The Renewable Energy Accountability Project (REAP) Welcomes the Departure of Embattled PG&E Chief Peter Darbee

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Under Peter Darbee's leadership, PG&E has spent over $60 million of ratepayers' money on deceptive ballot proposition campaigns – instead of gas line inspections and public safety.  

PG&E unsuccessfully tried to kill renewable energy requirements and community choice in electricity procurement.  Furthermore, PG&E's contributions to politicians and political committees at all levels of state government have delayed California's progress in combating global warming, while gaining outrageous rate hikes to bolster PG&E's corporate bottom line.  

Just this year, PG&E opposed SB2x, authored by Senator Joe Simitian and signed into law by Governor Brown, which now requires that by 2020 all electric utilities must procure at least 33% of their electricity from safe, renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and geothermal.  

Fortunately, this disgraceful period in PG&E's history can now come to an end with the departure of Mr. Darbee.

In view of the San Bruno gas line explosion tragedy, PG&E must assure the public that Mr. Darbee's announced $35 million retirement deal is not paid from ratepayers or victim compensation funds. Many San Bruno residents still suffer because of PG&E's corporate malfeasance committed under Mr. Darbee's watch.

Going forward, the Renewable Energy Accountability Project (REAP) will closely monitor the selection process of a new PG&E CEO.  This new leader must commit to a safe renewable energy future by supporting the following actions:

1. Aggressively supporting the implementation of the law requiring all utilities to use 33% renewable energy by 2020.
2. Supporting the development of new electric transmission grid lines designed to deliver safe, renewable power.
3. Announcing that PG&E's Diablo Canyon nuclear power reactors will be closed, and that the plant will not seek certification to operate beyond its current permit, which expires in 2024.
4. Delivering a complete mapping of PG&E's natural gas pipeline network, including providing new documentation for lines where information has gone missing.
5. Implementing an examination and repair plan for all natural gas pipelines to be completed within two years.

Only by changing the corporate culture of PG&E can consumers expect to see delivery of clean, renewable energy to California.  

ABOUT THE RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT (REAP):  REAP is a nationwide grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring energy independence and reducing atmospheric pollution. REAP monitors and reports on the progress of clean electricity generation as we transition away from dirty coal and fossil fuels.  REAP's Chair is former San Francisco Supervisor Jim Gonzalez.  

For more information regarding REAP's actions, please visit:  Website: www.reapinfo.org  Blog:  reapreport.org  

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Jim Gonzalez: http://www.profnetconnect.com/jim_gonzalez

CONTACT:  Pablo Rodriguez
510-842-6063

SOURCE Renewable Energy Accountability Project