State Senate Advances Ransom's Bill to Curb Utility Rate Hikes

The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications endorsed a bill aimed at reforming the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), enhancing the scrutiny of utility rate increases. Assembly Bill (AB) 13, introduced by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton), secured a unanimous bipartisan vote of 16-0 on July 15 and is now headed to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Under the leadership of Chair Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), committee members support revisions to the CPUC but proposed that geographical diversity in commissioner selection be a consideration rather than a strict requirement. Ransom acknowledged the need for equitable representation, especially in areas like the Central Valley. AB 13 mandates timely legislative reporting on rate-setting decisions and allows the Legislature to appoint liaisons to the CPUC. As the bill progresses, Ransom aims for it to effectively address unchecked rate increases impacting consumers while advocating for a fair representation of Californians across the utility commission.