PG&E Execs Knew About Social Media Snooping Over SmartMarters
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — The former Pacific Gas and Electric Co. employee who spied on SmartMeter opponents did not act alone, according to California energy regulators.
A review by the California Public Utilities Commission concluded that William Devereaux forwarded e-mails he collected while using a false identity to snoop to his boss and other senior PG&E managers. The review was released late Wednesday.
Devereaux resigned in 2010 after acknowledging using the false name to try to join an online group opposed to the utility's SmartMeters.
PG&E initially claimed he acted alone.
PG&E spokesman Greg Snapper says the utility has since developed training instructions for employees about the professional use of social media.
The state PUC will now decide whether to fine the utility.
Photo caption: File: PG&E SmartMeters. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
