Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) says it has paid franchise fees and property taxes of almost $286 million for 2011 to the 49 counties and 243 cities in which it operates.

"Local governments are tackling public safety, environmental protection, health care and education with limited financial resources these days," said Kent Harvey, PG&E's senior vice president and chief financial officer. "Our timely and substantial payments to local governments for property taxes and franchise fees will help communities afford those vital services."

The 2011 franchise fee payments total more than $138 million – nearly $41 million for natural gas and more than $97 million for electric service. This sum is $582,308 more than last year's payments.