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Secret meetings banned for public utilities regulator
Governor Brown signs reform bill to end commission's unethical strategies
Jerry Brown
Governor Jerry Brown today (September 29) signed legislation that bans secret meetings between utilities and regulators at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
In October of last year, Brown vetoed a package of bills that would have blocked hush-hush communications among regulators and utilities.
Mindy Spatt of San Francisco's Utility Reform Network (TURN), sponsor of both bills, says the bill signed today was not quite as strong as last year's vetoed version. Sen. Ben Hueso of San Diego was one of two politicians behind today's bill.
Both Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison have been caught making back-door bills that harmed ratepayers and helped utility stockholders. Legislation signed today closes loopholes permitting secret communications between utilities and the commission.
The legislation bans one-way or "listening mode" communications between utilities and the commission; bans "judge shopping" by utilities; requires commissioners and their advisors to disclose ex parte communications; sets up standards for disqualifying administrative law judges; and permits the attorney general to bring enforcement actions in superior courts.
Here's something you might be interested in.
Secret meetings banned for public utilities regulator
Governor Brown signs reform bill to end commission's unethical strategies
Secret meetings banned for public utilities regulator
Governor Brown signs reform bill to end commission's unethical strategies
Jerry Brown
Governor Jerry Brown today (September 29) signed legislation that bans secret meetings between utilities and regulators at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
In October of last year, Brown vetoed a package of bills that would have blocked hush-hush communications among regulators and utilities.
Mindy Spatt of San Francisco's Utility Reform Network (TURN), sponsor of both bills, says the bill signed today was not quite as strong as last year's vetoed version. Sen. Ben Hueso of San Diego was one of two politicians behind today's bill.
Both Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison have been caught making back-door bills that harmed ratepayers and helped utility stockholders. Legislation signed today closes loopholes permitting secret communications between utilities and the commission.
The legislation bans one-way or "listening mode" communications between utilities and the commission; bans "judge shopping" by utilities; requires commissioners and their advisors to disclose ex parte communications; sets up standards for disqualifying administrative law judges; and permits the attorney general to bring enforcement actions in superior courts.
Comments
And who gets to investigate or enforce violation these new law(s)? The bought politician working in the AG's office. We have plenty of laws that go unenforced, or worse, circumvented by the corrupt political class.
Stunts like the Govenor signing another unenforceable law are done to merely to appease the sheepple. Meanwhile, rates go up and up under the guise that it's going to be above board from now on.
JustWondering: This is definitely weaker than the legislation that Brown vetoed in October, but it is probably better than nothing. Best, Don Bauder
Will this legislation somehow prevent the use of private cell phones and private email services (both available as encrypted services) from connecting government & industry officials? They don't really have to go to Poland to make secret deals.
Then again, lots of well paid big shots haven't a clue about digital services. They have little people to handle that, to drive their cars and to wipe their ... noses.
swell: Corrupt dealings between the CPUC and utilities won't end. Maybe they can be curtailed somewhat. Best, Don Bauder
The "Impression" of impropriety remains. All the reform rules mean nothing if they intend to collude, they will find a way.
Wabbitsd: Absolutely. Ratepayers know they were fleeced. They will suspect the same will happen again. Best, Don Bauder
Most ratepayers haven't the foggiest notion they have been fleeced.
Flapper: Admittedly, the Edison/CPUC scam didn't get the press coverage it deserved, particularly in the L.A. market. And the telecom bills are so complicated that many ratepayers can't tell they are being raped. Best, Don Bauder
Disband the PUC. Fire everyone. Form a citizen based review board whose members are elected by the public. Peavey (sp?) and his band of crooks should all be prosecuted and all politicians who backed any of them should be recalled. The utility heads and their minions should be fired and prosecuted. They are all corrupt to the core.
AlexClarke: Absolutely. Peevey should face criminal charges. Abolishing the CPUC may be the answer. Best, Don Bauder
Mike Murphy: Let's hope there won't be more social gatherings. Prediction: there will be. Best, Don Bauder
Sounds like a baby step going forward but what about the multi-billion dollars that SCE and SDG&E should be paying for #SanOnofreGate ? The hashtag that will allow you to keep up to date on the ongoing investigation into the multi-billion $ SCE-CPUC ripoff.
CaptD: "Baby step" appears to be an apt description. Best, Don Bauder
The same kind of swindling and stressing that the banks are doing, and nobody goes to jail--except maybe the whistleblowers.
Flapper: I am old enough to remember when utilities and banks were considered honest operations. Best, Don Bauder
Did Kathleen Brown and Goldman Sachs write the New Watered Down Legislation?!
SportsFan0000: Should I write her an email care of Sempra and ask her? Best, Don Bauder
Why not?! I and many others would be interested in hearing the reply. But, I don't think you would get an honest answer...just some BS from the PR Department...a few data base template sentences loaded with legal jargon etc..
Mike Murphy: Social gatherings will continue, and will be as corrupt as the current ones. Best, Don Bauder