A bill inspired by last year’s Northern California wildfires is under fire itself.
The Wildfire Safety Bill aims to reduce wildfire risk due to downed power lines. But it’s sparking fierce opposition from consumer advocates, worried that we’ll soon pay more on our electric bills.
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“It’s automatic rate pre-approval of rate increases,” said Consumer Advocate Mark Toney of TURN, The Utility Reform Network.
The bill requires California utility giants to submit emergency preparedness plans.
Advocates say the process will make it easier for regulators to approve rate hikes, for any work related to safety.
“This bill gives PG&E a blank check. For anything they call or label safety,” said Toney.
But the measure’s author, Santa Rosa Sen. Bill Dodd, who represents fire victims, says the bill is simply intended to hold utility companies accountable for wildfire risks.