Assembly Member Ransom's proposal to restructure California's Public Utilities Commission introduces geographic representation requirements and expands legislative oversight of utility rate decisions. The measure would require four commission members to represent distinct State Board of Equalization districts, with a fifth at-large member bringing expertise in public advocacy or consumer protection law from outside government service. Current commissioners would retain their positions until their terms expire or they resign, with the new requirements taking effect for appointments made after January 1, 2026.
The bill establishes additional reporting obligations for the commission president's annual legislative appearances, mandating presentations on rate affordability and both pending and completed rate-setting cases. It also requires the commission to document instances where decisions exceeded statutory deadlines in its annual legislative reports. Within 15 days of adopting any rate-setting decision, the commission would need to submit detailed reports to legislators covering the affected utility's evidence, the commission's reasoning, and a 10-year history of approved rate increases for that utility.
These changes modify the commission's existing constitutional framework while preserving its core regulatory authority over utility rates and services. The measure maintains the governor's appointment power but adds specific criteria for geographic distribution and professional background of commissioners. The expanded reporting requirements create new administrative responsibilities without altering the commission's fundamental decision-making process or rate-setting jurisdiction.
![]() Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Shannon GroveR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Benjamin AllenD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Henry SternD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Monique LimonD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.
Assembly Member Ransom's proposal to restructure California's Public Utilities Commission introduces geographic representation requirements and expands legislative oversight of utility rate decisions. The measure would require four commission members to represent distinct State Board of Equalization districts, with a fifth at-large member bringing expertise in public advocacy or consumer protection law from outside government service. Current commissioners would retain their positions until their terms expire or they resign, with the new requirements taking effect for appointments made after January 1, 2026.
The bill establishes additional reporting obligations for the commission president's annual legislative appearances, mandating presentations on rate affordability and both pending and completed rate-setting cases. It also requires the commission to document instances where decisions exceeded statutory deadlines in its annual legislative reports. Within 15 days of adopting any rate-setting decision, the commission would need to submit detailed reports to legislators covering the affected utility's evidence, the commission's reasoning, and a 10-year history of approved rate increases for that utility.
These changes modify the commission's existing constitutional framework while preserving its core regulatory authority over utility rates and services. The measure maintains the governor's appointment power but adds specific criteria for geographic distribution and professional background of commissioners. The expanded reporting requirements create new administrative responsibilities without altering the commission's fundamental decision-making process or rate-setting jurisdiction.
Ayes | Noes | NVR | Total | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
79 | 0 | 0 | 79 | PASS |
![]() Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Shannon GroveR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Benjamin AllenD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Henry SternD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
![]() Monique LimonD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted |