Now a PUC Commissioner, Utilities Critic Mike Florio Speaks Out

Today's California Public Utilities Commission meeting was the first at which newly appointed commissioners Mike Florio and Catherine Sandoval sat. (Archived video of today's meeting here.)

Governor Jerry Brown's appointment of Florio in particular has caused speculation of a pro-consumer sea change at the regulatory body, as the attorney joins the agency straight from The Utility Reform Network, a consumer group that is one of PG&E's harshest critics.

After the proceedings, Florio took questions from the press, which included KQED's Amy Standen. Here is audio of his answers on a number of issues related to the PUC and the San Bruno disaster.

Florio answers the question of whether it's unprecedented for someone with his consumer background to be appointed to the commission

Florio says safety was too much taken for granted by PUC

Florio says pipeline safety was low profile at PUC and there was an assumption that the utilities were taking care of it

Florio says an "enforcement proceeding" on San Bruno, at which the PUC can issue fines, will come in "due time"

Florio says the CPUC Foundation, which the Chronicle has reported will solicit money from the companies regulated by the PUC, is unfortunate only from an appearance standpoint

Florio says PUC hearings into the San Bruno explosion will not be a witch hunt