section 16 Officer” refers to any “officer” as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | ||
“STIP” refers to the Short-Term Incentive Plan. | ||
“SVP” refers to the position of Senior Vice President of PG&E Corporation. | ||
“TSR” refers to total shareholder return, measured by stock price appreciation and dividends paid, relative to companies in the Performance Comparator Group. | ||
“Utility” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. | ||
“Voting Instruction Card” refers to the form used by beneficial shareholders or participants in a 401(k) Plan to transmit instructions to the nominee or the plan trustee, respectively, on how to vote any shares for which that shareholder or plan participant has voting rights. | ||
“VP” refers to the position of Vice President. | ||
“WMP” refers to PG&E’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan. | ||
WEBSITE AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS
Current copies of the following corporate governance documents are available online through the Corporate Governance section of PG&E Corporation’s website (pgecorp.com/corp/about-us/corporate-governance.page) or the Company Information section of the Utility’s website (pge.com/en_US/about-pge/company-information/company-information.page), under the “Get more information about our corporate governance practices” link.
• Corporate Governance Guidelines for PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (which include definitions of “independence” for directors under the “PG&E Corporation Policies and Bylaws” and “Pacific Gas and Electric Company Policies and Bylaws” links)
• Charters for the standing committees of the PG&E Corporation and Utility Boards of Directors, including the following (under the “PG&E Corporation Board of Directors” and “Pacific Gas and Electric Company Board of Directors” links):
• Audit Committees of PG&E Corporation and the Utility
• Executive Committees of PG&E Corporation and the Utility
• Finance and Innovation Committee of PG&E Corporation
• People and Compensation Committee of PG&E Corporation
• Safety and Nuclear Oversight Committees of PG&E Corporation and the Utility
• Sustainability and Governance Committee of PG&E Corporation
Current copies of the following codes of conduct, applicable to both companies, are available online through the Compliance and Ethics section of PG&E Corporation’s website (pgecorp.com/corp/about-us/compliance-ethics/program.page) or the Company Information section of the Utility’s website (pge.com/en_US/about-pge/company-information/company-information.page), under the “Find out why we emphasize compliance and ethics” link.
• Code of Conduct for Employees (including executive officers)
• Code of Conduct for Directors
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 90 | ||||
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2023 ANNUAL MEETINGS AND VOTING
How can I participate in the 2023 Annual Meetings? | ||
The 2023 Annual Meetings of Shareholders of PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company will be held on May 18, 2023, at 10 a.m. Pacific time. We will host the 2023 Annual Meetings by live video cast; there will not be a physical in-person meeting. Please be assured that you will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate in the virtual meeting as you would at an in-person meeting.
To participate in the 2023 Annual Meetings, follow the instructions on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”), Proxy Card (if you received a printed copy of the 2023 Proxy Materials), or Voting Instruction Card. With your 16-digit control number found in these materials, you can access the webcast at:
• Holders of PG&E Corporation common shares - access the 2023 Annual Meetings at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PCG2023.
• Holders of Utility preferred shares - access the 2023 Annual Meetings at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PCG-P2023.
• Holders of both PG&E Corporation common shares and Utility preferred shares - in order to vote you are required to log into each company’s website separately, as discussed below in “How do I vote.” You can view the video cast in one browser using either URL.
We encourage you to access the 2023 Annual Meetings approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the meetings to allow ample time to check in. If you encounter any difficulties during the check-in process or meetings, please call the technical support number posted on the 2023 Annual Meetings' log-in page.
Who can participate in the 2023 Annual Meetings? | ||
Only PG&E Corporation and Utility shareholders who held shares as of the Record Date (March 20, 2023), or their duly appointed legal proxies, may attend and vote in the 2023 Annual Meetings.
