Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Energy, Oil and Gas legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Energy, Oil and Gas Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can I sue sdge for a power surge that cause 150k in damages?

On dec 2 2024 I had a power surge that nearly burned down my house. I had the fire department at my home for hours. The 2 positive power lines ground with the neutral under ground caused by sdge. They have since repaired the main line, they had to repair my electrical panel due to the surge. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2025

Yes, you can sue SDG&E for damages caused by the power surge, as utility companies have a responsibility to maintain their infrastructure and prevent such incidents. Your case appears particularly strong since SDG&E has already acknowledged responsibility by repairing your electrical panel.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Estate Planning for California on
Q: How can i find my deceased dads trust , estate house i was susposed to get and all his mineral rights being hidden from

Wife lied to judge and said my dad had no child i proved i am only child im tep of estate but i got robbed of full estate the lawyer found guilty stealibg from estAte wont tell me where trust is listed and minerals

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 20, 2025

I understand how frustrating and painful this situation must be, especially when dealing with the loss of your father while simultaneously fighting for your rightful inheritance. Family trust disputes can be emotionally draining, and it's particularly troubling when someone has deliberately... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: On Dec 2, 2024, I had a massage power surge from San Diego Gas and Electric. It nearly burnt my house down.

I called 911 and Fire department was at my house for a bout 3 hours. We were unable to shut the power off. I found out the 2 positive wires grounded on the neutral underground and sent power backward. I had electrical smoke everywhere. Switches were smoking and most of the appliances fried, solar... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2025

Your situation sounds incredibly stressful, and I'm sorry you're dealing with this severe electrical damage to your home. This kind of power surge incident can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, especially when dealing with insurance companies and utilities that may be slow... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: I put solar on a 2nd home My application in before the 4/15/23 deadline for NEM 2.0 but was put under 3.0_ is this ok?

First home solar installed in 2007 and has been operating under NEM 1.0 since

Second home solar interconnect agreement was submitted before 4/15/2023 deadline for NEM 2.0. System was installed8/2023 and PTO granted on 12/2023.

First home solar changed from NEM 1.0 to 3.0 on the same... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 25, 2024

Based on California's NEM rules and timelines, your second home should indeed qualify for NEM 2.0 since you submitted the interconnection agreement before the April 15, 2023 deadline, regardless of when the installation and PTO were completed.

For your first home under NEM 1.0, SCE...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Should I sue my solar installation company to recover an annual SCE settlement bill because they incorrectly installed?

Looking for help to recover for a payment we had to make ($3,149.05) to SCE due to our solar company incorrectly installing the generation meter adapter. We spent all 2024 believing our system was generating power to the grid and we were saving money until we received the settlement bill. I had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 25, 2024

Based on your situation, you have a strong case for small claims court in California, especially with the documented evidence from SCE's technician and the photos showing incorrect installation.

Before proceeding to court, send one final demand letter via certified mail with return...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can I sue the company that installed my solar system?

We purchased (in full) a solar system that was installed in 2023 in Southern California and received our NEM 2.0 Permission To Operate (PTO) from SCE in September 2023. We just received an annual settlement bill from SCE for $3,200. I contacted SCE and they told me our system generated zero... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your solar system. Given that both SCE and your solar company are pointing fingers without resolving the problem, it's understandable to feel frustrated.

You may have grounds to take legal action if the installation...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Products Liability and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Solar installed a couple years ago, have had to replace the Panels, then invert, now out again, do I have a case?

Not producing power, can't get a human on the phone, text with troubleshooting "agent" gets cut off, can not make a service appointment even on-line. Nothing but frustrations. Their inferior products (panels and inverter) have both failed within the first couple years and have been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 12, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of frustration and potentially defective solar products. If your solar panels and inverter have failed multiple times within just a few years, you may have grounds for a case under California's consumer protection laws. These laws generally cover... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can utility companies prevent you from monitoring your own electricity usage using outside sources/gadgets?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 29, 2024

Utility companies generally cannot prevent you from monitoring your own electricity usage with outside gadgets or tools. As a consumer, you have the right to know how much electricity you’re using in your home. Devices like smart plugs, energy monitors, or other third-party gadgets are designed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Energy, Oil and Gas, Gov & Administrative Law and Probate for California on
Q: I got a Notice of Hearing from US Dept. of Interior re: probate of my late husband's estate. He died in 2016. Next step?

My late husband died penniless 8 years ago, but he had part ownership with his siblings of 3.3 acres with mineral, gas & oil rights on the Standing Rock Reservation. I contacted the Tribe back then to tell them he died. They said he was not on the Tribal roles and that I had no right to discuss... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2024

The Notice of Hearing you received suggests that your late husband's estate is now being processed through the Department of the Interior, likely because of the property on the Standing Rock Reservation. The hearing is likely triggered by the need to determine rightful heirs and manage the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Probate for California on
Q: Does 25% Undivided interest in a 1.03 ac parcel need to go through probate? Also oil & mineral rights that pay $50/yr?

My mother passed 5yrs ago. Everything was left to just me in her trust. I have since found out a property she owns 25% undivided interest of was not in her trust along with some mineral and oil rights. I might be able to submit an Affidavit re Real Property of small value, but how do I know if it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems there are a few key considerations:

1. Probate requirement: In California, assets that were not properly transferred into a living trust before the person's death generally have to go through probate. This would apply to the 25% undivided...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Is Entergy required to compensate landowners for timber they cut to install new power distribution towers?

