Master-meter customers: electrical or gas service.
The bill's enactment would have significant implications for how energy services are delivered to residents in various shared housing environments. It ensures that master-meter customers must charge tenants at the same rate that would apply if they were directly receiving services from a gas corporation or load-serving entity. Furthermore, the bill mandates that any rebates received for gas or electrical services must be distributed among the current users, thereby promoting fairness in billing and accountability among master-meter customers.
Senate Bill No. 1117, also known as the Master-Meter Customers Bill, seeks to amend Section 739.5 of the Public Utilities Code, focusing on the responsibilities of master-meter customers who provide gas or electrical service to tenants in mobilehome parks, apartment buildings, or similar residential complexes. The bill aims to replace the term 'electrical corporation' with 'load-serving entity,' thereby broadening the definition to encompass electrical corporations, community choice aggregators, and electric service providers. This change aims to clarify the responsibilities and ensure that tenants are charged fairly for their utility usage.
The sentiment surrounding SB 1117 appears generally supportive, particularly among advocates for consumer rights and energy fairness. Proponents argue that it enhances protections for tenants, ensuring they are not unfairly charged for energy services. Conversely, some stakeholders express concerns about the potential operational burdens for master-meter customers. They contend that the bill might complicate the provision of services in some cases, particularly regarding bill distribution and rebates.
A notable point of contention is the bill's implications for operational practices of master-meter customers, especially regarding how rebates from energy allowances will be managed. Critics question whether these operational changes will lead to increased costs or administrative challenges for master-meter providers. Moreover, there are concerns about the transition period and how existing customers who may not currently meet the new regulatory requirements will be accommodated. The focus remains on balancing tenant protections with the operational realities of service providers.