SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has suspended an executive who admitted to using a false name to try to join an online group opposed to the utility's SmartMeters.
PG&E said Tuesday that SmartMeter program senior director William Devereaux has been placed on indefinite paid suspension.
PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith said Deveraux's behavior was inconsistent with the company's commitment to honesty and transparency.
PG&E is investigating whether other employees have attempted anything similar.
Devereaux last week tried to join a group concerned about the health effects of the wireless electricity and gas meters. He was caught when his real name appeared next to his e-mail address.
Devereaux has apologized, but said he was trying to better understand the arguments of SmartMeter opponents.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
PG&E Suspends Exec In SmartMeter Online Comment Flap
/ CBS San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Pacific Gas & Electric Co. has suspended an executive who admitted to using a false name to try to join an online group opposed to the utility's SmartMeters.
PG&E said Tuesday that SmartMeter program senior director William Devereaux has been placed on indefinite paid suspension.
PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith said Deveraux's behavior was inconsistent with the company's commitment to honesty and transparency.
PG&E is investigating whether other employees have attempted anything similar.
Devereaux last week tried to join a group concerned about the health effects of the wireless electricity and gas meters. He was caught when his real name appeared next to his e-mail address.
Devereaux has apologized, but said he was trying to better understand the arguments of SmartMeter opponents.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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