On October 22nd, RCRC became a formal party to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proceeding to Establish a Framework and Processes for Assessing the Affordability of Utility Service. Many consumers, local governments, and advocacy groups have long complained about rapidly rising electricity costs. Some of the more recent cost increases have been the result of long-overdue infrastructure upgrades and vegetation management work necessary to reduce the risk of utility wildfire ignition; however, others result from many of the state’s climate change and related policy objectives.
The CPUC is using this proceeding to evaluate what can be done to reduce customer rate impacts in the coming years. A new phase of the proceeding will consider actions to mitigate future increases in energy costs, rates and bills, as well as recommendations for entities on future increases in energy costs. Many suggestions, such as the potential adoption of a wildfire mitigation surcharge for customers in high fire threat areas, could have a devastating impact on many rural counties.
Over the next year, RCRC will provide input on these topics and offer other suggestions for ways to reduce ratepayer costs. Given the importance of the issue to many member counties, RCRC will look to its members for specific feedback on these issues. For more information, contact RCRC Legislative Affairs Advocate, John Kennedy, or RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate, Leigh Kammerich.