Michael Picker, appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to become the new president of the California Public Utilities Commission, told KQED he is not concerned about the close ties the agency has had with PG&E.
He also said he thinks the large regulatory agency is too focused on the Bay Area.
Picker, whose appointment will become effective at the beginning of the new year, said he wants the agency to more aggressively investigate safety violations and evolve into a stronger and faster enforcer of rules governing the state’s energy and transportation industries.
But when it comes to the criticism that dogged his predecessor — detractors have criticized the CPUC for having a cozy relationship with PG&E — Picker said he is not worried. His remarks stunned a local state senator, a consumer advocacy group and two experts who follow state politics and government.