Utilities are at the epicenter of public battles between the California PUC and its critics over wildfires, public safety and ethics.

The Top 30 saw improved profits in Q3 over 2016, but revenues fell, and more than half of the companies saw their top and bottom lines shrink.

Utilities are dealing with several wildfire-related proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission, which is exploring taking a larger role.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) earnings jumped 42% to $550 million during the third quarter ($1.07/share), boosted in large part by reduced expenses.