watchdog

Consumers Call for DWP Watchdog

Consumer advocates recently called for the replacement of the independent watchdog of the Department of Water and Power, saying he has failed to properly advocate for the utility’s customers. Representatives of Consumer Watchdog sent a letter urging Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Attorney Mike Feuer to fire DWP ratepayer advocate Fred Pickel, saying “his failure to speak out for ratepayers during these last years of scandal makes clear he should be replaced with a true consumer advocate immediately.” The consumer advocates pointed to Pickel’s history as an energy consultant who worked closely with Enron and on the side of utilities,