PG&E granted rate hike to pay for gas pipeline repairs and maintenance but must report what it does with the money

http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_17851331

"It's about time they hold PG&E accountable for the ratepayer money they have collected in the past," he said. "But if it turns out their maintenance plan was negligent or ineffective, it shouldn't be our responsibility."

(Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo)

**Opinion**

Hmm, sounds like there is some greasing of the wallets occurring here.

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After the Sept. 9 explosion in San Bruno, critics pointed out that the utility had twice justified rate increases based on a pipeline segment just a few miles north of the section that exploded. Even though PG&E said in documents to the commission that the segment of line 132 had an unacceptably high risk of failure, the pipeline work for which the rate increases were granted was not done.

Lawmakers and San Bruno residents demanded to know at a December town hall meeting what happened to the money. PUC Executive Director Paul Clanon said he was sure it had been spent on pipeline work, but had no proof.

**Opinion**

This is a vicious cycle that needs to be ended. In San Diego, they make tax payers pay for one of the helicopters that PG&E use to put out fires....