Politics & Government
PG&E Responds To Federal Bill Prohibiting Secret Meetings With Regulators
"It's absolutely insane that every time PG&E wants a rate increase the CPUC just gives it to them, no questions asked," Rep. Harder said.
Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif) introduced legislation Thursday that would prohibit private or undisclosed meetings between California utility companies and state regulators, following hearings on another potential PG&E rate hike.
The Curb Private Utilities Corruption (CPUC) Act would require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to make all interactions with the utilities it regulates publicly available online, a press release issued Thursday noted.
"It's absolutely insane that every time PG&E wants a rate increase the CPUC just gives it to them, no questions asked," Harder said. "Valley families are paying way too much for electricity and they deserve answers as to why."
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PG&E said that processes are in place regarding transparency.
"The current rules already require that PG&E or any interested party disclose details of any and every meeting with CPUC decision makers on topics that affect rates that are in front of the CPUC," a spokesperson for the PG&E said Sunday in an email. "This is part of the transparent and open process at the CPUC."
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Harder noted that PG&E raised rates six times last year while earning nearly $2.5 billion in profits and is now seeking additional increases through 2030.
PG&E said that residential electric rates have decreased three times since 2024, something they said offsets the increases mentioned by Harder.
"PG&E residential electric rates and bills are about $12 lower than they were in January 2024 and are expected to decrease again in 2026," the utility said.
The bill comes as part of Harder's broader push to hold utilities accountable, he said. He is also leading legislation to limit companies like PG&E to one rate hike per year, according to his office.
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