State investigators searched the home this week of former California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Peevey looking for evidence of bribery, judge shopping and inappropriate contact between Peevey and Pacific Gas & Electric.
A search warrant shows state agents also searched Peevey's La Cañada Flintridge home for items that may indicate Peevey obstructed justice or showed preferential treatment in deciding how much consumers should pay for electricity.
Agents seized computers, smartphones and handwritten notes, according to court documents. Investigators also took bank statements, planners and files.
Peevey shares his home with his wife, state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge).
Peevey’s job at the commission was to regulate energy companies, protect consumers and ensure rates are reasonable.
Peevey resigned last fall after emails surfaced showing him hinting he might side with PG&E in a rate case if the company contributed to a political cause he supported. Another email showed a then-PG&E executive negotiating with Peevey’s chief of staff to get a favored judge to preside over a rate case.
Recently released emails also show Peevey maintained close contact with officials from Southern California Edison, a majority owner of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The plant shut down in 2013 after its equipment malfunctioned.
Consumer advocates have blasted Peevey and the commission for what they say is an incomplete investigation into why the equipment didn't work properly and who is responsible for the failure.
Consumers are still paying for that equipment.
