Assemblyman Tri Ta Announces Legislation to Curb Excessive Consumer Utility Rate Increases

Assemblyman Tri Ta Announces Legislation to Curb Excessive
Consumer Utility Rate Increases

Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster) introduced Assembly Bill 99 to prevent electric utility providers from proposing excessive rate increases that outpace the rate of inflation. 

ORANGE COUNTY—Today, Assemblyman Tri Ta announces the introduction of Assembly Bill 99.  This bill would ensure that any electric utility rate increases are within the rate of inflation. 

“California is expensive enough as it is,” said Assemblyman Ta.  “Consumers should not have to choose between paying for basic utilities and food or medicine.  It’s past time Sacramento does something to make California affordable instead of passing policies that continue to drive up the cost of living,” continued Ta.  “I ran on a promise to make California more affordable and this bill does exactly that.”

A report issued earlier this month by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst indicates that California consumer electricity rates are the second highest in the nation behind Hawaii and close to double the national average.  The LAO attributes the higher costs to a variety of factors, including ambitious climate policies, greenhouse gas reduction programs, and various subsidies. 

Assemblyman Ta introduced a version of this bill in the prior legislative session, however it died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. 

AB 99 is awaiting referral to a policy committee where it will be heard in the coming weeks.