California PUC Watchdog

The PG&E September 9th San Bruno pipeline blast, which left eight people dead, finally forced consumer watchdog groups AND the California Public Utilities Commission to open their eyes. Even after the PG&E “smart meter” scandal that had many residents up in arms about the price increases, the PUC didn’t step in to mediate the situation.


The PUC is the committee that should be protecting and serving the people with fair prices and utility regulation, but lately it seems that the committee is favoring the utility Goliaths instead of all the David’s out there paying their gas bills.

The regulatory power of the PUC dictates how much profit companies like PG&E will receive annually, based on PUC regulatory rates. Apparently PG&E is looking for a $4.2 billion increase this year, but in the wake of the pipeline blast, the PUC may not be so lenient with granting their request.

Unnecessary stress on taxpayers and businesses during these tough economic times is the last thing we need. With taxes increasing to pay for schools, infrastructure and public safety services, I hardly find it necessary to increase taxpayers’ utility bills, just so PG&E can have a $4.2 billion increase in profits.

Activists such as the Utility Consumers' Action Network in San Diego have come out against the PUC, advocating for tighter, more fair regulation. And this is commission President Michael Peevey’s response:

"To quote Fox News, we're fair and balanced."

Hmmmm… not the most fair and balanced source, but OK.

It will be important for the community to keep an eye on the PUC: two of the five commissioners are to be replaced in 2011. This means our next governor will play a major role in the future composition of the commission; the five commissioners are appointed by the government and confirmed by the state Senate. Stay tuned.