The State Senate today approved SB 441, a bill by Senator Nell Soto (D – Pomona) to protect consumers by prohibiting the California Public Utilities Commission from adopting “time-differentiated” electric rates for residential or small commercial electric utility customers without their consent. 

“Though I do not deny that there is a need for energy conservation, the one size fits all approach of “time-differentiated” rates is problematic,” Soto says. “For one, only residents of large homes with significant air conditioning load can reduce their electric use significantly during peak summer afternoons.  Well over 60% of California residents would not be able to provide significant load reduction. 

“Secondly,” Soto adds, “the P.U.C. is moving at breakneck speed to employ an advanced metering infrastructure without first determining whether this technology is cost effective, or if other alternative peak-shaving technologies are more appropriate.

“The P.U.C. claims there are ratepayer benefits to this new metering, but has not demonstrated any real evidence,” Soto notes. “All I am asking with my bill is that the commission slow down, take a deep breath, and determine, with sound evidence, if this is the right course for California’s rate payers.” 

SB 441, which is sponsored by The Utility Reform Network (TURN), next heads to the Assembly for consideration.