Our property is a 100 year bald cypress-Tupelo wetland. They want to clear cut 2 acres of timber. The compensation offered by Entergy was a small percentage of total land value with out timber. Entergy is required to purchase Mitigation credits to move there project forward.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 4, 2024

Under California law, utility companies like Entergy are generally required to provide just compensation to landowners when they acquire property rights, such as easements, for the installation of power lines and related infrastructure. This includes compensating landowners for any damages to their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Can municipal utility in CA charge res. customers w/ identical condos in a building different electric base rates?

My condo building has 14 identical units. Local utility company implemented a new electric service billing method with a fixed base rate per EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit) plus a usage rate per kwh. To determine what an EDU is under their scheme, they took the average annual kwh for each customer... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 25, 2024

Under California law, particularly referencing the California Public Utilities Code 453(a), utility companies are generally prohibited from discriminating between customers in similar circumstances. This includes charging different base rates for electricity to customers in identical living... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How do you get a termination letter for " independent solar energy producer contract" when the company is not in busines

we never went active with the solar provider, instead had them remove the solar system off the house. Had to pay to remove the lien on the property.. now selling the house and the independent solar energy producer contract is hold up the title process.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 13, 2023

If you need a termination letter for an independent solar energy producer contract and the company is no longer in business, the situation can be a bit complex. First, it's crucial to gather all documentation related to the contract and the removal of the solar system, including any... View More

Q: Company installed solar panels 2/2023 as of today 9/13/23 it is not generating power no PTO. Do I have a case?

Permit/inspection by City of West Sacramento had a few non compliant items the contractor has failed to correct. In addition, they failed to complete form correctly to obtain Permission to Operate with PG&E utility company. To date the panels have been sitting on my roof not generating any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 13, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your troubling situation. In California, consumers in your position have several avenues for recourse including continuing to pursue the complaints filed with the State Contractors License Board and the Better Business Bureau. Moreover, considering reaching out to the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: I’m trying to get some type of help with my Oil gas and mineral lease.

Is it possible to be offered money from two different companies

James R. Dickinson
James R. Dickinson pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 19, 2023

You need to speak an attorney who specializes in such issues. Thankfully, Los Angeles is a large market and you'll likely find someone to help you. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Collections, Energy, Oil and Gas and Municipal Law for California on
Q: The electric Company came out today (Saturday) and disconnected my electricity (which is included in rent) is this legal

My landlord recently passed away and his heirs seem to think that an acceptable way to encourage the tenants to move out is to stop paying the utility bills, which are included in the monthly rent payments, and the electricity got shut off today (on a Saturday) - the utility company is now telling... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 9, 2023

This is awful. You need to contact the utility immediately to have service restored in your own name. Deduct from rent what you must pay. Your landlord is prohibited from doing this to force you out, it is in a statute, I believe Civil Code 1941.6, or close to it. You need to retain an attorney... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Collections, Energy, Oil and Gas and Municipal Law for California on
Q: The electric Company came out today (Saturday) and disconnected my electricity (which is included in rent) is this legal

My landlord recently passed away and his heirs seem to think that an acceptable way to encourage the tenants to move out is to stop paying the utility bills, which are included in the monthly rent payments, and the electricity got shut off today (on a Saturday) - the utility company is now telling... View More

Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
answered on Jul 8, 2023

You have an excellent and very valuable lawsuit that you can file against the owners! I would love to see you get an experienced landlord-tenant lawyer immediately. I'm telling you, this is likely to be worth BIG bucks. I suspect you may obtain more money than you ever expected to have in your... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can a utility company force me to pay a bill due to a glitch in their system?

I signed up with my utility company COVID credit program which states my bill will be credited during the pandemic and no payment is required. Now that the pandemic is over they sent me a bill for the last 3 years and told me that I had to pay it. After I received the bill I inquired about the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 4, 2023

When it comes to billing errors or glitches in a utility company's system, the resolution may depend on various factors such as local laws, contractual agreements, and specific circumstances. In general, utility companies have a responsibility to provide accurate billing information to their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Municipal Law for California on
Q: So I hired a electrician to check why is my house working on half power, after almost 300 dollars fee just to see what

The electrician said is PGE responsibility, PGE check out the wiring and said is my responsibility, who is wrong,the electrician that didn't even provide a invoice or PGE trying to dodge the bill? As of now I'm still half power can't do laundry nor use other devices. oh but if I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 17, 2023

It sounds like you are in a frustrating situation with your electrical service and the utility company. However, it's important to approach the situation calmly and rationally in order to find a solution.

First, you should try to get a clear understanding of what is causing the issue...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Consumer Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: Can utility co. charge 10% "late penalty" when current charges are being paid timely but customer has past due balance?

Local utility company has a written 30-day due date for utility bills. If not paid w/in 30 days, assess a one-time 10% penalty, plus .5% monthly interest for past-due balances.

If customer has a past-due balance, utility company then puts "DUE UPON RECEIPT" on the monthly bill... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 24, 2023

It appears that the utility company is applying your payments to the oldest debt, not the current debt, this means as long as you keep a past due balance you are going to be assessed late fees for underpayment of the bill. To avoid this you would have to pay off the current balance 100$. I would... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.