| How do I vote? | ||
We encourage you to vote by proxy over the Internet, telephone, or mail prior to the 2023 Annual Meetings even if you plan to attend. If your shares are registered to you directly, there are three ways to submit your Proxy:
Over the Internet: You may submit your Proxy and vote your shares over the Internet by going to proxyvote.com. Voting instructions are provided on either your Notice of Internet Access or, if you received your Proxy Materials by mail, your Proxy Card. | |||||
By telephone: If you received your 2023 Proxy Materials by mail, you may submit your Proxy and vote your shares by calling the toll-free number on the Proxy Card. | |||||
By mail: If you received your 2023 Proxy Materials by mail, you may submit your Proxy and vote your shares by completing, signing, and dating the Proxy Card and mailing it in the postage-paid envelope provided. | |||||
You can also vote during the 2023 Annual Meetings with your 16-digit control number. For holders of PG&E Corporation shares, you can access the 2023 Annual Meetings and vote your shares at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PCG2023. For holders of Utility shares, you can access the 2023 Annual Meetings and vote your shares at virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PCG-P2023.
If you hold shares of both PG&E Corporation and the Utility, we encourage you to vote prior to the 2023 Annual Meetings to ensure that you have time to participate in the meetings. To vote your Corporation and Utility shares at the 2023 Annual Meetings, you will be required to log in with your 16-digit control number to each company’s website separately. You can still view the webcast in one browser.
If your shares are not registered to you directly but are held indirectly through a broker, bank, trustee, nominee, or other third party (“broker”), follow the instructions provided by your broker to vote your shares. If you do not submit voting instructions to your broker, the broker will not be permitted to vote your shares on any proposal, unless it constitutes a “routine” proposal and your broker is a member of the NYSE and permitted by NYSE rules to vote on “routine” proposals. The election of directors, the say-on-pay vote, and equity plan proposals, for example, are “non-routine” proposals.
If you are a 401(k) Plan participant, specific instructions for voting are noted on the Voting Instruction Card.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 91 | ||||
| What is the voting deadline? | ||
Registered shareholders - If you hold your shares directly and submit your Proxy over the Internet or by telephone, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. These Internet and telephone voting procedures comply with California law. If you submit your Proxy by mail, your vote must be received by 10:00 a.m., Pacific time, on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
Plan participants - If you are a participant in a 401(k) Plan, your Voting Instruction Card must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Monday, May 15, 2023, for the 401(k) Plan trustee to vote your shares.
Beneficial shareholders - If your shares otherwise are not registered to you directly but are registered in the name of your nominee (such as a broker, bank, trustee, or other third party), please consult information provided by the nominee.
If you participate in the 2023 Annual Meetings, you can vote your shares until the voting is closed.
| Can I change my vote? | ||
If your shares are registered to you directly, you can change your vote or revoke your Proxy any time before it is exercised by doing one of the following before the applicable deadline: (1) returning a signed Proxy Card with a later date, (2) entering a new vote over the Internet or by telephone, (3) notifying the Corporate Secretary of PG&E Corporation or the Utility, as appropriate, in writing, at 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California 94612, or (4) voting during the 2023 Annual Meetings until voting is closed. Your attendance at the 2023 Annual Meetings will not automatically revoke your Proxy unless you vote again during the 2023 Annual Meetings.
If you are a participant in a 401(k) Plan, you may change your vote at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Monday, May 15, 2023. The last vote that the 401(k) Plan trustee receives from you within this timeframe will be the vote that is counted. Participants in a 401(k) Plan are not eligible to vote during the 2023 Annual Meetings.
If your shares otherwise are not registered to you directly but are registered in the name of your nominee (such as a broker, bank, trustee, or other third party), follow the instructions provided by your nominee to change your vote or revoke your voting instructions.
| What vote is required to approve each proposal? | ||
A majority voting standard applies to the election of each director nominee and to the approval of Proposals 2, 3, and 4. Under a majority voting standard, approval occurs if the shares voted “for” a director nominee or other proposal are a majority of the shares represented and voting at that annual meeting. In addition, the shares voting affirmatively must equal at least a majority of the quorum that is required to conduct business at each meeting, which is 50 percent of the outstanding shares entitled to vote. This means that the shares voting affirmatively must be greater than 25 percent of the outstanding shares entitled to vote.
In determining whether a majority of the shares represented and voting have elected a director nominee or approved any other proposal, abstentions, votes “withheld,” and any broker non-votes (see the definition below under “What is a broker non-vote?”) will not be considered. For all matters subject to a majority voting standard, abstentions and broker non-votes that occur with respect to the election of a director nominee or a proposal could prevent the election of a nominee or the approval of a proposal if the number of shares voting affirmatively does not constitute a majority of the required quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at each meeting.
