Report by CPUC Public Advocates Office Highlights Exorbitant Electricity Rate Increases

By Erol Kilic On October 26, 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Public Advocates Office (PAO) published an Electric Rates Report. The report found the rate increases for California households have dramatically outpaced inflation. The rate increases by Pacific Continue reading

Despite Shortfalls, PG&E Exits Criminal Probation and is Awarded Safety Certificate after Meeting Statutory Requirements

By Justin Dalton On January 19, 2022, U.S. District Judge William Alsup of the Northern District of California issued his final comments upon the expiration of Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) five-year criminal probation term in the matter of United Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Approve Resolution Establishing New Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Rules

By Benjamin L. Sheinman At its meeting on October 7, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously voted to approve Resolution E-5167.  This resolution established new rules to account for utility-side distribution costs associated with EV charging deployment.  The Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Approve Review of Solar Consumer Assistance Fund

By Benjamin L. Sheinman On May 19, 2021, Commissioner Guzman Aceves issued a proposed decision to establish a solar consumer assistance fund for Net Energy Metering customers.  This proposal was in response to a broader policy goal of “ensuring that Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Issues Proposed Rulemaking Decision to Enhance Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement of Investor-Owned Utilities

By Riley Minkoff On September 17, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced the issuance of the proposed rulemaking decision R-20-07-013. This decision, if adopted, would further develop a risk-based framework for electric and gas utility decisions. The proposed Continue reading

CPUC Implements Six Steps for the Monitoring of PG&E

By Justin Dalton On August 5, 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted Resolution M-4855 to set the selection process, scope of work, and schedule for an Independent Safety Monitor that will complement the CPUC’s oversight of PG&E. PG&E Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission Votes to Allow Utilities to Increase Capacities in Spite of Continuing Environmental Concerns (R.20-11-003)

By Tristam Stidham At its March 25, 2021 meeting (agenda item 10), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), unanimously voted to direct California’s three major Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs), San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Southern Continue reading

California Public Utilities Commission’s Independent Watchdog Recommends $166 Million Fine Against Pacific Gas & Electric (R 18-12-005)

By Tristan Stidham On October 30, 2020, the Public Advocate’s Office (PAO), the consumer protection watchdog of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), recommended a $166 million fine against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for failing to warn customers of Continue reading

Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Bankruptcy Case, In re PG&E, Case No. 19-30088-DM (Bankr. N.D. Cal.), Has Reached Monetary Settlements and Governor-Approved Reorganization Agreements

By Strider Kachelein On February 27, 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), pursuant to a settlement agreement, imposed a $2.137 billion fine on Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to cover state expenditures and corrective actions with respect to Continue reading

Under New Proposals, California Public Utilities Commission Could Revoke Pacific Gas & Electric’s License if Utility Operates Unsafely

By Strider Kachelein On February 18, 2020, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued I.19-09-016, a ruling setting forth assigned Commissioner proposals “relating to the application of state law to the proposed plan of reorganization for Pacific Gas and Electric Continue reading