California lawmakers propose two bills, SB 332 and AB 745, to combat rising utility bills from investor-owned utilities, including PG&E. SB 332, sponsored by Sen. Aisha Wahab, caps residential utility rate increases in line with inflation. In tandem, AB 745, led by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, mandates California Public Utilities Commission approval of major transmission project expenditures, closing a loophole that allows self-approval. Escalating utility costs pressured consumers, with average electricity rates doubling since 2013 and forecasts indicating continued significant annual increases through 2027.
Senate Bill 332 aims to cap residential utility rate increases to align with inflation, while Assembly Bill 745 seeks greater oversight on utility infrastructure spending.
Current loopholes allow California utilities to self-approve projects without review, significantly impacting ratepayers who face escalating bills.
On average, California utility customers are burdened with rising electric rates, which have doubled since 2013 and are predicted to continue increasing.
Consumer advocacy is at the heart of new legislation designed to rein in utility companies' profits and control the escalating costs faced by ratepayers.
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