SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A crackdown on how some of the nation’s largest utilities spend customers’ money faces a do-or-die vote Monday in the California Legislature.
Californians already pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country, in part because of the expensive work required to maintain and upgrade electrical equipment to reduce the risk of wildfires in a state with long, dry summers.
As rates continue to climb, utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric have faced increasing scrutiny from consumer groups over how they spend the money they collect.
Utilities aren’t allowed to use money from customers to pay for things like advertising or lobbying. Instead, utilities must pay for those activities with money from private investors who have bought stock shares.
Consumer groups say utilities are finding ways around those rules. They accuse them of using money from customers to fund trade groups that lobby legislators and for TV ads disguised as public service announcements, including some recent ads by PG&E.
European Space Agency adds 5 new astronauts in only fourth class since 1978. Over 20,000 applied
CPPCC members interviewed before closing meeting of 2nd session of 14th CPPCC National Committee
Senior CPC official stresses Fengqiao model for governance
Chinese vice premier stresses promoting rural revitalization
49ers GM hopes to get Brandon Aiyuk contract extension done sooner rather than later
Twins place Carlos Correa on the 10
Anne Hathaway addresses claims Harry Styles inspired her age
Xi sends congratulatory letter to Understanding China Conference
Minnesota state senator arrested on suspicion of burglary
CPPCC wraps up annual session, Chinese modernization in focus
South Africa's ANC loses another court case against rival party led by former president Zuma
China to take multiple measures to upgrade basic education: minister