Last updated: September 2026
PG&E welcomed 166 interns from 53 different universities in summer 2025, making it one of the largest utility internship programs on the West Coast. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE: PCG), headquartered in Oakland, California, is the state's largest combined natural gas and electric utility, delivering energy to approximately 16 million people across 70,000 square miles of Northern and Central California. An S&P 500 component, PG&E operates under the parent PG&E Corporation and employs approximately 28,000 people. The company offers summer internships, the Engineering Rotation Development Program (ERDP) for graduating seniors, and co-op opportunities across engineering, IT, finance, and environmental functions.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | pge.com/careers/students |
| Application window (2027-28) | Expected September 2026 through March 2027 |
| Rolling? | Rolling; 166-person class fills progressively over fall-spring |
| Eligibility | Currently enrolled undergrad or grad; engineering, IT, business, or environmental field |
| Duration | 10-12 weeks (summer); ERDP is 12-18 months post-graduation |
| Compensation | $24-$39/hr depending on role and level (Bay Area rates) |
| Locations | Oakland CA (HQ), San Francisco CA, various Northern California service areas |
| # Programs | Summer internship (166 in 2025), ERDP Gas (18 months), ERDP Electric (12 months), co-ops |
PG&E's 166-intern class from 53 universities makes it one of the most accessible utility programs. Bay Area location means higher cost of living but also the highest utility intern pay rates. Apply in fall 2026 for summer 2027.
Externships are short, remote professional experience programs where you finish a real project with a real company. The EIC Energy Transition Venture Capital Market Research Externship builds energy industry analysis skills directly relevant to PG&E's clean energy transition, and the Hydroficient IoT Cyber Defense Externship develops the grid technology and cybersecurity skills PG&E values. Explore all Externships.
What Is a PG&E Internship?
A PG&E internship is a paid summer placement at California's largest combined gas and electric utility, serving 16 million people across Northern and Central California. The company welcomed 166 interns from 53 universities in summer 2025, placing students across engineering, IT, finance, environmental, and operations functions. PG&E also offers the Engineering Rotation Development Program (ERDP), an 12-18 month post-graduation rotational program with two to three six-month assignments across different engineering disciplines. The company is investing heavily in wildfire safety, grid modernization, and clean energy infrastructure.
When Do PG&E Internship Applications Open for 2027–2028?
PG&E runs one of the largest utility internship programs in the western United States, with 166 interns in summer 2025 drawn from 53 universities. The company recruits through its careers portal, campus events, and professional engineering society partnerships. The Engineering Rotation Development Program (ERDP) recruits separately from the summer internship. For summer 2027, expect postings to appear in fall 2026 and continue through spring 2027.
Summer 2027 intern postings are expected soon on PG&E's careers portal. Build electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering skills. Set alerts on pge.com/careers/students for new postings.
Summer 2027 intern postings expected across engineering, IT, finance, and environmental functions. PG&E's 166-intern class fills progressively; early applicants have the most department options.
Phone screens and interviews. Expect behavioral questions about safety awareness, teamwork, and interest in the energy industry. Engineering roles may include technical questions about power systems or grid infrastructure.
Offers extended on a rolling basis. Northern California location confirmed. Bay Area cost of living is high but intern pay ($24-$39/hr) reflects the market.
10-12 weeks across PG&E's Northern California service territory. Work on real utility engineering projects: wildfire safety, grid modernization, clean energy integration, or corporate finance. 166-person cohort with structured programming and networking.
How to read this page: our dates come from tracking previous recruiting cycles and daily posting data. Treat them as informed estimates based on historical patterns, not confirmed dates. The company's official careers page is always the most current source. If a role is posted there, go by that, even if this page suggests the window hasn't opened yet.
Why You Must Apply the Week Applications Open
PG&E's 166-intern class is large by utility standards, but the company draws from 53 universities, meaning competition is broad. The most popular engineering tracks fill first. PG&E's application window spans several months (fall through spring), and the company fills seats progressively. Applying in September or October gives you the largest pool of open positions.
