Consumer Watchdog

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Consumer Watchdog

Insurance

Insurance news, investigations, and reform — auto, home, and health insurance rates, claims denials, and industry accountability.
Consumer rights group sues PUC

Consumer rights group sues PUC

<h3>LAWSUIT BLASTS COMMISSION'S BAILOUT PLAN FOR BANKRUPT PG&E</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>A consumer rights group is suing the California Public Utilities Commission, saying the agency is "out of control" and illegally trying to force ratepayers to foot PG&E's huge bankruptcy bill.</p>
Stock Ownership Conflict Costs PUC Commissioner His Seat

Stock Ownership Conflict Costs PUC Commissioner His Seat

<h3>The judge finds that Henry Duque was not dishonest but rules he should have known of the conflict of interest.</h3><p class="source">San Francisco Daily Journal</p> <p>In a tentative ruling, a San Francisco judge has ousted a state utility commissioner from office because he owned stock in a company regulated by the commission.</p>
3rd Man Accused in Insurance Dept. Scandal;

3rd Man Accused in Insurance Dept. Scandal;

<h3>Crime: Businessman, who led a foundation created by Chuck Quackenbush, faces eight criminal charges, including theft of funds.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A businessman who as a favor to a friend joined a charitable foundation created by former Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush has been charged with eight felonies, including the theft of $18,000 in foundation funds.</p>
California PUC Action Boosts $11B Power Deal Plans

California PUC Action Boosts $11B Power Deal Plans

<p class="source">The Bond Buyer</p> <p>In a closed session late Thursday, the commission decided not to reconsider its approval of a rate agreement that spells out how the bonds will be paid off by customers of the investor-owned utilities for which California has purchased power since January</p>
Table Set In Calif. Commissioner’s Race

Table Set In Calif. Commissioner’s Race

<p class="source">Insurance Chronicle</p> <p>California's first elected insurance commissioner, John Garamendi, took an important step towards returning to the office last week, beating out both a current and a former member of the State Assembly for the Democratic nomination.</p>
Davis names Michael Peevey new power regulator

Davis names Michael Peevey new power regulator

<p class="source">The Associated Press State & Local Wire</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis appointed a former Edison International and Southern California Edison executive Tuesday as the newest member of the Public Utilities Commission, the state agency that regulates Edison and other investor-owned utilities.</p>
Eleven running for California commissioner

Eleven running for California commissioner

<p class="source">Business Insurance</p> <p>Voters in California's primary election on Tuesday will decide from among eleven candidates who will fill the role of insurance commissioner, according to the Secretary of State.</p>