Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Chris Patterson

No. 68 Chris Patterson

For the entirety of his failed gubernatorial campaign, Tom Steyer talked regularly about utilities screwing over consumers and his plan to bring down utility rates by 25%. The focal point of that ire was PG&E (and SoCal Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric), which he accused of essentially reaming customers in order to pay shareholders and executives exorbitant returns and bonuses. He fell short of calling to have PG&E broken up, but Sen. Scott Wiener introduced legislation to do just that. None of which is new for the beleaguered utility, which has been skewered for years over everything from its relentless rate hikes to its role in some of the most devastating fires in California history. So how does it stay such a force in the Capitol? Well, one big reason is PG&E Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Chris Patterson. We don’t know what special magic he brings to the table but it’s hard to imagine someone being more effective for their employer, particularly one as often vilified as his.

Updated August 11, 2026