On LA Fire Anniversary, Steyer Vows to Take On Utility Monopolies

Steyer Warns Utility Greed Puts Lives and Communities at Risk

SACRAMENTO — One year after fires devastated Los Angeles communities, Tom Steyer held a press conference today to detail how as governor, he would hold California’s utilities accountable for past failures and protect Californians from future harm.

“The Eaton Fire was a direct result of utility monopolies putting profits over public safety,” Steyer said. “Californians pay some of the highest electric bills in the nation, yet aging, poorly maintained utility equipment continues to fuel deadly fires. It’s time for a governor who will break the grip of these monopolies, hold them accountable, and put people — not profits — first.”

CLICK HERE for audio of Steyer’s remarks and Q&A.

BACKGROUND:

• Steyer has been the most vocal candidate for governor on holding utility monopolies accountable for high prices, poor service, and their role in causing wildfires that have devastated thousands of homes in Altadena and other areas of the state.
• Southern California Edison’s parent company acknowledged that its equipment was “likely” the cause of the Eaton Fire, after it initially resisted accountability. 
• Victims have alleged an “unconscionable pattern of negligence” by utilities whose failures have cost lives, destroyed homes, and contaminated entire communities.
• Utility equipment is responsible for nearly half of California’s most destructive fires.
• California needs a utility safety framework built on affordability, responsibility, transparency, and prevention, not post-disaster apologies. 

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