SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The state legislative analyst wants California auditors to investigate whether regulators are properly managing consumer-funded accounts for utility projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office raises questions about how the California Public Utilities Commission oversees and audits "balancing accounts" for the state's three largest utilities.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric set up the accounts to track revenues and spending on projects such as procuring electricity or energy conservation.
They are designed to ensure ratepayers pay only the amount the CPUC authorizes so the companies can carry out particular projects.
The analyst's report did not say whether gas and electric ratepayers may have been overcharged or undercharged for the programs. The commission did not immediately comment on the recommendation.
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