Dodd co-introduces bill to prevent utility from recouping fines by raising rates

State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) was among several lawmakers who introduced a bill that seeks to prevent a utility firm like Pacific Gas & Electric Co. from raising rates in response to fines or penalties leveed against it.

PG&E is already pushing back.

"While there has been no determination on the causes of the Northern California wildfires that took place in October, it is clear that California needs much broader reforms that recognize the mutual interests of customers, utilities, investors, insurers and others as we work together to address the impacts of climate change including more frequent and more damaging wildfires," PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said in a statement.

Dodd co-introduces bill to prevent utility from recouping fines by raising rates