Wildfire victims could see easier utility billing process

Californians displaced by last month’s devastating wildfires may get a little help dealing with their monthly utility bills, if state regulators approve a package of emergency consumer protection measures Thursday.

The measures facing a vote by the California Public Utilities Commission would order electric companies to discontinue billing at homes that were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable and waive deposits for displaced residents setting up service at new addresses.

The consumer protection package also would direct telecommunications companies to provide refunds to customers for services — such as home phone or Internet connections — that they can no longer use.