SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has been recognized for its strong diversity practices by DiversityInc, a leading publication on diversity and business, for the fourth year in a row.

DiversityInc recognized top corporations in four key areas: CEO Commitment to Diversity Management, Workforce Diversity and Human Capital, Corporate/Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity. In addition, DiversityInc recognized the top regional utilities for their diversity efforts. PG&E was ranked the top regional utility and number seven in Supplier Diversity nationwide.

"While we are proud of our DiversityInc 2012 results, PG&E views diversity as the very fabric of our culture as a utility that serves some of the most diverse communities in the nation," said Bill Harper, PG&E's vice president and chief diversity officer. "By recognizing PG&E as a top utility for diversity overall and a top company for supplier diversity, DiversityInc not only supports PG&E's efforts, but also supports those women-, minority- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses that help us safely, reliably and affordably provide service to our customers." 

This is PG&E's fourth year being recognized as a top company in supplier diversity by DiversityInc. By the end of last year, the company spent more than $1.61 billion, 36.6 percent of PG&E's procurement funds, on products and services from businesses owned by minorities, women and service-disabled veterans.

"I extend a hearty congratulation to everyone at PG&E," said DiversityInc CEO Luke Visconti. "Earning a position on the Regional Utilities list is a significant accomplishment considering the increased competition—it's much different from just five years ago. I see this as being a result of increasing emphasis at the most competitive companies that link diversity management to creating a nimble and innovative corporate culture."

PG&E's leadership upholds the company's strong commitment to diversity and inclusion – from an inclusive Board of Directors with a diverse representation, to required diversity and inclusion training for all members of the company's leadership team. The utility also has a history of grassroots Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that goes back more than 40 years. Today, these include: InspirAsian ERG, Samahan (Filipino) ERG, BEA (African American) ERG, Latino ERG, Women's Network ERG, Pride Network ERG, New Energy (new to the workforce) ERG, Access Network (People with Disabilities) ERG, Legacy (long tenured) ERG, and the Veterans ERG. In addition, 73 percent of PG&E's charitable giving supports underserved communities.

The company has developed one of the nation's leading supplier diversity programs that support economic development and job creation in the communities it serves. PG&E partners with diverse suppliers to generate innovation and increase competition while contributing to their revenue growth.  In addition, the utility has played an important role by providing small businesses with technical assistance training.

For information on PG&E's diversity programs, supplier diversity program or to learn how to apply to become a certified diverse supplier, visit www.pge.com/about/company/diversityinclusion 

About DiversityInc
Launched in 1997, DiversityInc is the leading business publication connecting diversity and the bottom line, with one million unique visitors. DiversityInc.com includes the largest diversity job board in the nation. DiversityInc also produces events and conducts benchmarking, customer research and consulting.

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/about/newsroom/ or www.pgecurrents.com.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company