Where shareholders are being asked for an advisory vote or for ratification or approval (Proposals 2, 3 and 4), any voting results with respect to these proposals will be non-binding on the affected company but will be considered by that company’s Board.
| What is a broker non-vote? | ||
If you hold your shares indirectly through your broker, then your broker is the registered holder of your shares and submits the Proxy to vote your shares. You are the beneficial owner of the shares, and typically you will be asked to provide your broker with instructions as to how you want your shares to be voted. Under the rules of the NYSE, if you fail to provide your broker with voting instructions, your broker can use its discretion to vote your shares on “routine” matters, such as the ratification of the appointment of the Independent Auditor. However, your broker may not use its discretion to vote your shares on “non-routine” matters, such as director elections or advisory votes to approve executive compensation (say on pay) or the frequency of say on pay. When a broker votes your shares on routine matters but is unable to vote your shares on other non-routine matters because you have failed to provide instructions on how to vote any non-routine matters, a “broker non-vote” occurs with respect to these other non-routine matters.
| What shares am I entitled to vote? | ||
If you are a PG&E Corporation registered shareholder or a Utility registered shareholder, you are entitled to vote all the shares that you own (or for which you have been given the right to provide instructions as to how such shares should be voted) as of the close of business on Record Date.
If you are a registered holder of both PG&E Corporation common stock and Utility preferred stock, you are entitled to vote separately on each company’s proposals.
We encourage shareholders to submit their Proxies in advance of the 2023 Annual Meetings over the Internet, by telephone, or by mail. You can help ensure that your shares are voted at the 2023 Annual Meetings by following the instructions on your Notice of Internet
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 92 | ||||
Availability of your Proxy Card (if you received materials by mail) and submitting your votes over the Internet or by telephone, or by completing, signing, dating and returning your Proxy Card.
| Is my vote confidential? | ||
PG&E Corporation and the Utility each have adopted a confidential voting policy under which shareholder votes are revealed only to a non-employee proxy tabulator or an independent inspector of election, except (1) as necessary to meet legal requirements, (2) in a dispute regarding authenticity of proxies and ballots, (3) in the event of a proxy contest if the other party does not agree to comply with the confidential voting policy, and (4) where disclosure may be necessary for either company to assert or defend claims. The policy allows the companies to engage shareholders, and to directly or indirectly (1) accept voting information that is voluntarily provided by shareholders, or (2) request and obtain final shareholder voting information that is or will be publicly disclosed pursuant to law, regulation, or similar requirements.
| Who will count the votes? | ||
Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) will act as the proxy tabulators and the inspectors of election for the 2023 Annual Meetings. Broadridge is independent of PG&E Corporation and the Utility and their respective directors, officers, and employees. Broadridge will also be the voting instruction tabulator for the 401(k) Plan.
How will the 2023 Annual Meetings be conducted? | ||
The independent non-executive Chair of the Board of PG&E Corporation, or his designee, will preside over the 2023 Annual Meetings and will make any and all determinations regarding the conduct of the meetings.
All proposals described in this Proxy Statement will be deemed presented at the 2023 Annual Meetings.
There will be a general question and answer period. Questions and comments should pertain to corporate performance, proposals for consideration at the 2023 Annual Meetings, or other matters of interest to shareholders generally. The meetings are not a forum to present general economic, political, or other views that are not directly related to the business of the Corporation or the Utility.
Are the 2023 Proxy Materials for the 2023 Annual Meetings available online? | ||
Yes. You can go online at investor.pgecorp.com/financials/annual-reports-and-proxy-statements to access the 2023 Proxy Materials.
How many copies of the 2023 Proxy Materials will I receive? | ||
Registered Holders and 401(k) Plan Participants
You will receive one Notice of Internet Availability for each account, unless you have requested paper copies of the proxy materials, in which case you will receive one copy of the 2023 Proxy Materials for each account.
