Pacific Gas and Electric, or PG&E, says its equipment failed the same morning the deadly Camp Fire started.
In a filing to state regulators Tuesday, PG&E says an employee noticed a fire near one the company's towers just minutes before what Cal Fire pinpointed as the start of the blaze.
PG&E says it's been cooperating with Cal Fire's investigation but notes that the findings in its letter are only preliminary.
The Camp Fire is California's deadliest and most destructive fire on record. It killed 86 people and destroyed nearly 18,800 structures.
On Wednesday, California's insurance commissioner said insurance claims from the Camp, Woolsey and Hill wildfires reached more than $9 billion.
If PG&E is found responsible for starting the fire, it could be held liable for the damage.
PG&E is also facing a number of lawsuits alleging the utility company caused the fire and could have prevented it.
