TURN’s Fight for Affordable, Clean Energy for All Californians

Statewide Call with Mark W. Toney, Ph.D. ▶︎ Video Available Recording Length: 24:22

In this June 2026 Statewide Call, Mark W. Toney, Ph.D., Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network), shares how one of California’s most powerful ratepayer advocacy organizations is building a diverse, big-tent movement to fight for affordable clean energy for all Californians.

Mark covers TURN’s transformation from a public interest law firm into a social movement organization (two-thirds women and two-thirds people of color) and the organizing philosophy behind their work. He reflects on the landmark No on Proposition 16 campaign, where a coalition outspent 500-to-1 still defeated PG&E, and shares lessons on building broad coalitions across the political spectrum to advance the public interest over corporate interests.

Key Topics Covered

  • Building a majoritarian movement for energy affordability
  • The big-tent coalition strategy: labor, agriculture, business, seniors, and youth
  • Lessons from the No on Prop 16 campaign against PG&E
  • TURN's affordability messaging campaign and legislative wins
  • Data centers: skepticism, regulation, and ratepayer protection
  • Wildfire policy reform: four principles for protecting ratepayers and communities
  • The future of rooftop solar, battery storage, and distributed energy resources

Featured Speaker

Mark W. Toney, Ph.D.

Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network)

Mark W. Toney, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of TURN (The Utility Reform Network), a position he has held since 2007. Under his leadership, TURN has become a social movement organization (two-thirds women and non-binary, and two-thirds staff of color) holding utility and telecom corporations accountable for delivering clean, safe, and reliable service at affordable prices. Mark holds a B.A. from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from UC Berkeley.

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