STEVE PUTERSKI
NORTH COUNTY — A little-known state law has led to a furious backlash against the state’s utility companies for adding a fixed rate schedule to each ratepayer’s bill.
Under Assembly Bill 205, which was authored by Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), the law allows for the California Public Utilities Commission to “adopt new, or expand existing fixed charges” based on income for residential customers.
Ahmad Faruqui, an economist with a background in utilities, told KPBS the income-based language was snuck in at the last minute, and “nobody even knew it was happening.” He told the outlet there was no debate on the Assembly floor where it was passed.
