Committee backs bill to give CCAs access to PCIA calculation data under confidentiality protections

Assemblymember Rogers told the committee AB 17 61 seeks to increase transparency around the power charge indifference adjustment (PCIA) by allowing interested parties to use an established CPUC nondisclosure process to review the data used to calculate the PCIA, which CCAs say they currently cannot access. Proponents argued that earlier access would allow CCAs to spot errors, better forecast impacts and give customers more runway to adjust to changes.

"Cal CCA respectfully request your aye vote on AB 17 61," said Katie Morisoni, senior counsel at the California Community Choice Association, who described CCAs as local government agencies serving about 15,000,000 customers and said the current process leaves CCAs unable to audit or forecast PCIA changes. Howard Chang, CEO of AVA Community Energy, told the committee "PCI is an important energy affordability topic" and described large swings in PCIA rates year-to-year for his program.

IOU witnesses pressed the committee to protect market-sensitive procurement and contract data. Kent Kaus of San Diego Gas & Electric said the IOUs are concerned about exposing market-sensitive information and welcomed amendments meant to protect that data. Brady Van England for Southern California Edison echoed concerns that an explicit bill could short-circuit existing PUC processes designed to protect market-sensitive data.

The committee moved AB 17 61 as amended to Appropriations. The recorded final vote was 15–0.

What happens next: The bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee; supporters said the measure would standardize data access while committee amendments aim to preserve protections for market‑sensitive information.