Assemblymember Ransom’s AB 13 aims to increase legislative oversight of CPUC; committee advances bill

Assemblymember Ransom introduced Assembly Bill 13 on the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy agenda, seeking to reorganize the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to increase legislative oversight, require more detailed reporting on rate decisions and add geographic and public-interest representation to the commission.

Ransom told the committee Californians face “some of the highest utility costs in the nation” and said AB 13 would make the CPUC more accountable and transparent, including a requirement that the CPUC report to the Legislature within 15 days after finalizing a rate-setting decision. “We want them to be very specific about reporting out on rate affordability and pending rate decisions,” Ransom said during her presentation.

Supporters said the measure addresses a trust gap between consumers and the commission. Loretta Lynch, a former CPUC commissioner, testified the Legislature “has plenary control” through Article 12, Section 3 of the California Constitution and argued that legislative liaisons would let lawmakers act within the short windows — including a 30-day rehearing window — when meaningful oversight is…