Contact: Rajeena Bisla | 916-319-2389 |rajeena.bisla@asm.ca.gov
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 29 2023
Taking Action to Reduce High Utility Rates
SACRAMENTO — Last year, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) requested an audit through the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to determine why Californians were paying exorbitant costs for their utilities. The results on how to better regulate utility rates were released this morning.
“The audit has brought to light some critical information we otherwise wouldn’t have had. At its core, we know the California Public Utilities Commission and Cal Advocates need to be required to do a better job advocating for ratepayers by looking at the full picture of a utility’s financials,” said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. “We’ll be pursuing legislation next year to take the recommendations from the State Auditor and make it a reality for every ratepayer to reduce utility costs and protect consumers.”
California’s electricity rates are some of the highest in the country, and one of the main purposes of both the Public Utilities Commission and Cal Advocates is to prevent potential energy rate abuses. The State Legislature will work cohesively with all agencies to promote transparency and strengthen oversight on for-profit entities.
It is crucial the State implements checks and balances when it comes to energy rates and match costs to how much electricity is actually being used, further safeguarding consumers from unsubstantiated rate increases.
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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego and Coronado. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.