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Edison, along with dozens of consumer- and commercial-interest groups, are required to provide a notice and description of any conversations with commissioners or staff members at the utilities commission. Disclosure of such “ex parte” communications, including supporting written presentations, helps ensure equal time and consideration to other interested parties.

The utilities commission is currently considering a proposed $94 million refund to Southern California utility customers of charges related to the San Onofre plant, which broke down in January 2012 and was retired in June. Further and potentially larger refunds are still under review.

“It has come to my attention that SCE (Southern California Edison) and possibly other parties may have engaged in ex parte communications with Commissioners and/or their staff which have not been reported,” wrote Melanie Darling, an administrative law judge overseeing the San Onofre investigation, in an email to the utility Monday. “It is improper and unfair for parties to have such communications without disclosure to other parties in a rate-setting proceeding.”…… http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/25/tp-improper-lobbying-in-san-onofre-probe-onofre/