Unless you’re an energy nerd like me, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about how utilities spend the money you pay them each month. They can spend money on other stuff if they want to, but shareholders are supposed to pay for it. Charging ratepayers for association dues has typically been considered kosher because these trade groups serve utility customers in numerous ways. Several utility trade groups have pushed back, arguing no changes are needed to federal accounting rules. AdvertisementEven if utilities face greater scrutiny of how they spend customer money, that won’t necessarily stop them from spending shareholder money however they want.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 13, 2021 13:02 UTC