Re “Don’t hammer families with new utility bailout” (Aug. 26): Nicole Capretz is on target with her commentary appealing to California’s legislators to put their constituents before power company shareholders. SDG&E shareholders continue to enjoy record profits year after year, as ratepayers struggle to afford the rates from the nation’s costliest utility.
The wildfire liability package will shield utilities from reimbursing victims, insurance companies and government agencies for preventable wildfire losses. Yet our political leaders are on the verge once again of bailing out fat utilities in the form of liability relief if their negligence causes wildfires.
What about negotiating rate reductions? It’s close to elections, and Gov. Newsom and our elected officials need campaign cash. How do you think this will turn out?
— Lars K. Staack, Poway