Which PG&E Internship Programs Should You Target?
PG&E offers multiple early-career pathways:
| Track | Focus | Duration | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Internship (Engineering) | Electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental engineering across gas and electric operations | 10-12 weeks | Northern CA locations; $24-$39/hr |
| Summer Internship (IT/Business) | Technology, finance, analytics, communications, and corporate functions | 10-12 weeks | Oakland CA HQ; $24-$32/hr |
| ERDP Gas | Engineering Rotation Development Program: 18 months, up to 3 six-month rotations across gas engineering | 18 months | Post-graduation; Northern CA |
| ERDP Electric | Engineering Rotation Development Program: 12 months, up to 2 six-month rotations across electric engineering | 12 months | Post-graduation; Northern CA |
| Co-op Program | Semester-long engineering or technical co-op alongside academic study | One semester | Various Northern CA locations |
Visit PG&E Students & Recent Graduates for current openings.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
Based on PG&E's Students & Recent Graduates page:
• Enrollment: currently enrolled undergrad or grad student in a relevant field.
• Majors: electrical, mechanical, civil, or environmental engineering for engineering tracks; CS, IT, business, finance, or communications for corporate tracks.
• GPA: not explicitly stated; 3.0+ recommended based on utility industry norms.
• Work authorization: must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Location: must be willing to work in Northern California. Bay Area cost of living is high; plan accordingly.
Does PG&E Require a Specific Engineering Discipline?
PG&E serves 16 million people through both gas and electric infrastructure, so it hires across a wider range of engineering disciplines than most utilities. Electrical and mechanical engineers are the most common, but civil, environmental, and computer science students also find placements. The ERDP programs specifically target graduating seniors in engineering.
What Skills Does PG&E Look For, and How Do You Build Them?
PG&E operates critical energy infrastructure serving 16 million people. Interns work on projects spanning power generation, transmission, distribution, gas pipeline safety, wildfire mitigation, and clean energy integration. Safety awareness is foundational: PG&E's post-2019 bankruptcy rebuilding has placed safety at the center of everything the company does.
What PG&E looks for in interns
Skills across 8 PG&E intern & analyst job descriptions · PG&E intern JDs and utility industry requirements (2024-2026)
Method: PG&E intern JDs, ERDP descriptions, and utility industry analysis.
How Is Demand for Utility Interns Moving?
Utility intern hiring: September 2026
Across US utility intern postings
Utility engineering demand is at a multi-year high, driven by grid modernization and clean energy. PG&E's 166-intern class reflects this investment.
Method: US utility intern postings, September 2026.
Build These Skills Before You Apply
Skills that map to remote Externships.
| Skill (from real JDs) | JD evidence | Externship that builds it |
|---|---|---|
| Energy transition & market analysis | PG&E is investing in clean energy, grid modernization, and wildfire safety infrastructure | EIC Energy Transition VC Market Research |
| IoT & grid technology | Smart grid sensors, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance across PG&E's service territory | Hydroficient IoT Cyber Defense |
| Data visualization & analytics | Grid performance metrics, safety dashboards, wildfire risk mapping | Center for Improving Youth Justice Data Visualization |
The EIC Energy Transition project builds energy industry analysis skills directly relevant to PG&E's clean energy mandate.
What Is the PG&E Application and Interview Process Like?
PG&E's application process follows an 8-step model:
1. Create a profile on PG&E's careers portal. Visit pge.com/careers and set up job alerts for intern and student roles.
2. Submit your application. Upload your resume highlighting engineering coursework, safety training, and any utility or energy industry experience.
3. Complete online assessments (if applicable). Some engineering tracks include technical assessments.
4. Phone screen with recruiting. Initial conversation about your background, interest in utilities, and availability.
5. Hiring manager interview. Technical and behavioral questions. Demonstrate safety awareness and interest in PG&E's mission of delivering safe, reliable, clean energy.
6. Offer and location assignment. Offers include the specific Northern California location and team.
Research PG&E's wildfire safety plan, clean energy goals, and grid modernization initiatives before your interview. Understanding the company's post-bankruptcy transformation shows genuine interest.
