SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Habitat for Humanity International is pleased to announce that its partner Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) was recognized for its work to provide solar powered systems for Habitat homes built in California.

PG&E has been honored by the Council on Foundations, with the Critical Impact Award for demonstrating leadership and innovation in the communities it serves.

“The Council on Foundations is pleased to recognize the partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The nomination submitted by Habitat for Humanity illustrated how such a partnership can truly impact a community and the lives of many hard working families. They are well deserving of this honor,” said Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations.

The award comes as PG&E renews its partnership with Habitat for Humanity. PG&E is donating $1.2 million to Habitat for Humanity in 2010 to fund the installation of solar powered systems on homes constructed by 22 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in northern and central California.

PG&E’s gift is expected to help more than 80 Habitat partner families. According to the California Energy Commission, the solar panel systems can provide up to $500 in annual energy savings and generate nearly 300kWh of clean, renewable energy from sunlight each month.

“Pacific Gas and Electric Company has been at the forefront of providing solar energy technology for our affiliates in California,” said Mark Crozet, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president of Resource Development. “PG&E’s personal investment and leadership help our affiliates build homes that are even more affordable to own.”

Last April, PG&E hosted a green building symposium where Habitat affiliates learned the latest sustainable building techniques from industry leaders. In 2010, at least six Habitat affiliates in California are expected to build homes that will earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council with PG&E’s help.

“We at PG&E share Habitat's commitment to help create a better future for our communities and our planet,” said Greg Pruett, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. “Our renewed partnership demonstrates the importance we place on investing in environmental stewardship to benefit generations to come.”

Over the past three years, PG&E has donated more than $3.5 million to fund the installation of solar panels on 280 Habitat homes built in California. PG&E employees also have donated thousands of hours volunteering on Habitat construction sites.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corp., 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 clean energy to 15 million people in northern and central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com.