It’s time to bring down utility rates for everyone, not just shuffle costs among consumers.
SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Republicans responded to the introduction of legislation from Democrats that would roll back the income-based fixed fee for customers of investor-owned utilities, which is currently being considered by the Public Utilities Commission. The fixed charge, which was passed as part of last year’s budget process, will increase energy bills for many consumers. Experts have warned it will be difficult to implement and raises serious privacy concerns.
“Californians deserve lower utility bills and it’s time for the Legislature to get serious about bringing down energy costs,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom). “Legislative Democrats are pretending to protect consumers by walking back a bad policy they voted for just over a year ago. This is not enough. We need real reforms with long-term solutions that lower rates for all Californians.”
California has some of the highest utility rates in the United States, with the cost of living being cited as a major reason why thousands of Californians have decided to leave the state, contributing to California’s historic population loss.
“Instead of focusing on real reform to lower rates, Democrats are just shuffling costs between consumers,” said Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin). “We need real utility reforms to make life in California more affordable for everyone.”
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