About TURN

As your utility watchdog, we stand up for consumer rights, affordable rates and a more livable California. For more than 30 years we have challenged California’s powerful energy and telephone companies, saving consumers and small businesses millions, and demanding reliable service and environmentally sound policies. We advocate for better utility policies, provide consumer assistance, and mobilize people statewide to take action for change.

TURN's History
TURN began at the kitchen table of pioneering consumer advocate Sylvia Siegel, a fierce critic and formidable opponent of public utilities, who was tired of seeing her electric bills go up year after year, and realized all Californians were getting ripped off by a Public Utilities Commission that rubber-stamped rate hikes. She taught herself the complex laws and rules that govern utility rates and quickly learned how to use them to the benefit of the public, rather than utility shareholders.

In the past 35 years, TURN has identified and exposed corporate waste and lack of oversight, and driven common sense public policy to protect all Californians. TURN has grown into an organization known and trusted nationally for our expertise in energy and telecommunications issues, and our commitment to renewable energy that is affordable for everyone. Read more about our history.

TURN's Work
As your utility watchdog, we fight for consumer rights, fair rates and a livable state. For more than 35 years we have challenged California’s powerful energy and telephone companies, saving consumers and small businesses millions, standing up for vulnerable Californians, and demanding reliable service and environmentally sound policies. We advocate for utility customers, provide consumer assistance, and mobilize people statewide to take action for change. Read more about our work or take action.

Highlights of TURN's Success

• We fought for the establishment of crucial protections for low-income Californians: “lifeline” electric rates, LifeLine phone rates, FERA, CARE, and we’ve won victories to protect them.
• TURN successfully advocated for the establishment and protection of the Renewable Portfolio Standard legislation requiring California to dramatically increase its use of renewable energy to 20% statewide. The measure means not only cleaner air but also more stable electric prices in the future.
• TURN chaired the campaign to defeat PG&E’s Proposition 16, a constitutional amendment to protect a profitable monopoly, where PG&E outspent opponents more than $500 to our every $1.

Plug in to Support TURN
Member support allows TURN to advocate for affordable and dependable utility services, and to stand up for consumers across the state as an independent and unbiased voice. TURN’s effectiveness is largely due to the fact that we are not beholden to any corporate or government funding sources. In fact, thanks to the continued support of members like you, TURN is the only independent statewide utility consumer advocacy organization in California. By becoming a member, renewing your membership or making a sustaining donation, you can be sure that TURN has the resources we need to  continue to fight for lower bills and a livable planet.
Click here to Join TURN.