PG&E Makes History as First Energy Utility to Earn International Emergency Management Accreditation

Independent assessment validates emergency preparedness for a utility serving more than 16 million Californians

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has become the first energy utility in the world to earn accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), an independent, internationally recognized third-party organization.

The accreditation validates PG&E's emergency management capabilities across preparedness, response and recovery—essential responsibilities for a utility serving more than 16 million customers in Northern and Central California.

According to EMAP, in order to earn accreditation, organizations must demonstrate compliance with all 73 emergency management standards. PG&E met those standards with zero nonconformances identified during its assessment, demonstrating that its emergency policies, plans and practices meet EMAP's requirements.

PG&E joins only three other private-sector organizations in earning EMAP accreditation. Other accredited organizations include Amtrak and the District of Columbia Water & Sewer Authority.

As part of a five-year effort to earn EMAP accreditation, PG&E benchmarked against other accredited organizations, participated in external accreditation assessments and strengthened its emergency policies and procedures. The effort also built on PG&E's existing process for reviewing and improving how it prepares for, responds to and recovers from emergencies.

"When an emergency happens, our customers and communities need to know we're ready to respond quickly and effectively," said Angie Gibson, PG&E's vice president of emergency preparedness and response. "This accreditation confirms our program measures up to the highest standards in emergency management, and it reflects the years our teams have spent raising the bar for how we protect the people we serve."

Meeting rigorous emergency management standards

EMAP's voluntary, peer-reviewed assessment examines how organizations identify hazards, assess risks, plan for emergencies, manage incidents, coordinate resources and communicate with the public. It also evaluates training, exercises and recovery capabilities, looking beyond written plans to the broader emergency management program.

EMAP-accredited programs span state, local and international emergency management organizations, as well as a small number of organizations outside traditional government emergency management agencies. PG&E's accreditation extends that reach to the energy utility industry for the first time.  

"There were so many things that stood out about PG&E far beyond simply meeting the standards," said Jody Ferguson, chair of the EMAP commission and a former county emergency-management director. "They understand that emergencies are ultimately about people—the communities they serve and the employees who support them—and you could feel that commitment throughout the organization."  

PG&E's commitment to emergency preparedness extends beyond its own operations. Customers can find resources to help prepare for emergencies and stay informed, including tips on building an emergency supply kit, at PG&E's Safety Action Center web page.  

About PG&E 

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California. 

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company