A state legislator wants the California Public Utilities Commission to investigate how it reached a $4.7 billion settlement on shutting down the San Onofre nuclear power plant.
The agreement requires electricity customers to cover $3.3 billion of the costs. Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric are on the hook for the remaining $1.4 billion.
Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) told newly appointed PUC President Michael Picker in a letter that it was his job to “shine a bright light” on all aspects of the process that led to the agreement.
Rendon’s call comes after revelations that the framework for the agreement was developed during a secret meeting in Poland two years ago. The meeting was between former PUC President Michael Peevey and an executive from San Onofre majority owner Southern California Edison.
Officials from the PUC and utility executives are the target of state and federal investigations. Details of the Poland meeting emerged following a search of Peevey’s La Canada home in January by state investigators.
“President Picker, it is my solemn belief that your efforts to reform the commission and restore the public’s trust cannot be completed until the dark clouds of the SONGS settlement and the specter of process manipulation by your predecessor are fully and completely removed,” Rendon wrote to Picker.
Rendon also asked Picker to compel Edison to turn over all internal and external emails related to San Onofre, its failed steam generators and the settlement.
PUC spokeswoman Terrie Prosper said the commission is reviewing the letter and will consult with Rendon on the details of his request.
