Energy giant BP has agreed to pay California $102 million as part of a settlement of allegations that it overcharged the state in sales of natural gas, Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Thursday.
During a news conference, Becerra said that BP decided it would "squeeze gold out of that goose" by overcharging state and local government agencies for natural gas purchases from 2003 to 2012.
"The last thing any of us need is to be ripped off," Becerra said.
Becerra said a whistleblower came forward to report the overcharges. The $102 million will be divided among the state, local government agencies, the whistleblower and the Justice Department.
BP couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
