Amidst another weather-related blackout, the California Public Utilities Commission met in Redding yesterday where residents demanded officials hold Pacific Gas and Electric Company to account.
“When is PG&E going to have to pay for their mistakes,” said Redding Resident Cathy Tipton.
The meeting was scheduled more than a year ago as a way to enhance outreach. After public comment, the committee moved to its agenda, tacking a surcharge onto customers’ bills to cover wildfire damage.
Saying they were following the legislature and governor’s lead, commissioners unanimously approved an annual surcharge of about half a billion for a wildfire fund involving San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison, or nearly a billion dollars annually if PG&E is brought in too. The fund could be tapped if a wildfire is caused by a utility’s equipment, but only if the utility acted “prudently.”
Commissioner Clifford Rechtschaffen said utility customers won’t actually see a bill increase, as the new surcharge replaces one expiring next year. That one is paying back the Department of Water Resources for bailing out utilities after California’s electricity deregulation fiasco two decades ago.
“The wildfire fund is part of a comprehensive legislative framework to improve the financial stability of the utilities, and to promote safe and reliable utility service.” Rechtschaffen said.
The vote, which came at least an hour after much of the public had left, probably wouldn’t have been well received.
Residents of rural areas, such as Shelly White of Shingletown, begged officials to reduce the disruption caused by voluntary blackouts. She said she can’t afford running a generator, and is most concerned about, the life of her daughter, who uses a wheelchair.
"What is the cost of a human life? How many people have to die? Including, putting my fragile child in danger every single time you shut it off. How many people have to die?" White said.
Activist Mari Rose Taruc of Oakland voiced concerns that utilities have too much power politically.
“I want to see the CPUC act like you’re in charge, and not PG&E. I want to see you stand up for the public and the most vulnerable and impacted communities.” Taruc said.
As the meeting was wrapping up, word came that PG&E was beginning the process of restoring electricity.