Beneficial Owners
If you receive your proxy materials through Broadridge, and there are multiple beneficial owners at the same address, you may receive fewer Notices of Internet Availability or fewer copies of the 2023 Proxy Materials than the number of beneficial owners at that address. SEC rules permit Broadridge to deliver only one Notice of Internet Availability or only one copy of the 2023 Proxy Materials to multiple beneficial owners sharing an address unless the applicable company receives contrary instructions from any beneficial owner at that address.
If you receive your proxy materials through Broadridge and (1) you currently receive only one copy of the Notice of Internet Availability or only one copy of the 2023 Proxy Materials at a shared address but you wish to receive an additional copy of the Notice of Internet Availability or of the 2023 Proxy Materials or any future notices or proxy materials, or (2) you share an address with other beneficial owners who also receive their separate notices of Internet availability or proxy materials through Broadridge and you wish to request delivery of a single copy of any notice of Internet availability or of the proxy materials to the shared address in the future, please contact Broadridge by calling 1-866-540-7095 or mailing Broadridge, Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
| What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability or Proxy Card on or about the same time? | ||
It means that your PG&E Corporation common shares or Utility preferred shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. In order to vote all of your shares, please sign and return each Proxy Card or, if you vote over the Internet, by telephone or during the 2023 Annual Meetings, vote once for each Notice of Internet Availability or Proxy Card you receive.
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 93 | ||||
| What if I submit my Proxy or Voting Instruction Card, but I do not specify how I want my shares voted? | ||
For PG&E Corporation’s registered shareholders, the Corporation’s proxy holders will vote your shares in accordance with the Corporation Board’s recommendations, which are as follows: “For” each of the Corporation Board’s nominees for director and “For” Proposals 2, 3, and 4. For the Utility’s registered shareholders, the Utility’s proxy holders will vote your shares in accordance with the Utility Board’s recommendations, which are as follows: “For” each of the Utility Board’s nominees for director and “For” Proposals 2, 3, and 4.
For 401(k) participants, if you sign but do not otherwise complete your Voting Instruction Card, you will be instructing the Trustee to vote all shares in accordance with the recommendation of the PG&E Corporation Board of Directors.
| What if I do not submit my Proxy or Voting Instruction Card? | ||
If you are a registered shareholder, your shares will not be voted if you do not submit your Proxy or vote during the virtual 2023 Annual Meetings. If you are a participant in a 401(k) Plan, your shares will not be voted if you do not submit your Voting Instruction Card. If you hold your shares through a broker (or other intermediary), your broker may vote your shares in the broker’s discretion on “routine” matters, as discussed above under “What is a broker non-vote?”
Your vote is extremely important. Even if you plan to participate in the 2023 Annual Meetings, we request that you act promptly to vote your shares by completing, signing and dating the enclosed Proxy Card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, or by voting over the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions provided on the enclosed Notice of Internet Availability, Proxy Card or Voting Instruction Card.
How many shares are entitled to vote at the 2023 Annual Meetings? | ||
As of the Record Date, there were 1,995,760,649 PG&E Corporation common shares, without par value, outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote.
As of the Record Date, there were 10,319,782 Utility first preferred shares, $25 par value, and 264,374,809 Utility common shares, $5 par value, outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share is entitled to one vote.
| How much will this Proxy solicitation cost? | ||
All costs of soliciting Proxies on behalf of PG&E Corporation and the Utility will be borne by PG&E Corporation and the Utility.
PG&E Corporation and the Utility hired D.F. King to assist in the proxy solicitation of votes for a fee of $17,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, the Corporation and the Utility will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to shareholders. The companies’ solicitation of Proxies also may be made in person, by telephone, or by electronic communications by the companies’ respective directors, officers, and employees, who will not receive additional compensation for those solicitation activities.
How do I correspond with Directors? | ||
Correspondence from shareholders and other interested persons to directors and executive officers should be sent to the applicable company’s principal executive office, in care of the Corporate Secretary. Section 34 of each company’s Guidelines provides more details on these communications.
