PUC approves $424 million refund for PG&E customers
Florez discusses refund, CPUC response to Bakersfield Smart Meter hearing

BAKERSFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) will hold media availability this afternoon in Shafter to discuss the California Public Utilities Commission’s response yesterday to his Smart Meter recommendations, as well as today’s announcement of a pending $424 million overcharge refund for PG&E customers.

It was announced at an October 5 Bakersfield hearing into Smart Meters and that PG&E was sitting on more than $400 million in overcharges due to an overestimation of energy prices.  PG&E pledged at the hearing to do their part to gain approval of a refund plan for consumers, and CPUC Commissioner Rachelle Chong said in today’s announcement that her agency would direct PG&E to provide “an immediate refund to its customers.”

Florez was told yesterday that the CPUC will order independent testing on the reliability of Smart Meters, which have been blamed for a dramatic spike in local utility bills.  The CPUC, however, did not place a moratorium on additional Smart Meter installations or rate increases pending the outcome of such testing.

Florez will discuss both developments this afternoon at 2 p.m. at 498 Oleander in Shafter.

*** MEDIA ADVISORY *** MEDIA ADVISORY *** MEDIA ADVISORY ***
 
WHO:             Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter
 
WHAT:           Media availability on CPUC Smart Meter actions and announcement of $424 million refund to PG&E customers

WHEN:           TODAY: 2 p.m.
 
WHERE:         498 Oleander; Shafter, CA  93263