Eugene J. de Sabla
Eugene Joly de Sabla Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Panama |
| Died | January 18, 1956 (aged 90) New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Energy industry executive |
| Known for | Co-founder of California Gas and Electric Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) |
Eugene Joly de Sabla Jr. (January 20, 1865 – January 18, 1956) was a co-founder of both the California Gas and Electric Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
Early life
De Sabla was born in Panama on January 20, 1865. His family relocated to San Francisco around 1870. His father pursued a career in real estate, and his brother Leon was born in 1876.
Career
After completing his studies at Lowell High School in 1883, de Sabla gained experience working in a copper mine in Arizona, which was partially owned by his father. Following the passing of his mother in 1885, he returned to San Francisco and entered into a brokerage partnership with his father the following year. In 1889, together with Alfonso Tregidgo, he established the Nevada County Development and Improvement Company aimed at mining development and installing electric streetlights in Nevada County, California, although this venture did not succeed. Subsequently, in 1892, they founded the Nevada County Electric Power Company to pursue a hydroelectric initiative on the South Yuba River.
In 1893, de Sabla dissolved his father's business and moved the Nevada County Electric Power Company headquarters to San Francisco by 1894. The construction of the Rome Powerhouse commenced in 1895, with its initial stage completed by early 1896 through the creation of Lake Vera. Between 1900 and 1901, de Sabla partnered with John Martin to form Bay Counties Power Company and California Gas and Electric Company. In 1901, BCPC demonstrated a transmission line that successfully delivered electricity from the Yuba River to Vallejo. His father passed away in Guatemala in 1902.
The year 1905 saw de Sabla and Martin merge their enterprises to create Pacific Gas and Electric Company. However, in 1907, both men faced indictments on charges related to bribery concerning manipulation of gas rates per unit.
In 1919, de Sabla sold his "El Cerrito" estate located in Hillsborough and moved to New York City. He passed away there on January 18, 1956, shortly before turning 91.
Legacy
- Eugene J. de Sabla, Jr., Teahouse and Tea Garden, originally his residence and now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in San Mateo County, California
- The de Sabla Apartments, constructed during the 1950s in San Mateo, California, occupy the former location of the "El Cerrito" estate once owned by de Sabla