tldrdaily.news logo
Tag

Public Utilities Commission

All articles tagged with #public utilities commission

environment1 year ago

"California's New Rules Threaten Community Solar Initiatives"

California Governor Gavin Newsom's appointees on the Public Utilities Commission voted to approve a solar energy program that critics argue will hinder access to community solar projects, a middle ground solution between rooftop systems and large solar farms. The decision has sparked criticism from environmentalists and advocates who believe it will fail to promote new projects and is inconsistent with the state's climate goals. Despite Newsom's strong climate record, this move has raised concerns about the state's ability to meet its renewable energy targets cost-effectively.

via Los Angeles Times|
#california#climate-change#community-solar
legalcrime1 year ago

Former Ohio Utility Chair Sam Randazzo Dies by Suicide While Facing Bribery Charges

Sam Randazzo, former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, has died by suicide amidst state and federal charges related to a utility scandal involving alleged bribery and misconduct with Akron-based FirstEnergy. The scandal involved over $60 million in bribes paid by FirstEnergy in exchange for a $1.3 billion ratepayer bailout. Randazzo, who was also an energy consultant, was accused of secretly receiving payments from FirstEnergy while serving as a regulator and helping draft bailout legislation. His death comes after other figures involved in the scandal have faced legal consequences, including former House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Neil Clark.

via Ohio Capital Journal|
#bribery-scandal#energy-consultant#legalcrime
energy1 year ago

"CPUC's Proposal: Changing California Power Bills for Lowered Costs"

The California Public Utilities Commission is considering a proposal to reduce electricity rates for customers across the state, with most customers paying a flat charge of about $24 and seeing a decrease in electricity rates by five to seven cents per kilowatt hour. The new billing structure aims to distribute fixed costs more evenly among customers and encourage conservation, particularly among low-income customers. Reactions to the proposal are mixed, with some expressing cautious optimism while others anticipate ongoing affordability issues. If adopted, the changes would be implemented by late next year.

via FOX 5 San Diego|
#affordability#california#electricity-rates
legalcrime1 year ago

"Former FirstEnergy Executives Plead Not Guilty in $60 Million Ohio Bribery Scandal Indictment"

Two former FirstEnergy executives and the former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio pleaded not guilty to corruption and bribery charges. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a scheme to benefit FirstEnergy and themselves by hijacking Ohio’s regulatory structure. The former chairman will have a GPS ankle bracelet and travel restrictions, while the former executives face a dozen charges each. The scandal involves a $61 million bribe for a $1 billion bailout legislation, and despite extensive coverage and convictions, efforts to repeal the legislation and implement ethics laws have not progressed.

via News 5 Cleveland WEWS|
#bribery#corruption#firstenergy
technology1 year ago

The Future of Landlines: Phone Service Providers Push for Phase-Out

AT&T is seeking to shut down landline service in most of the Bay Area and much of California, sparking fear among residents, especially those in areas with spotty cell service and frequent power outages. The proposal has received widespread opposition, with concerns raised about the potential life-threatening consequences, especially during emergencies such as fires and natural disasters. AT&T argues that landline service is no longer necessary and that it hinders the company's ability to invest in new technologies, but many residents and officials disagree, emphasizing the vital role of landlines in ensuring reliable communication during crises. The California Public Utilities Commission will have the final say on the matter.

via The Mercury News|
#atandt#california#landline-service
politics1 year ago

"California Lawmakers Push to Halt Proposed Income-Based Electricity Rates"

Democratic lawmakers in California are seeking to reverse a rule that mandates major utility companies to set electricity and gas rates based on customer income rather than energy use, a rule they helped pass in 2022. The legislation, part of a budget trailer bill, has faced criticism for lack of public discussion. Lawmakers representing coastal districts have filed a bill to repeal parts of the rule, citing concerns about increased costs and privacy issues. The California Public Utilities Commission is still analyzing rate design proposals, with potential impacts of up to $125 a month for some customers. The move is seen as critical for California's climate goals, but there are concerns about its impact on low-income communities.

