Inspired by @theonion.com, @pacificgaselectric.bsky.social issues hilarious press release claiming 'California ratepayers overwhelmingly support more unchecked spending by state's monopoly utility companies' - including SCE and SDG&E. 🔗 investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/...

 ‘Out of control.’ Fresno industries, residents divided over PG&E’s latest rate hike proposal The California Public Utilities Commission’s hearings over proposed electricity rate hikes came to Fresno Friday afternoon, drawing a split crowd of Central Valley residents and industry groups that…

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.

@exposeutilities.bsky.social & other advocates will be on hand for a "listening session" hosted by California electricity regulators to hear from Fresno-area residents about PG&E's massive rate hike proposal. #StoptheStamp. Details can be found here: tinyurl.com/55whs8ky

It's really too bad California policymakers saw a PGE bankruptcy as a horrible catastrophe to avoid rather than an opportunity to clean house and nationalize it. When they asked to raise rates because of their huge wildfire lawsuit payouts regulators should have just said "no"

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?

“Their stamps are almost certainly worn to nubs, the ink pads are bone dry, while Californians are left footing the bill. We figured they could use a fresh set.” @exposeutilities.bsky.social

What’s going on with SCE's recent rate hike? Right now, SCE is saying that bills are going up more than what the @californiapuc.bsky.social authorized. Any energy nerds want to help us make sense of this?

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.

It is not fair that California’s working families should have to spend a single penny covering for Edison's mistakes. www.latimes.com/environment/...

DOJ is looking out for taxpayers, but who’s looking out for California ratepayers? abc7.com/post/doj-fil...

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.

Surprise, surprise. PG&E gets what they want. The people pay. And the politicians render themselves ineffective. This is the pattern. This is why electricity rates are so high.

We’ve had enough from California’s Monopoly Utilities that prioritize profit above people and planet.

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.