The Utility Reform Network, a San Francisco-based advocacy group that has battled PG&E for decades, called the new CPUC sanctions a positive step, but still "an inadequate response to the evidence of serious corruption between the Commission's top brass and PG&E."
TURN described the fine as "a mere $1 million," and said the sanctions are based on a partial record "that relies solely on evidence PG&E chose to disclose," rather than requiring it to provide all evidence relating to back-channel "ex parte" communications between utility and CPUC executives relating to the rate case and related matters.
The CPUC's new ruling also modified some restrictions placed on communications between the giant San Francisco-based utility and the commission, which has also been deeply tarred by the email scandal and related revelations. That includes retaining a one-year ban "on individual communications" outside of group meetings that include all relevant parties for rate-setting cases, and requiring continued reporting of "contacts with CPUC senior management."
Rate hearings scheduled for October 2014 were postponed until January 2015, when they will be heard by a different administrative law judge than the one involved in the alleged "judge-shopping" scheme involving PG&E and CPUC officials.
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