This bill would require public utilities (including electrical and gas corporations) to clearly display on customer bills—in a visible format matching other billing details—a quarterly breakdown of additional costs attributable to state-mandated programs or requirements, whether imposed by law, regulation, or agencies like the PUC or Energy Commission. While existing law already mandates that utility bills itemize charges like taxes and generation fees, this measure enhances transparency by specifically highlighting state-driven costs. Violations of PUC orders enforcing this requirement would remain punishable as crimes under the Public Utilities Act, potentially creating state-mandated local obligations—though the bill specifies no reimbursement is required for associated costs. The change aims to improve consumer awareness of how state policies impact utility rates.

This bill would require the commission, on or before June 1, 2026, to evaluate all customer billing and noticing requirements existing on January 1, 2026, that apply to gas or electric utilities, and to identify and consider potential avenues to consolidate and enhance billing transparency, including avenues that clearly show the source and value of each charge within each customer’s bill, as specified, and use the most cost-effective communications channels, as provided. The bill would authorize the commission to seek and consider input from utilities and other relevant stakeholders to inform its evaluation and identification and consideration of potential avenues to consolidate notices and enhance billing transparency.