jones He is the Senate Minority Leader representing California’s 40th Senate District starting in 2022 and lives in Santee.
Thanks to Democratic “supermajorities” in Congress and the Newsom administration, a new $24.15 contribution will be imposed on the SDG&E bill.
In 2022, Democratic lawmakers ordered Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to implement “fixed fees” on utility bills. I call this committee the “Governor.” Newsom’s PUC” because he manually selects members and can kick them off the committee at any time and make them his benefactor.
Mr. Newsom’s Public Utilities Commission proposed the $24.15 fee last month, which is expected to be approved Thursday. While lower per-kilowatt usage rates and lower rates for low-income customers are planned, San Diegans will still be responsible for an additional fixed fee of nearly $300 per year.
Particularly troubling is that Democratic lawmakers have given Newsom’s PUC unlimited authority to increase those fees whenever it wants. This year he settled at $24.15, but next year there’s nothing stopping him from raising it to $50, $100, or even more.
San Diegans are already struggling with exorbitant monthly bills. For example, in Santee, where I live, summer electricity bills can shoot up to $600. Many of our neighbors face similar or even greater costs.
Beyond its excessive nature, the fixed-fee concept is inherently flawed. First, it contradicts the principles of fair pricing and consumer protection. Plain and simple, customers have to pay for the electricity they use.
In addition, fixed charges discourage energy savings because customers must pay an additional $24.15 regardless of their energy usage. If consumers had to pay hundreds of dollars more each year regardless of usage, they would be more likely to use freely. This failed rate structure removes a significant incentive to conserve energy and directly conflicts with California’s energy goals.
The Democratic Party’s supermajority is responsible for making this additional request, but some members initially supported it but withdrew it after receiving public backlash. At one point earlier this year, 22 Democrats in Congress called for: Stop new fixed charges.
Given the absurdity of fixed fees and the bipartisan momentum, I introduced the Lower Cost of Living Act. Senate Bill 1326, immediately repeal this unfair law that requires Newsom’s Public Utility Commission to impose this uncapped fixed rate. Thousands of Californians across the state have signed. petition I support my bill.
There was even a pro bono effort by Congressional Democrats to eliminate the Congressional mandate. Congressional Bill of 1999.
Even though Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of Congress called for a common-sense repeal, Democratic leadership shot down both efforts.
The 14 Democrats on the Senate Energy Committee refused to vote for or even against my bill. Their refusal to act is shameful, given that the very voters they claim to represent strongly support this bill. They are clearly uncomfortable taking any position and would rather hide than face the public in an official vote.
As for Democratic efforts to overturn fixed fees, it’s interesting to note that; mysterious leadership They blocked any legislation from being voted on.
Newsom’s Public Works Commission is poised to approve the $24.15 flat rate, but we can’t let them do it without a fight.
Go to Newsom before Thursday’s hearing. PUC website And tell the commissioners what you think about the proposed $24.15 flat fee. Similarly, send an email or letter to Newsom now and tell him to no longer allow his PUC and major power companies to raise electricity rates. We don’t have that luxury.
Please be sure to send myself A copy of what you sent to Newsom and the Public Utilities Commission — add the thousands of your complaints about high power bills that I received, compile them and submit them to Newsom so we can all have it. Let me know that enough is enough. Utility bills are too high.
Finally, Thursday at 11 a.m. call Newsom’s house public utility commission hearing It then instructs commissioners to vote “no” on fixed fees.
Looking ahead, it will be important to maintain pressure on Newsom’s PUC to prevent further fixed fees and unwarranted rate hikes. If political appointees and bureaucrats like Newsom’s Public Utilities Commission find new sources of funding, their irresistible thirst for more money will drive them to raise rates again and again.
Only through our careful efforts and vocal opposition will we be able to control our electricity costs.
