PG&E spokeswoman Katie Romans tells the San Mateo County Times the move would speed up resolution of the cases. The utility submitted the request on Tuesday to the Judicial Council of California -- the rule-making body for the state's court system.
The council could provide its response within 60 days.
More than two dozen lawsuits have been filed against PG&E in connection with the Sept. 9 blast that killed eight people and destroyed some 35 homes.
The plaintiffs include people whose family members died or were injured as well as those whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
