***MEDIA ADVISORY***
For planning purposes
FRESNO, Calif. – Environmental and consumer advocates will gather in Fresno on November 7 to urge the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, to reject Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s latest plan to hike rates yet again.
The press event will take place immediately before the CPUC’s public hearing on PG&E’s 2027 General Rate Case — a proposal that would pile even higher costs onto households struggling to pay some of the highest electric bills in the country.
Speakers will highlight the flaws in the regulated monopoly business model, where the more utilities spend ratepayer money, the more profit they are guaranteed. This model continues to saddle Californians with rising electricity costs while delivering unreliable service.
The speakers will urge the CPUC to “Stop the Stamp!” and end its years-long default position of rubber-stamping whatever plans the state’s three investor-owned utilities submit to it.
WHAT
Press conference calling on state regulators to reject PG&E’s proposed rate hike.
WHO
- Environmental Working Group’ California Senior Vice President Bernadette Del Chiaro
- Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi’s Chief Heat Policy Advisor Esperanza Vielma
- PG&E ratepayers
WHEN
November 7 at 1:15 p.m. PST
(Immediately before the CPUC’s 2 p.m. public participation hearing)
WHERE
Across from Fresno City Hall, Mariposa Plaza and P Street.
VISUALS
• Colorful signs and banners urging CPUC to “Stop the Stamp!”
• A “Monopoly Man” character as a symbol of how investor-owned utilities squeeze ratepayers to spend more on wasteful infrastructure to increase profits.
• A set of new rubber stamps with “Outrageous utility spending approved!” label that advocates will deliver to the five CPUC commissioners.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.