Large water corporations: bill payment options.
The bill effectively removes the previous time-limited pilot program provisions that permitted water companies to evaluate customer interest in diverse payment options during rate case applications. By authorizing the recovery of such expenses regardless of the rate case cycle, AB 1058 establishes a more stable framework, enabling water corporations to offer diverse payment methods without imposing transaction fees on customers. Importantly, the bill also ensures that customers participating in low-income assistance programs are not burdened with the costs associated with these payment options.
Assembly Bill 1058 is a legislative measure aimed at improving customer payment options for large water corporations in California. Specifically, the bill amends Section 755.5 of the Public Utilities Code to allow water corporations with 10,000 or more service connections to recover the reasonable expenses incurred while providing bill payment options, including credit and debit card payments. This change intends to enhance access to convenient payment options for customers, thereby aligning the provisions with modern payment practices.
The general sentiment surrounding AB 1058 appears to be positive, as the bill seeks to make payment processes more accessible for customers. Advocates for the bill highlight the necessity for water corporations to embrace more consumer-friendly payment options, especially in an increasingly digital payment landscape. There may, however, be concerns about the implications for regulatory costs, especially given the prohibition against recovering expenses from low-income customers, which could lead to debates regarding the financial viability for corporations.
One of the notable points of contention within the discussions around AB 1058 is related to the creation of a state-mandated local program due to the bill's criminalization of violations against commission orders. As a result, while the bill aims to facilitate better payment options, it also introduces complexities associated with enforcement and regulatory compliance, reflecting ongoing tensions between enhancing consumer access and ensuring appropriate oversight of utility operations.