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.

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.
Paying Extra for Green Power, and Getting Ads Instead
by Kate GalbraithNew York Times
November 17th, 2009
TURN energy attorney Matt Freedman tells the New York Times that 'green power' payments do little to promote renewable energy.
Smart consumers trump smart technology
by Mark ToneySan Francisco Chronicle
October 25th, 2009
Mark Toney writes in the San Francisco Chronicle that conservation and energy efficiency will save more energy than expensive, unproven smart meters.
The Greenhouse Dilemma
by Robert GammonEast Bay Express
September 23rd, 2009
Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to reduce greenhouse gases could fail to reach its goals — or it could expand the use of coal power in California.
Energy savings can be achieved without PG&E's disastrous SmartMeter devices
by Marcel Hawiger, TURN Staff AttorneyThe Bakersfield Californian
September 21st, 2009
TURN staff attorney Marcel Hawiger writes an op-ed about PG&E's controversial SmartMeters. We should be focusing on smart consumers and conservation, not needless, expensive meters.

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.
AT&T to raise landline phone service by more than 20 percent
by Troy WolvertonSan Jose Mercury News
October 16th, 2009
TURN tells the Mercury News that AT&T will continue to raise rates.
'Cramming' Phone Charges Plague Bay Area Consumers
by Anna WernerCBS 5 Investigates
October 1st, 2009
TURN managing attorney Bill Nusbaum tells CBS-5 that the CPUC isn't enforcing laws against 'cramming' bogus charges on phone bills.
CA’s POOREST PROTEST LIFELINE CHANGES
Report and video clip of recent CPUC meetings on proposed changes to the LifeLine Program.
CONSUMER ACTIVISM KILLS AT&T’S UNFAIR SERVICE AGREEMENT
TURN leads ordinary customers to a victory over AT&T

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.
Addressing the PG&E Smart Meter Crisis
by Mark Toney
Customer Complaints About Smart Meters Must Be Heard.
Stop Outrageous Smart Meter Bills!
Instead of lower energy bills, smart meter customers are seeing higher energy use and skyrocketing bills. Sign TURN's petition demanding accountability from PG&E and a moratorium on smart meters.
Paying Extra for Green Power, and Getting Ads Instead
by Kate GalbraithNew York Times
November 17th, 2009
TURN energy attorney Matt Freedman tells the New York Times that 'green power' payments do little to promote renewable energy.
SDG&E asks to reset its rate tables
by Onell R. SotoSan Diego Union Tribune
November 4th, 2009
TURN attorney Mike Florio discusses a proposed change to tiered rates supported by TURN

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.
Legislative Update: Fall 2009
TURN sponsored legislation, the Ratepayer Protection Act (SB 695) was signed into law by the Governor in October.
Ratepayer Protection Act: Sometimes consumers, utilities really do cooperate
by Mark Toney and Dana ApplingCapitol Weekly
October 22nd, 2009
TURN executive director Mark Toney and Dana Appling, director of the CPUC's Division of Ratepayer Advocates, explain why the recently signed Ratepayer Protection Act will help all Californians.
Legislative Update: Spring 2009
TURN’s legislative agenda reflects the combined goals of lower bills and meaningful protections for both people and the planet. To accomplish these goals, TURN is advocating in Sacramento for new laws that will protect people’s privacy, avoid utility shut-offs, increase utility purchases of renewable energy and create better, more cost-effective energy efficiency programs in California.
Legislative Update: December 2008
TURN Wins New Consumer Rights in 2008 Legislative Session


CONTACT US

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