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Committee advances AB 99 to restrict utility rate increases above inflation; debate centers on exceptions and trade-offs
Summary
Assemblymember Ta's AB 99, intended to cap investor-owned utility rate increases above inflation except for defined safety and modernization exceptions, passed the committee as amended amid sharp debate between consumer advocates, labor and utilities over affordability, wildfire liability and impacts on mandated climate programs.
Assemblymember Ta presented Assembly Bill 99 to the Utilities and Energy Committee, asking members to restrict investor-owned utilities from seeking general rate increases above the rate of inflation except where an exception is certified by the California Public Utilities Commission.
"The ultimate goal of AB 99 is to protect consumers from excessive energy costs," Assemblymember Ta said, outlining carve-outs for safety enhancement, modernization and higher commodity or fuel costs. Ta said the bill includes a…
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