California Assembly Bill AB1362

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Report Pass: 3/26/19
• Refer: 3/27/19
• Report Pass: 4/30/19
• Refer: 5/2/19
• Refer: 5/15/19
• Report Pass: 5/16/19
• Engrossed: 5/29/19
• Refer: 5/30/19
• Refer: 6/12/19
• Report Pass: 6/24/19
• Refer: 6/24/19
• Report Pass: 8/12/19
• Refer: 8/13/19
• Refer: 8/19/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19
• Enrolled: 9/10/19
• Chaptered: 10/2/19
• Passed: 10/2/19

Caption

Electricity: load-serving entities: rate and program information.

Impact

The legislative intent behind AB 1362 centers on improving consumer access to pertinent information regarding electricity rates and services offered by various providers. This provision aims to foster a competitive environment where consumers can easily compare the costs and environmental attributes of different electric service options. Additionally, the bill imposes new reporting requirements on community choice aggregators, a move that could lead to increased operational oversight and data sharing among various entities involved in electricity distribution.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1362, authored by Assemblymember O'Donnell, addresses crucial aspects of electricity regulation in California. Specifically, it aims to enhance transparency and facilitate comparison among residential electric rate tariffs and programs across different load-serving entities, including electrical corporations and community choice aggregators. By requiring the California Public Utilities Commission to compile and display this information on its website, the bill seeks to empower consumers and local governments in making informed energy choices.

Sentiment

General sentiment around AB 1362 appears to be supportive, particularly among those advocating for consumer rights and energy transparency. The emphasis on making rate information widely accessible aligns with broader efforts to dismantle barriers to consumer knowledge in the energy sector. However, some concern was noted regarding the additional reporting burdens placed on local government entities, which may lead to debates about resource allocation and regulatory efficiency.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB 1362 include discussions about the impact of state mandates on community choice aggregators. While proponents argue that standardizing access to rate information enhances consumer choice and accountability, critics may raise concerns about additional bureaucratic oversight and the implications of mandated data sharing. The bill's provision stating that no reimbursement for local agencies is required could also be a point of contention, as it may affect localities' operational capacities.