Saturday soapbox Federal group needs to investigate PG&E

I am writing in regard to the article published Dec. 13 with the headline, “Higher utility bills coming — again — after new PG&E rate request.”

This proposed rate increase comes on top of November news that the California Public Utilities Commission will allow another rate increase. I think the CPUC has allowed Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to get out of control.

I worry that PG&E is taking our hard-earned money and giving it to politicians for political favors. It appears to have given our money to retired PG&E executives, possibly to some found to be responsible for decisions that led to faulty equipment starting deadly fires. It uses our money to pay its fines and it uses our money to pay for advertising to cover up its faults.

I think it's time for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to review the actions of the CPUC. The commission will act as a checkand-balance system, since it appears the governor, other state politicians and the

CPUC are failing.

I hope an energy commission investigation can stop PG&E from spending our fees on advertising. Commissioners should ask why the Southern California Edison utility provider can deliver power in dryer conditions (such as Los Angeles County) at lower rates than PG&E — without sparking fires.

I want to know exactly how much money PG&E gives to state politicians and the real reason why it gave money to California first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's foundation. Why didn't her husband, Gov. Gavin Newsom put a stop to the approval of the last PG&E rate hike?

PG&E executives who diverted money from powerline maintenance projects in areas where fatal fires were caused by faulty equipment should not be able to retire comfortably off the profits of those decisions.