Electricity: mandatory rate reduction.

Assembly Member Gallagher's electricity rate reduction proposal directs the California Public Utilities Commission to develop recommendations for lowering consumer electricity rates by at least 30% before January 1, 2027. The commission must generate a comprehensive report outlining specific measures to achieve these reductions.

The legislation requires the commission to undertake several analytical steps in formulating its recommendations. These include reviewing public purpose programs for cost-effectiveness, examining climate credit provisions in accordance with Executive Order N-5-24, and auditing electrical corporations' claimed costs for wildfire mitigation plans. The commission must also evaluate programs referenced in Table A-2 of its February 2025 executive order response, with direction to eliminate, reform, or refer ineffective programs to the Legislature.

This measure builds upon the commission's existing regulatory authority over electrical corporations and rate-setting responsibilities. While the bill mandates development of reduction recommendations, implementation of any proposed changes would require subsequent regulatory or legislative action. The commission maintains discretion in how to achieve the targeted decreases while fulfilling its obligation to ensure rates remain just and reasonable under current law.