San Diego Assemblymember Chris Ward announced Tuesday that he will join other state legislators in seeking to repeal parts of a controversial law that would base electric rates in part on residents’ annual income.
Assembly Bill 205, which passed in 2023, directed the California Public Utilities Commission to create an income-based fixed charge, potentially resulting in higher energy bills for some Californians.
“Throughout the fall recess period, I repeatedly heard from a wide group of my constituents their concerns about AB 205 and other issues that are contributing to unfair costs and rates,” said Ward, a Democrat who represents the 78th District.
Ward said he and other legislators will seek to strike portions of the law that set in motion an income-based fixed charge.
Senate Republicans sought an immediate vote on Tuesday to repeal the law, but the issue was tabled by the Democratic majority for future hearings on specific legislation in the Assembly.
Ward said he believes the underlying ideas in AB 205 are “a first step in the right direction to deliver relief to working families and middle-income Californians” but that solutions are complex.
Under the plan, a monthly flat fee would rise with income, with actual usage charged on top of that, but at a lower rate than at present. Utilities view the flat rate plan as an equitable way to cover the cost of transformers, transmission lines, billing and customer service as high-income customers transition to all-electric homes and cars powered by solar panels.