California’s top utility regulator is notorious for green-lighting bloated spending plans by PG&E and the state’s two other investor-owned utilities. Instead of acting as a needed check on utility spending, the CPUC approves the companies’ increased spending plans with little to no pushback.

As it stands, ratepayers are on the hook for $9 billion in wildfire liabilities, on top of all the other ballooning costs and rate increases. While Edison will have to pony up their own $9 billion why should ratepayers be on the hook for Edison’s mistakes?

SCE is emailing their customers telling them about a *13%” increase. What is going on here?

The (@) californiaPUC, in a ‘fact sheet’ says that rates were supposed to go up 9.1% for all residential customers starting October 1st.

See link here: bit.ly/scecpucfacts...

Here’s the thing: when the government becomes the "utility’s best friend” as @davidpomerantz.bsky.social rightly points out, then the proverbial fox is watching the hen house.

A recent investigation from @npr.org uncovered SCE transmission line failures in Altadena, potentially starting the deadly January 7th wildfire.

Meanwhile, residents throughout SCE’s territory are facing increased rates this month.

What can $5 get you these days?

@pacificgaselectric.bsky.social recently reported that customers can expect a $5 reduction in their bills, but failed to mention the $115 net increase in the last five years.

$5 can’t even get you a footlong at Subway these days.

Who should foot the bill: ratepayers or shareholders?

California regulators rubber-stamped SCE’s plan to hike electricity rates to fund wildfire mitigation, even as aging power lines continue to endanger communities.

San Diego families already pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country — and it’s no accident.

@SDGE’s parent company, @Sempra, continues to post massive profits while customers are left choosing between bills and basic needs.

The @californiapuc.bsky.social approved spending increases that resulted in six rate hikes for PG&E customers in 2024.

PG&E customers have seen a 64% increase in their bills since 2020.

Recently, PG&E bragged that their customers can expect a $5 reduction in their monthly bills.

But $5 is nothing compared to the $115/month increase we’ve seen in the last 5 years.

While customers saw higher bills, @SCE quietly cashed in, backed by a $38–$43 billion capital spending plan through 2028. 💰 The more they spend, the more they profit.

It’s long past time for utility accountability. Californians deserve affordable, reliable, clean energy.

The California Public Utilities commission is an unelected regulatory body appointed by @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @gavinnewsom.bsky.social

#California 's electricity rates are the 2nd highest in the country.

Politicians in Sacramento have shielded utilities from liability for wildfires they cause, and made working people foot the bill.

“I’m deeply disappointed in the fact that ratepayers are being treated like an endless bucket of money because they are not.” says Senator Wahab.

This is what real leadership looks like in Sacramento.

Remember: Californians pay the second highest rates in the entire US, only behind Hawaii. And what are we getting for such expensive electricity? Wildfires, blackouts and powerful companies who keep coming after consumers with rate hikes, taxes, fees and penalties.

CA State Senator Aisha Wahab pressed CPUC President Alice Reynolds repeatedly about why PG&E was allowed to increase bills while making such staggering profits. Reynolds didn’t have much to say.

This is must-watch TV:

By exposing the corruption of California’s investor-owned utilities, we will hold them and our government accountable.

EWG has a long and proud history of taking on big oil, big pesticide companies, big polluters, and more.