Bill > AB1167

This bill, known as the California Ratepayer Protection Act of 2025, aims to prevent electrical and gas corporations from using ratepayer funds for certain expenses that do not directly benefit customers. Specifically, the bill prohibits utilities from recovering costs related to political influence activities, promotional advertising, charitable giving, board of directors' expenses, investor relations, and other non-essential activities through ratepayer-funded accounts. Utilities will be required to clearly disclose in public messages whether the costs are paid by shareholders or ratepayers, and must submit annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission detailing employee compensation, vendor expenses, and participation in commission proceedings. The bill defines key terms like "political influence activity" and "promotional advertising," providing exceptions for certain necessary communications and regulatory interactions. If utilities violate these provisions, the Public Utilities Commission can assess civil penalties based on the severity of the violation. The underlying intent is to protect utility customers, particularly low-income consumers, from funding activities that primarily benefit utility shareholders rather than improving service or reducing costs.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1167