In a recent development, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) made a significant decision to deny SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric from using customer funds for lobbying expenses, trade association memberships, gas system expansions, and proposed hydrogen investments. The ruling, supported by Earthjustice representing the California Environmental Justice Alliance, aims to enhance transparency and accountability in utility operations. This decision comes as a relief for customers as it will result in lower bill increases than initially proposed by the utilities. The PUC's decision included rejecting several costly plans by the utilities, such as memberships in trade associations like the American Gas Association and the Hydrogen Council, funding for hydrogen projects, legal fees for contentious efforts, and projects to expand the gas system capacity. By holding SoCalGas shareholders accountable for expenses related to political activities and questionable projects like hydrogen initiatives, the decision shifts the financial responsibility away from customers. The move is seen as a step towards preventing utilities from using customer funds for activities that do not align with customers' best interests, especially in the realm of climate and clean air policies. The decision also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the utility sector, setting a new standard for similar actions across the nation. While the decision is praised for its focus on customer protection and utility transparency, some voices, like Mari Rose Taruc from the California Environmental Justice Alliance, emphasize the need for penalties to deter utilities from engaging in activities that hinder climate progress. The ruling signifies a positive shift towards greater accountability and responsibility in the utility industry, signaling a new era of customer-centric operations.