The proposed provisions are intended to provide financial relief for elderly customers, who may be disproportionately affected by increases in utility costs. By mandating that SDG&E grants these exemptions upon request, the bill is aimed at preventing economic strain on senior citizens. As a result, this could encourage more equitable treatment in utility billing practices, specifically benefiting the aging population. However, the bill's implementation may require adjustments in the company's billing systems and could have implications for utility revenue models.
Assembly Bill 157, introduced by Assembly Member Voepel, seeks to amend the Public Utilities Code by adding Section 739.13. This section specifically addresses electricity rates charged by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). Under current laws, regulations permit the Public Utilities Commission to set electricity rates and ensure they are just and reasonable. The bill aims to exempt eligible customers aged 65 or older, residing in smaller homes (2,000 square feet or less), from charges related to their electricity use exceeding 130% of baseline quantities.
One notable aspect of contention relates to the fact that the bill labels itself as a special statute, emphasizing the unique circumstances of senior citizens that merit its singular application to SDG&E. This could provoke discussions on whether such specific exemptions should be uniformly applied across different utility providers or if they should remain isolated instances. Although proponents argue for the necessity of this approach, critics might raise concerns about potential unequal treatment among various utility customers or touch on broader implications regarding state-mandated local programs.