Fresh hell for California PG&E customers as miserable new report drops
California PG&E customers warned about utility scam spike in 2026
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Skip to main content MetroFresh hell for California PG&E customers as miserable new report drops
By Zain Khan Published June 29, 2026, 11:13 a.m. ETSee more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The California Post on GooglePG&E is warning customers about a surge in scams after fraudsters stole more than $211,000 from customers in the first half of the year using fake QR codes and threats to disconnect service.
The utility giant said customers are on pace to lose roughly 30% more money to scammers in 2026 than they did last year as criminals become increasingly sophisticated in impersonating employees.
The scammers typically contact customers by phone, text message or email, falsely claiming their utility bill is overdue and threatening to shut off electricity or gas service unless immediate payment is made.
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During the call, victims are sent a fraudulent QR code and instructed to scan it and make a payment at a local cashier or retail store. The money is then transferred directly to the scammers instead of PG&E.
The utility issued the warning on Sunday after seeing a sharp increase in financial losses among its customers, according to KSBY News.
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So far this year, scammers have stolen more than $211,000 from PG&E customers.
The average victim has lost about $969, a significant jump from the average loss of $590 reported in 2025.
While the scam has been reported throughout PG&E’s service territory, officials said there have been at least nine reported cases in Santa Barbara County and three in San Luis Obispo County so far this year.
Scammers prey on fear and urgency, according to Matt Foley, PG&E’s lead scam investigator.
He urged customers to immediately hang up on anyone demanding instant payment under the threat of service disconnection.
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Instead, Foley advised customers to independently verify their account by logging into the official PG&E website or contacting the utility directly through its customer service number.
PG&E stressed that customers should also be wary of anyone requesting payment through prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, digital payment apps or other unusual payment methods.
The utility company also warned consumers to be suspicious of people showing up at their front door asking to inspect a utility bill or claiming customers are owed unexpected rebates or refunds.
The latest warning comes as many Californians are already under financial strain from rising utility costs.
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Last week, a watchdog with the California Public Utilities Commission projected PG&E customers could see annual gas and electricity bills rise by as much as $840 by 2030.
The Public Advocates Office estimated the typical household could face another 24.5% increase over the next four years, pushing annual energy costs even higher after bills have already climbed 84% since 2016.
The forecast sparked outrage among customers, many of whom told The California Post they were already struggling with monthly bills running into the hundreds of dollars despite making efforts to reduce their energy use.
PG&E has disputed those projections, arguing the watchdog’s analysis failed to account for expiring wildfire-related costs and the company’s efforts to keep future rate increases lower than forecast.
With utility costs already placing pressure on household budgets, PG&E said scammers are exploiting customers’ fears of having their electricity or gas shut off.
The company reminded customers that anyone receiving a suspicious call, email or text demanding immediate payment should end the conversation and verify their account using PG&E’s official website or customer service channels before sending any money.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
