How to speak out at the CPUC Wildfire hearings today
UCAN News
What to expect at a CPUC hearing (and how to address the Commission)
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold TWO hearings on WEBA,
the Wildfire Expense Balancing Account on Thursday, April 5 at 2PM and 6PM. You
don't need to be a professional speaker. This is the Commission's chance to hear
directly from ordinary ratepayers and small business owners.
LOCATION: AL BAHR SHRINERS MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
5440 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego, CA 92111 (GET MAP)
DATE: Thursday, April 5th, 2012
TIMES: Hearing One 2:00pm
Hearing Two: 6:00pm
Click here for talking points.
HOW TO SIGN UP TO SPEAK - Show up early and sign in
If you want to speak, you must sign in. It is recommended that you arrive
half an hour to 45 minutes early to sign in. There will be a table staffed by a
CPUC employee. Speakers are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sign in early and your name will be called.
THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU ARE ALLOWED TO SPEAK depends on how
big the crowd is. In most hearings, speakers are allowed three to five minutes,
but if there is a big crowd, you may only be allowed to speak a minute or two.
There will either be a light at the speaker's podium that goes on when your time
is about up, or a CPUC employee will hold up a placard telling you how much
time you have left.
EXPECT TO SEE RINGERS: SDG&E will probably sign up its own employees,
Chamber of Commerce members, or representatives from charities or other
groups that receive large sums of money from SDG&E. These individuals will
argue that higher electric rates are a great idea. The "ringers" usually sign in
early and are among the first to speak.
WHAT TO SAY: Obviously, SDG&E charges some of the highest rates in the
nation and SDG&E (owned by Sempra) is one of the most profitable utilities in
the USA. Asking ratepayers to cover the cost of SDG&E's negligence is wrong.
You can get a list of talking points or read our WEBA Fact Checker (pdf).
HOW TO SAY IT: Whatever you decide to say, say it quickly. The less you say,
the more impact your words will carry. The best approach is to make one or two
points quickly. If you have a long or complicated message, or want to make many
points, the best way may be to do it in writing.
QUESTIONS? You can a call the CPUC Public Advisor toll free at 866-849-8390, or
(415) 703-2074. Teletype (TTY) (415) 703-5282.
Tags: Corporate welfare - insurance - Insurance scam - monopoly abuse - ratepayer subsidized profits - refusal to accept responsibility - San Diego Gas & Electric - SDG&E - SDGE - Sempra - WEBA - wild fire Expense balancing account - wild fire insurance - Wildf - CPUC - CPUC hearing - How to speak at a CPUC public hearing - WEBA Hearing - What to expect at a PUC public hearing -
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