Consumer groups accuse utilities like PG&E of using money from customers to fund trade groups and for TV ads. Now, California lawmakers have rejected a proposal to crack down on this.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 2:34PMStream local breaking news and original programming, live 24/7, from ABC7 Bay Area.California lawmakers on Monday rejected a proposal aimed at cracking down on how some of the nation's largest utilities spend customers' money.
A bill in the state Legislature would have expanded the definitions of prohibited advertising and political influence to include things like regulators' decisions on rate-setting and franchises for electrical and gas corporations. It would also allow regulators to fine utilities that break the rules.
Plus, PG&E lobbyist Brandon Ebeck said it's appropriate for customers to pay for the company's membership fees that go to various industry associations because they benefit customers. He noted those groups coordinate emergency response and wildfire training. When the war in Ukraine started, the Edison Electric Institute - a national association representing investor-owned utilities - sought to find surplus equipment that could be sent to Ukraine.
The ads first aired in 2022 and feature CEO Patti Poppe in a company-branded hard hat while saying the company is "transforming your hometown utility from the ground up."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California’s consumer outlook drops to 11-year lowSo 2024 started with consumer expectations off 4% in three months, down 9% in a year, and 13% below 2015-19.
Read more »
California’s consumer outlook drops to 11-year low2024 started with 'expectations' off 4% in three months, down 9% in a year
Read more »
California among 15 states recruited to help enforce airline consumer lawsThe Biden administration is enlisting officials in 15 states to help enforce consumer-protection laws covering air travel.
Read more »
Nearly half of California high school graduates don’t qualify to apply to a California universityPublic high schools in California offer mixed results in prepping kids for the next level. Some say it’s unfair. Others say college isn’t for everyone.
Read more »
Southern California Edison could increase electricity fees for some California residentsAn extra $24 could be added to SoCal Edison customers' bills this summer. Here's why.
Read more »
California Financier Don Hankey Faces Scrutiny for Subprime Auto Loan EmpireDon Hankey, a California financier, has built a fortune by lending to borrowers other financial firms avoid. However, his companies have faced consumer complaints, regulatory fines, and lawsuits. Despite this, Hankey has provided Donald Trump's appeal bond when other insurers refused. Recent scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the California Department of Insurance has brought Hankey into the spotlight.
Read more »