Attorney General Kamala Harris Called On To Investigate Secret PG&E-CPUC Emails
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— The mayor of San Bruno and two state lawmakers are asking Attorney General Kamala Harris to investigate secret, illegal emails between PG&E and the state agency that is supposed to regulate it.
PG&E has admitted to influencing which state judge would decide whether it could raise rates.
PG&E has removed three employees for persuading the California Public Utilities Commission to appoint a sympathetic judge to hear a request to raise rates after the 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion.
Last week the chief of staff to CPUC President Michael Peevey resigned. Now State Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) said Peevey must go too and that State Attorney General Kamala Harris needs to take charge.
"Only a thorough investigation by the state's attorney general can uncover the full extent of PUC's corruption," Hill said.
He was joined by San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane and State Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo).
"These communications we have seen thus far amount to collusion to orchestrate favorable outcomes for the regulated utility. It is startling and it demands action now," Mullins said.
Keith Stevens with PG&E said they have already taken steps to prevent further illegal ex parte communication.
"We didn't wait for anybody else to take action we took swift and decisive action earlier this week. We held people accountable," Stevens said.
There has been no reaction yet from the CPUC to the lawmaker's letter to the attorney general. A PUC judge said PG&E could at least be fined for the illegal lobbying.