Swalwell’s Energy Funding and Promises

Representative Eric Swalwell from California has made a public commitment to reduce high energy costs if elected governor. However, he has reportedly garnered substantial financial support from Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E).

Swalwell, who has pledged to “stop massive utility rate increases,” is said to have received over $113,000 from PG&E employees through his congressional campaign and PAC, as highlighted by a recent report. It’s worth noting that PG&E is the largest utility provider in the state.

The report indicates that PG&E has raised its rates by more than 100% over the past decade and even has a felony conviction on its record.

In a social media advertisement, Swalwell emphasized the need for “accountability and requirements” regarding utility companies.

His campaign website reinforces this intention, stating his goal to “stop large increases in utility charges,” tackle monopolistic price gouging, and lower monthly interest rates by refinancing high-cost debt.

Interestingly, Swalwell’s support from PG&E has come largely from the PG&E Corporation Employees Energy PAC, which has its roots dating back to 2014. The PAC’s most recent contributions occurred last year. Moreover, despite the tragic fallout from the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 85 people and devastated Paradise, California, Democrats continued receiving funding from PACs connected to the company.

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom also benefits from PG&E funding, and past reports suggested that several power companies in the state maintain favorable relations with Democratic candidates.

There are also concerns about Swalwell’s previous interactions with Chinese communists, which could pose risks to his gubernatorial campaign. Recent polls indicate that Republican candidates are gaining momentum in California’s primary, with businessman Steve Hilton and former Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco gaining support.

According to a recent poll, Hilton garnered 17% of the vote, and Bianco followed closely with 16%. Meanwhile, Swalwell and fellow Democrat Katie Porter each received 13%, while Tom Steyer achieved 10%. A few other candidates were below the 5% mark.

In response to rising utility costs, Hilton criticized the Democratic party, mentioning that Californians have some of the highest electricity bills in the nation—second only to Hawaii—and that these costs have nearly doubled in ten years. He questioned the trustworthiness of Democrats, particularly referring to candidates like Newsom as “PG&E puppets.”