via KCRA Sacramento|
#california#democratic-lawmakers#electricity-rates
energy-policy1 year ago

California's Rooftop Solar Industry Faces Impending Collapse

California's Public Utilities Commission slashed the rate that utilities pay homeowners with new solar panels, causing a 90% decline in residential solar demand since the new rate took effect. This has led to layoffs and closures in the solar industry, impacting low- and middle-income homeowners and jeopardizing the state's climate change goals. The commission defended the decision as a move towards equity, but industry experts and workers argue that it has hindered the growth of the solar market and led to job losses, particularly in underserved communities.

via The San Francisco Standard|
#california#climate-change#energy-policy
energy2 years ago

"Ratepayers Face Higher Bills as Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Stays Open"

PG&E has been granted approval by the state Public Utilities Commission to continue operating the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant until at least 2030, instead of terminating service in 2025 as previously planned. The decision has raised concerns about potential increases in monthly electricity bills for customers. The cost to keep the plant operating through 2030 is estimated to be $8.1 billion, which could result in an additional $11.75 per month for utility bills. PG&E believes the increase in bills could be modest or even result in a bill credit, but critics argue that the state regulatory agency has been too lenient in granting PG&E the authority to raise rates.

via The Mercury News|
#diablo-canyon#electricity-bills#energy
politics2 years ago

Governor DeWine Ignored Warnings Before Appointing Indicted Sam Randazzo

Before appointing Sam Randazzo as chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine received two warnings, including from environmental organizations and a former campaign staffer, urging him to choose someone else. Randazzo has recently pleaded not guilty to public corruption charges, including accepting a $4.3 million bribe from FirstEnergy Corp. in exchange for promoting the company's interests.

via cleveland.com|
#corruption-charges#governor-mike-dewine#ohio
crime2 years ago

"Former Ohio Utility Regulator Indicted in $60 Million Bribery Scandal"

Samuel Randazzo, the former chairman of Ohio's Public Utilities Commission, has been indicted on 11 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, and making illegal monetary transactions. The charges stem from a $4.3 million payment Randazzo received from energy company FirstEnergy, which was linked to a bribery scandal involving House Bill 6, a ratepayer-funded nuclear power plant bailout. If convicted, Randazzo could face up to 20 years in prison.

via NBC4 WCMH-TV|
#bribery#corruption#crime
energy2 years ago

PG&E's Soaring Electric Bills Prompt Rate Hike Request

PG&E electric bills in the Bay Area have increased by 38% for the average residential customer over a three-year period, far outpacing the region's inflation rate of 11.7%. The rise in utility costs is attributed to higher electricity use and overall electricity prices. The state Public Utilities Commission is currently reviewing proceedings that could result in even higher bills for PG&E customers. Low-income households are particularly impacted by the rising rates and bills.

via The Mercury News|
#california#electric-bills#energy
energy2 years ago

South Dakota Regulators Reject Navigator CO2 Carbon Pipeline Permit

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has unanimously denied Navigator CO2's application for a permit to construct the Heartland Greenway carbon capture pipeline in South Dakota. The commission cited reasons such as inadequate disclosure of carbon dioxide plume modeling and failure to provide timely notices to landowners along the proposed route. Navigator has not yet pursued eminent domain to obtain land access from unwilling landowners. This denial follows North Dakota's recent denial of a permit for another carbon pipeline project proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions. Navigator has stated that it will evaluate the written decision and determine its course of action.

via Iowa Capital Dispatch|
#carbon-pipeline#energy#navigator-co2
energy2 years ago

"South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Rejects Navigator's CO2 Pipeline Application"

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has unanimously denied the permit application for the Navigator CO2 project, which aimed to establish carbon dioxide pipelines in the state. The commission cited concerns about the company's compliance with state and local requirements, failure to notify all landowners along the proposed route, and refusal to share study results. Navigator can still appeal or reapply. The company expressed disappointment but remains committed to responsible infrastructure development. The commissioners also rejected a request to pre-empt pipeline ordinances in two counties.

via KELOLAND.com|
#carbon-dioxide-pipelines#denial#energy