Thank you, Florez

The Bakersfield Californian | Sunday, Nov 08 2009 08:48 PM
Last Updated Sunday, Nov 08 2009 08:48 PM

I would like to thank Sen. Dean Florez for truly being a public servant. I, too, was dismayed when I received my August PG&E bill, as it was over double the previous month's bill. I called PG&E and contrary to their public relations person, I was greeted by a not-too-interested PG&E representative. This individual's response was simply that the SmartMeter reported our usage and that was that.

I then wrote the Public Utilities Commission. What a waste of time. I received a letter from the PUC directing me back to PG&E. That's like going to the "chicken police" because a fox is eating your chickens and having the "chicken police" direct you back to the fox.

When I learned of Florez's involvement in at least questioning PG&E's outrageous bills, I was encouraged that at least there was one individual who was listening to the consumers.

Florez held town hall meetings and gave PG&E customers an opportunity to express their concerns. I wrote Florez, and shortly afterward I received a call from a PG&E SmartMeter service representative who said Florez had asked him to call me and we set up a time to have my SmartMeter tested.

Florez's help is especially gratifying during a time when many of us have lost our faith in the elected officials who have forgotten who they work for.

BEVERLY HAYDEN

Bakersfield

http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/letters/x1107077580/Thank-you-Florez