12/30   I live in an apartment. My unit's electrical meter covers both my
        unit and the unit above; the electrical bill is in my landlord's
        name, but I've been paying it. Is this legal? I'm in Oakland.
        Suggestions on who to contact about this?
        \_ wow thats messed up.   You could stop paying it -- if its in your
           landlord's name, they're responsible.  But I dont think theyd feel
           the pain of you not having any power...
           \_ They might feel the pain when he stops paying rent.  If the
              apartment doesn't meet basic living conditions (running water,
              heat, electricity, etc) you don't have to pay the rent for it.
              The landlord isn't providing a suitable residence.  By the way,
              I would suggest you talk to the landlord about the bill because
              that would be much easier than going through the "not paying it"
              process.
              \- it is my understanding that if anything outside your living
                 space is on you meter ... even the light in the hallway ...
                 this must be disclosed to you. i am not sure what your
                 remedy options would be at this point. i believe oakland
                 has some kind of rent board but it might be easier to ask
                 the berkeley rent people and just say you live in berkeley.
                 let us know how this goes. --psb
                 \_ Turns out the relevant section of the California Civil
                    Code is 1940.9: link:csua.org/u/egh
                    It makes for fascinating reading; the gist is since our
                    rental agreement specifies that I have to cover the gas
                    for upstairs and doesn't mention the electricity, I may
                    be able to sue for the payments I made, and I certainly
                    am not liable for all of the electricity. We'll bring this
                    up with him first thing next week. Thanks. --erikred
           \_ Whatever you do, do not stop paying the electric bill.  As far
              as PG&E is concerned, since you live at the location and are the
              beneficiary of power, it is your responsibility.  If you stop
              paying, they will just start accruing a balance, possibly shut
              off the power (which then requires a deposit for restoration).
              The California PUC supports this practice.  What does your
              lease/rental agreement say about who is responsible for the
              power?  You probably have recourse against your landlord. -dans