SDG&E; Pays Overdue Bill From Consumer Network

A stickler when it comes to getting customers’ utility payments on time, San Diego Gas & Electric on Wednesday found itself scrambling to make a late, state-ordered payment to Utility Consumers Action Network.

But rather than argue that “the check is in the mail,” SDG&E; dispatched Consumer Affairs Administrator Walter Scott to hand-deliver the overdue payment to UCAN’s Loma Portal headquarters.

“I’m picking up the check right now and taking it out to (UCAN Executive Director Michael Shames),” said Scott, who explained that the utility had simply forgotten to issue the check to UCAN.

The state Public Utilities Commission in June ordered SDG&E; to make a $64,233 payment to UCAN by July 25 to cover expenses generated by the public interest group’s participation in recent SDG&E; rate cases.

Shames said UCAN needed the money immediately “because I had promised to pay our attorneys on Friday and they called wanting to know where their money was.”

“The check will cover the $64,233, which is what the commission ordered, and we’re going to throw in $59 for interest,” Scott said. “And ratepayers won’t pay that $59--shareholders will.”

Friday is the deadline for SDG&E; to make a second payment to UCAN, and Scott said that the payment would be made on time.