Despite progress, PG&E still can meet with California Public Utility Commission in secret
Bill requires all interactions between regulators and utilities to be published online
WASHINGTON – Today, on the heels of hearings on yet another potential PG&E rate increase, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) introduced new legislation to ban all closed-door and secret meetings between utilities and regulators. Right now, the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) is not required to disclose all interactions with the utilities they regulate – the Curb Private Utilities Corruption (CPUC) Act would require all interactions between regulators and utilities to be published online.
“It’s absolutely insane that every time PG&E wants a rate increase the CPUC just gives it to them, no questions asked,” said Rep. Harder. “We need to understand exactly what PG&E is saying to CPUC regulators and this bill makes sure they are doing it out in public. Valley families are paying way too much for electricity and they deserve answers as to why.”
Record rates, record profits, and zero accountability:
- PG&E raised rates six times last year while raking in nearly $2.5 billion in profits, and wants to raise rates again through 2030.
- Sacramento works hard to cover up connections with PG&E, and to this day not every meeting between the regulator and the utility is required to be disclosed to the public.
- Years ago, PG&E got away with a slap on the wrist for shameless backdoor lobbying of regulators.
In response to runaway rate hikes, Harder is leading legislation to limit utilities to one rate hike per year, giving customers long-overdue relief. At the same time, Harder’s CPUC Act would require regulators like CPUC to disclose all meetings and interactions with utilities on its website, ensuring that there are no closed-door, secret meetings affecting Valley ratepayers.
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- Feb 14 – Wahab: Bill Would Limit Rate Increases for Investor-Owned Utilities
