Bill would create CPUC inspector general to make internal audits public

Tasha Burner, who presented AB353, told the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications the bill would recast the CPUCinternal audit office and establish an inspector general to oversee audits "so that the legislature and the CPUC are well informed about the commission's strengths and deficiencies." She said current internal audit reports, established in 2017, "are regularly not made public."

Supporters at the hearing argued the change would help the legislature and ratepayers detect inefficiencies, waste and opportunities for improvement. Will Abrams of the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition registered support; Kasha Hunt of Political Solutions testified in opposition on behalf of the California Water Association. The Chair noted committee amendments could address unresolved implementation details and invited the author to work with stakeholders before a final vote. "I respectfully ask for an I vote at the appropriate time," Burner said.

The committee did not vote on the bill at this hearing; it was moved to the Appropriations Committee later the same day along with several other measures.