At PG&E we know that a community's energy doesn't always arrive through power lines. It comes from the actions and efforts of those who live there. Our goal is to engage, support and improve the neighborhoods where our customers and employees live and work. Whether we're helping local communities launch new school programs for students interested in the energy industry or providing clean energy alternatives to underserved neighborhoods, PG&E is there making a difference.

Our goal is to be the leading corporate citizen in each of the diverse communities we serve throughout Northern and Central California. In 2010, we contributed $19.3 million to charitable organizations and, this year, we plan to provide over $23 million in contributions. As always, our community investment program continues to be funded entirely by our shareholders and has no impact on our customers’ utility rates.

Highlights from 2010

• Over 1,300 grants provided to qualified nonprofits
• More than $19 million provided in charitable giving
• 27,500 hours volunteered at company-supported events
• Additional $4.8 million donated by PG&E employees in annual giving campaign pledges

Other Highlights

• California Business - "Volunteer Program of the Year Award"
• Governor's Economic and Environmental Leadership Award
• Council on Foundations - "Critical Impact Award"
• Global Green USA - "Corporate Design Award"
• San Francisco Volunteer Center - "Corporate Community Involvement" Award

2011 Community Investment Focus Areas

To achieve maximum impact in helping to address the needs of our communities, with an emphasis on supporting underserved populations, our new 2011 community investment program focuses on the following three areas:

1. Education: Over the last decade, PG&E has given nearly $40 million toward youth educational initiatives. We support innovative programs that give students and teachers opportunities to learn and prepare for their future, the future of California and the future of the energy industry.
2. Local Environment: PG&E understands the importance of supporting energy sustainability, environmental conservation and stewardship of our lands and resources. We support partnerships focused on renewables and energy efficiency as well as local Earth Day projects that help ensure our neighborhoods, parks and recreation areas remain clean, safe and viable for future generations.
3. Community Vitality: PG&E is committed to invigorating the neighborhoods where we live and work. As one of the nation’s largest utility companies, we focus on projects where we can leverage our expertise. These efforts include providing assistance to income-qualified families through programs that reduce their utility bills, partnering with local organizations to support emergency preparedness efforts and investments in local economic and energy-related workforce development initiatives. In addition, we support civic initiatives that bring value to the communities we serve.

Overarching Emphasis: We continue to prioritize support for underserved communities throughout our community investment program. In 2010, over 75 percent of PG&E's grant funding went to projects and organizations that assist people of low-income, communities of color, LGBT status, veterans, and those with disabilities, among others.