Issues

Read below to learn about current and critical utility issues in California. You can also visit the individual sections (at right) to learn more about what's new in each area.

Stop PG&E's $4 Billion Rate Hike
Just say NO to PG&E's high rates
PG&E currently has proposals for $4 billion in new rate hikes pending at the CPUC. Do you think PG&E’s rates are too high already? Speak out against PG&E's unfair rate hikes.
Consumer advocates want rate reductions, not rate hikes
PG&E seems to hit customers with rate hikes as regularly as fog hits San Francisco. And PG&E’s current rate case, which TURN is fighting at the CPUC, asks for a historically high $4 billion increase, which would surely hit consumers hard.
Smart Meters
Smart Meter Boycott: Do's and Don'ts
Many of you have asked us what will happen if you ask PG&E to postpone installing a smart meter until the CPUC investigation is complete. Here is our advice and a video of an Oakland neighborhood's successful smart meter boycott. Please call our organizer Kori Chen to form a Smart Meter Free Zone in your neighborhood.
Smart Meters: A Dumb Idea
TURN explains why "smart meters" are a dumb idea. In short, they're expensive, don't help you save energy and put your privacy at risk.

Energy
For 35 years, TURN has stood up to California’s giant utility companies, savings California consumers billions of dollars by challenging unfair rate hikes and other unjust utility schemes. TURN fights for affordable and reliable energy at the Public Utilities Commission, in the courts, in the legislature and in the streets, where we join local communities and organizations in standing up for consumer rights and protesting unfair policies and practices. Read more below and join us in stopping unfair utility rate hikes.
Just say NO to PG&E's high rates
PG&E currently has proposals for $4 billion in new rate hikes pending at the CPUC. Do you think PG&E’s rates are too high already? Speak out against PG&E's unfair rate hikes.
Cool Ways to Save Energy and Reduce Summer Electric Bills
Tips on how to save money and stay cool even when it's hot

Green Matters
TURN is unique in combining the concerns of planet and pocketbook to make sure you get the most green for the least green. TURN demands effective, low-cost energy efficiency programs that will help you conserve energy and lower your bills. TURN has fought to bring more renewable energy into California, energy that fulfills the true promise of renewables by being clean, green and affordable. At the same time, TURN exposes and opposes utility greenwashing of expensive and ineffective schemes. Read more below, and join us in fighting a warming planet and rising electric bills at the same time.
Just say NO to PG&E's high rates
PG&E currently has proposals for $4 billion in new rate hikes pending at the CPUC. Do you think PG&E’s rates are too high already? Speak out against PG&E's unfair rate hikes.
ENERGY: SDG&E applies to invest $600 million in wind farm
by Eric WolffNorth County Times
July 23rd, 2010
TURN questions what good SDG&E's Montana wind farm will do for customers in San Diego.

Telecom
Phones are essential to modern life, and everyone should be able to afford them. But with phone deregulation leaving corporate greed unchecked, consumers are increasingly at risk for rising prices and deteriorating services. TURN holds phone companies accountable, demanding reasonable rates and real options for customers, and opposing attempts to limit their rights or compromise their safety or privacy. TURN works with low- income communities to keep LifeLine phone service affordable and accessible for all of the Californians who need it. Read more below, and join us in fighting for affordable phone service for all.
Defend basic phone service, demand accountability
Phone rates have gone up by as much as 600% in the last 3 years and the CPUC wants to let phone companies have unlimited rate increases. Take action to demand affordable phone service for all Californians.
Your phone could become pay to play!
TURN CONSUMER ALERT: Unlimited local calling threatened. Phone companies want to end unlimited local calling, charge for incoming calls, charge for calls to 800 numbers and even charge for calls received from telemarketers.

Legislation
In addition to or advocacy work at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), TURN works to enact legislation that guarantees lower bills and livable planet.
Phone Company Cutbacks Threaten Public Safety
TURN warns against passage of SB-1375, a phone company proposal that would drastically reduce 911 access.
Gaps Emerge in Consumer Protections after Phone Deregulation
by California Political DeskCalifornia Chronicle
July 20th, 2010
Consumer protections have diminished significantly since the California Public Utilities Commission deregulated phone rates in 2006 and adopted a new "hands-off" approach toward telecommunications, according to a report released by the Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes.

CONTACT US

Press: turn@turn.org Membership: membership@turn.org Consumer Hotline: consumerhotline@turn.org
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