In 1952 Charles M. Coleman — who worked for PG&E 's publicity department — completed his book entitled '' P. G. And E. of California : The Centennial Story of Pacific Gas and Electric Company , 1852 – 1952 . '' PG&E was significantly affected by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake . The company 's assorted central offices were damaged by the quake and destroyed by the subsequent fire . Its San Francisco Gas and Electric Company subsidiary in particular suffered significant infrastructure loss , as its distribution systems — miles of gas mains and electric wires — were dissevered . Only two gas and two electric plants , all located far from the city , survived the destruction . These functioning facilities — including the new 4,000,000-foot crude oil gas works at Potrero Point — played critical roles in San Francisco 's rebuilding efforts . Many of PG&E 's utility competitors ceased operation following the Great Earthquake . However , the company 's substantial capital allowed it to survive , rebuild , and expand
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Pacific Gas and Electric Company