Policymakers should pass tighter, updated rules to prevent utilities from using ratepayer money for any political activity, broadly and clearly defined. Policymakers should require regular mandatory disclosures that provide greater visibility into utilities’ political spending. Policymakers should set up explicit enforcement regimes, including effective fines for violations, to deter utilities from breaking these rules. The rest of this report details how public utility commissions, state legislatures, FERC, Congress, and other federal agencies can adopt these three types of mechanisms. Combined, these actions will ensure customers are protected from paying for their utilities’ political activities.

Source: New York Times January 26, 2023 15:43 UTC