PG&E Report It 4+

Not as useful as it could be

You have to register to report anything, and it can take 24hrs for your registration to be approved. So, if you see a hazard when you’re out and about, you can’t effectively report it if your registration isn’t complete. Doesn’t look like there’s any option to report as a guest. You’ll be better off calling their emergency number.

Fake app prevents you from reporting a problem

Unbelievably, PG&E’s “Report it” app requires you to first register your email address with them, then wait *SEVEN DAYS* while they process your registration BEFORE you can report a problem. Other than PG&E employees, first responders and other specialists, what % of the general public downloading the app will be doing so specifically to report an immediate problem? (and discovering the app won’t let them report it!) And what % of those people will never face a reportable problem with PG&E equipment other than that one time when they downloaded the app? This is clearly designed to help PG&E try to improve their horrible public image by saying “look at all the ways we’re offering the public to report problems”, while designing the app to make it impossible for a very high percentage of the public to report anything the one time they need to.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for your feedback. The Report It app is a pilot program for customers living in the highest risk wildfire areas. Customers in these areas were invited to use the app. If their email is on file with us, there’s no wait to submit a ticket. Others in lower wildfire risk areas can also use the app, but they may be subject to a wait of up to 7-days before they are granted access. The app was designed for non-emergency issues, so items requiring an urgent response should not be submitted using this app. If an issue needs immediate response, call 1-800-742-5000.

Just downloaded and it doesn’t appear to work

Kind of a sad statement of PG&E overall. I received their large flashy introduction to a new app. Saying this is part of their new and improved safety toolkit.

I downloaded it, launched the app, it brings up a map and places me on the map. Then immediately flashes you a message say there is an “error cannot connect to the server, try again later wIth an OK button”

If this is part of a safety toolkit (their words) for report and view critical problems then you would think they would make sure the app was bulletproof.

Developer Response ,

We're sorry that you experienced this. Our app had technical problems on September 27 and 28. The problem has been resolved, but if you continue to have issues using the app, please contact us at SafetyAppTeamSupport@pge.com.