What the Community Says
PG&E's large intern class and Bay Area location generate community discussion:
PG&E welcomed 166 interns from 53 universities in summer 2025, making it one of the largest utility intern programs in the West. The company invests heavily in intern programming, with structured projects, mentorship, and networking events throughout the summer.
PG&E intern pay ranges from approximately $24 to $39 per hour depending on role and engineering discipline, reflecting Bay Area market rates. The ERDP rotational program for graduating seniors provides a structured 12-18 month pathway into full-time engineering roles.
How Do You Stand Out at California's Largest Utility?
Two moves. First, lead with safety. PG&E's post-2019 bankruptcy rebuilding placed safety at the center of its corporate identity. Every interview includes safety questions. If you have utility safety coursework, OSHA training, or any experience with hazard analysis, lead with it. Second, understand the energy transition. PG&E is mandated to deliver 100% clean electricity by 2045 under California law. A candidate who can discuss how solar, battery storage, and grid modernization fit together demonstrates strategic thinking about the future of utilities.
What Other Companies Should You Consider?
PG&E's peer set spans California and national utilities.
- Duke Energylargest US electric utility by customer count; Charlotte NC; structured intern programGuide →
- Exelonlargest US utility holding company; Chicago IL; ComEd, PECO, BGE, Pepco subsidiariesGuide →
- Southern California EdisonCalifornia's other major IOU; serves southern CA; similar engineering tracksCareers site
- SempraSan Diego-based utility holding company; SDG&E and SoCalGas subsidiariesCareers site
Our energy internships guide maps utility and energy opportunities.
FAQ
How many interns does PG&E hire each summer?
PG&E welcomed 166 interns from 53 universities in summer 2025, making it one of the largest utility internship programs on the West Coast. The class spans engineering, IT, finance, and environmental functions across Northern California.
How much do PG&E interns get paid?
PG&E intern pay ranges from approximately $24 to $39 per hour depending on role, engineering discipline, and education level. Bay Area rates reflect the high cost of living. The ERDP rotational program for graduating seniors offers competitive full-time salaries.
Where are PG&E internships located?
Across PG&E's Northern California service territory, including Oakland (corporate HQ), San Francisco, and various field offices and facilities. All positions are in Northern California. Bay Area cost of living is high; plan your housing budget accordingly.
What is the ERDP program at PG&E?
The Engineering Rotation Development Program is a post-graduation rotational program. ERDP Gas runs 18 months with up to three six-month rotations. ERDP Electric runs 12 months with up to two rotations. Both provide structured engineering career development.
When should I apply for a PG&E summer 2027 internship?
Apply starting fall 2026. PG&E's 166-person class fills progressively over several months. Early applicants have the most department and location options. Set alerts on the careers portal for student and intern roles.
Does PG&E require a specific engineering discipline?
PG&E hires across electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, and computer science disciplines. The company serves both gas and electric infrastructure, creating a wider range of engineering intern opportunities than most utilities.
Can a PG&E internship lead to a full-time job?
PG&E offers the ERDP rotational program specifically for graduating seniors, providing a structured pathway from intern to full-time engineer. No official summer internship conversion rate is published, but the ERDP pipeline signals a deliberate retention strategy.
Does PG&E provide housing for interns?
No public data on housing assistance for interns was found. Bay Area rents are among the highest in the country. Start your housing search early, consider shared housing with other interns, and factor the high cost of living into your decision.
PG&E's 166-intern class and structured ERDP pipeline make it one of the most accessible paths into utility engineering. A remote Externship in energy transition analysis or IoT engineering gives your fall 2026 application proof of the skills PG&E hires for.
About the Author
Bifei Wang has spent 17 years focused on human flow and the growth of young professionals, spanning international education, career training and coaching, and recruitment process outsourcing. Over 7 years at Extern, he has had one-on-one sessions with thousands of students exploring careers in consulting, finance, tech, marketing, and data, giving him a firsthand view of how the job market has shifted for early-career professionals and what it actually takes to break in.