Consistent with procedures adopted and approved by each company’s Board, the Corporate Secretary will forward to the applicable independent non-executive Chair any communications addressed to either Board as a body or to all of the independent or non-management directors in their entirety, and such other communications as the Corporate Secretary, in his or her discretion, determines is appropriate. The Corporate Secretary also will receive communications directed to individual directors or officers, including each company’s independent non-executive Chair, and will forward those as appropriate. You can reach the principal executive office for each company by:
E-Mail: | CorporateSecretary@pge.com | |||||||
U.S. Mail: | Office of the Corporate Secretary PG&E Corporation/ Pacific Gas and Electric Company 300 Lakeside Drive Oakland, CA 94612 | |||||||
2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 94 | ||||
2024 ANNUAL MEETINGS
What is the date of the 2024 annual meetings? | ||
PG&E Corporation and the Utility currently anticipate that the date of their 2024 annual meetings will be roughly one year after the date of the 2023 Annual Meetings. Exact dates will be communicated to shareholders in the proxy materials for those meetings.
Can I submit nominees for inclusion in PG&E's proxy materials for the 2024 annual meetings? | ||
PG&E Corporation’s bylaws include proxy access provisions. Under these provisions, shareholders of PG&E Corporation who meet the requirements set forth in the bylaws may submit director nominations for inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy materials. Proxy access nominations for the Corporation’s 2024 annual meeting must be provided to the PG&E Corporation Corporate Secretary no earlier than November 8, 2023, and no later than December 8, 2023, and must meet all requirements set forth in the bylaws. However, if the Corporation’s 2024 annual meeting is scheduled on a date that is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary date of the 2023 Annual Meetings, a proxy access nomination for the 2024 meeting generally will be timely if it is received no later than the close of the business on the date that is 180 days prior to the 2024 annual meeting date or the 10th day after the date on which the date of the 2024 annual meeting is disclosed, whichever is later. The Utility did not adopt proxy access bylaw provisions, given the fact that over 95 percent of the Utility’s common stock is held by PG&E Corporation; no Utility shareholders may submit director nominations via proxy access.
Can shareholders introduce proposals (other than proxy access proposals, but including director nominations) during the 2024 annual meetings? | ||
If you are a shareholder of PG&E Corporation or the Utility and would like to introduce a proposal or other business (including director nominations other than those nominated by the companies) during that company’s 2024 annual meeting, each company’s bylaws require that your proper advance written notice of the matter be received at the principal executive office of the applicable company no earlier than January 19, 2024, and no later than 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, on February 18, 2024. However, if the 2024 annual meeting of either company is scheduled on a date that differs by more than 30 days from the anniversary date of the 2023 Annual Meetings, your notice will be timely if it is received no later than the 10th day after the date on which that company publicly discloses the date of its 2024 annual meeting. You must also provide information regarding your proposal, and satisfy other requirements as set forth in the applicable company’s bylaws.
If your proposal involves nominating an individual for director during the annual meetings, certain additional information regarding the nominees and the nomination must be provided in your advance written notice regarding the nominee, which must be submitted in accordance with procedures set forth in the applicable company’s bylaws.
In addition, shareholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than either company’s nominees must comply with the additional requirements of Rule 14a-19(b).
What is the submission deadline if I want my shareholder proposal to be included in the proxy statement for the 2024 annual meetings? | ||
If you would like to submit a proposal to be included in the proxy statement for PG&E Corporation’s or the Utility’s 2024 annual meeting pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, the applicable company’s Corporate Secretary must receive your proposal no later than December 8, 2023.
| How and where can I make a submission? | ||
If you wish to submit advance notice of any business to be brought before the 2024 annual meetings (including notice of any proxy access nominees), or a shareholder proposal for inclusion in the 2024 joint proxy statement, you may submit such notice or proposal via e-mail, fax, or U.S. mail (all shown below). If you submit a notice or proposal via U.S. mail, we recommend that you use a delivery method that indicates when your submission was received at the principal executive office of the applicable company.
E-Mail: | CorporateSecretary@pge.com | |||||||
U.S. Mail: | Office of the Corporate Secretary PG&E Corporation/ Pacific Gas and Electric Company 300 Lakeside Drive Oakland, CA 94612 | |||||||
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2023 Joint Proxy Statement | 97 | ||||