Imperial Irrigation District: retail electric service.
The proposed modifications reflect an effort to enhance local governance by accommodating the interests of individuals relying on the electric services provided by the Imperial Irrigation District, even if they reside outside its jurisdiction. Should the bill pass, it may serve as a significant precedent for future reforms in similar irrigation districts statewide. Moreover, the inclusion of local residents in the decision-making process is expected to benefit community representation and responsiveness to service concerns.
Assembly Bill No. 854, introduced by Assembly Member Mayes, seeks to amend the Water Code concerning the Imperial Irrigation District's governance. The primary objective of this bill is to enlarge the board of directors from five to eleven members, which would increase representation for residents identified as extraterritorial customers. This is an important change as these customers currently lack a formal mechanism for addressing grievances related to their electric services. Furthermore, the bill mandates qualifications for the new directors, stipulating that they must be residents and eligible voters in Riverside County.
One notable aspect of the bill is its classification as a state-mandated local program. This means that if the Commission on State Mandates identifies any costs incurred as a result of the bill, the state will be required to reimburse local agencies and school districts. Nevertheless, the bill has been justified as a special statute essential for addressing the unique circumstances faced by the Imperial Irrigation District and Riverside County, which raises discussions about the balance between state requirements and local governance autonomy.