That Forces Consumer To Repay Utility Company For Lost Profits During Rollback

The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights condemned the 3-2 vote by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today to enact a flat rate plan for San Diego ratepayers that will force consumers into above-market prices for much of the year, and will require them to repay San Diego Gas & Electric from any lost profits during the flat rate period.

“This devolution of consumer protection is the moral equivalent of a pickpocket earning interest on the money they stole,” said Doug Heller, consumer advocate with FTCR. “The legislature and Governor must stand upe to the utility lobby and require a real rollback that relieves the consumer of exorbitant and requires no repayment to the big energy companies.”

Legislation to rollback electric utility rates to pre-deregulation levels will be heard in the California Assembly this week. AB 2290 , authored by Sen. DeDe Alpert (D-San Diego) passed the Senate by a 28-0 vote.

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