Council backs staff monitoring of state utility affordability bills after public urging

Councilmember Jesse Lopez advanced an item requesting the city manager and city attorney prepare a resolution in support of a legislative package she described as the Utility Affordability and Accountability Legislative Package, which includes measures to cap certain utility profits, require audits of wildfire spending, and increase transparency in rate calculations.

Public speakers and advocates called attention to Southern California Edison's recent profits and resident hardship. Ein Kratien of Climate Action Campaign cited a reported $5 billion profit and urged the council to take a leadership role; Anthony Agama underscored household impacts and urged support for reforms to address rate increases.

The city attorney explained the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has a formal rate‑setting process and that cities sometimes participate in those proceedings but participation can be costly and may require expert consultants. The city manager and council agreed staff should monitor the bills and coordinate with the city’s lobbyists and state experts, bringing back a proposed resolution or policy direction for council consideration.

Why it matters: Utility rate decisions and CPUC proceedings affect household bills and local ratepayer advocacy; council direction would allow Santa Ana to add its voice to state policy debates that affect residents.

Next steps: Staff to work with the city’s lobbyist, monitor remaining active bills, and return with a recommended resolution and request for any consultant resources required for CPUC participation.

Sources: Public comment and council discussion recorded at the meeting (item introduced at SEG 3005; council direction at SEG 3286).