Consumer Watchdog Accuses PG&E of Withholding $2B to Force Bailout
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Sacramento, Calif. – September 12, 2026 -- Consumer Watchdog has released a video accusing Pacific Gas & Electric of withholding $2 billion in already-funded infrastructure spending to pressure California lawmakers into approving liability relief legislation in a special session.
PG&E withholds $2 billion in ratepayer-funded upgrades pending bailout approval
The advocacy group alleges PG&E is halting infrastructure work that customers have already paid for through approved rate hikes, after the state legislature declined to grant the utility liability protections during its regular session. Former California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) President Loretta Lynch calls the move "bailout blackmail" in the video, arguing PG&E CEO Patti Poppe misrepresented the company's financial position.