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Assembly committee debates bill to force 'inflation‑constrained' rate scenario and higher evidentiary standard for utility spending
Summary
AB 23 38 would require utilities to present an inflation‑constrained spending scenario in general rate cases and raise the evidentiary standard for approvals above inflation; proponents framed it as transparency and consumer protection, while utilities, labor and business groups warned of unintended bargaining and reliability consequences.
Assemblymember (author) presented AB 23 38 (Fair Utility Rate Act) to require each utility to offer, as part of its general rate case, an inflation‑constrained spending scenario (anchored to a CPI measure used for Social Security COLA) and to require heightened scrutiny and a "clear and convincing" evidentiary standard for approvals above that scenario.
Proponents: AARP and the Utility Reform Network said the measure would increase transparency and force utilities to prioritize spending, arguing that ratepayers deserve a clearer accounting of what is essential…
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