Vice Mayor Larry Agran has received constituent correspondence regarding a new electricity tax to be imposed on ratepayers across the state. 

The Office of Vice Mayor Larry Agran has received constituent correspondence from concerned residents regarding a new electricity tax to be imposed on ratepayers across the state. This is going to increase utility bills for millions of everyday people.

Join Irvine Vice Mayor Larry Agran for this informational session on a “Fixed Fee” proposed by the utilities for all ratepayers in the state that would essentially function as a “Utility Tax.” Find out why there is such strong statewide opposition and why 210+ diverse statewide organizations have called on the California state legislature to repeal the Utility Tax.

Everyone is welcome.

Informational Session — New Utility Tax

Panelists:

Dr. Ahmad Faruqui, Energy Economist Consultant

Josh Plaisted, Principal, Flagstaff Research

Cailey Underhill, Advocacy & Development Director, Solar Rights Alliance

Background: 

Last year, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 205 in just three days without any public hearing or discussion. AB 205 was a "budget trailer bill" containing various energy measures. Many were reasonable, including streamlined energy permitting requirements and financial relief programs for utility bills incurred during the pandemic. However, it also had a little-noticed provision that required the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to add a “fixed charge” to electricity bills based on household income. This “Utility Tax” would be added to everyone’s electric bills in addition to the rate people pay for their electricity use.

Learn More About the Proposed Utility Tax

The utilities and other organizations are proposing to charge all ratepayers not on subsidy electricity programs (CARE or FERA) the highest Utility Tax in the country, between $30 to $70 per month. This new tax will disproportionately affect those with a small energy footprint, particularly working-class and low-income individuals living in apartments or small homes. It is unfair that these individuals will be burdened with higher bills simply because they reside in smaller spaces. While customers on CARE and FERA may experience small and temporary decreases in their monthly electricity bills, millions of working people who are not eligible for CARE/FERA will see their bills increase if the Utility Tax is not repealed by June 2024.