Assemblywoman Pacheco Proposes Legislation to Protect Electrical and Natural Gas Corporation Customers from Increased Costs

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) today introduced AB 61, the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation aimed at safeguarding California's electricity and natural gas customers. The bill requires the Public Advocates Office within the Public Utilities Commission to conduct comprehensive analyses of all legislative proposals that could result in increased costs for electrical and natural gas corporation customers.

"California families are already stretched thin by rising costs of living, and the monthly strain of utility bills has become increasingly pronounced," said Assemblywoman Pacheco. “We need to create a transparent mechanism for understanding the true economic implications of energy mandates. AB 61 ensures that as we pursue ambitious climate objectives, we simultaneously protect ratepayers from unnecessary financial burden."

Assemblywoman Pacheco aims to provide legislators with detailed, independent analyses to make informed decisions that protect both our climate future and our residents' financial well-being. California has committed to ambitious climate goals, including achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. However, the path to these objectives has raised significant concerns about escalating utility costs.

“When the Legislature considers proposing new programs and requirements, we should look at how existing programs may be leveraged rather than duplicated and consider the costs of new programs to reduce the rate impacts,” said Assemblywoman Pacheco.

To schedule an interview with Assemblywoman Pacheco, contact Alina Evans at 831.331.8468.