The PUC's not the commission it used to be

The political clout of Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, could be waning.

This year, Peevey and the commission he has led since 2002 have been the target of legislative inquiries for the way it regulates for-profit electric, natural gas and telephone companies, limousine services and private water companies. Lawmakers are up in arms about perceived sloppy budgeting, alleged conflicts of interest and proposed punishment for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., whose safety procedures have been under scrutiny after the 2010 fatal natural gas explosion in San Bruno. Peevey, 75, of LaCañada Flintridge is even having trouble with his own commission members, all appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown. He was named to the PUC by Gov. Gray Davis and reappointed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.