Bill regulating utility companies awaits Newsom's signature

Utility companies couldn't use ratepayers’ money to pay for lobbying against the efforts of cities and counties throughout California to “municipalize” energy services, under a bill passed earlier this year in Sacramento.

Senate Bill 327 is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. If signed, the law would take effect Jan. 1.

The legislation keeps electrical and gas companies from increasing utility rates to compensate the company for lobbying against the localization of electrical and gas service, according to a legislative analysis.

The bill also gives the Public Advocate’s Office, a state agency, the same powers the California Public Utilities Commission has to review the accounts of utility companies.

“They have had a habit of using ratepayers’ own money to fight the ratepayers when they decide they want to form municipal utility companies, which in my mind, is a travesty,” Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, told The Center Square on Thursday afternoon.

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