Public Utilities Code Section 913.1 mandates that investor-owned utilities study and report annually on measures that they recommend be undertaken to limit costs and rate increases. UCAN has been an active participant in CPUC’s Affordability Proceeding (R.18-07-006) helping the Commission develop methods and processes for assessing the affordability impacts of utility rate requests. UCAN continues to advocate for customer assistance programs and meaningful metrics to evaluate ongoing affordability issues with electricity in California. Read the Commission’s most recent report from Sept. 2025 here.
Excessive spending by utilities is always UCAN’s biggest concern – and recent research shows it is the biggest driver of rising rates – rather than the utility argument of rooftop solar cost shifts. If this research interests you, listen to Dr. McCann explain more about this research on the Local Energy Rules podcast.
And speaking of excessive spending, read UCAN’s response to SDG&E’s latest Revenue Request for its 2028 General Rate Case Application: UCAN KPBS interview July 9, 2026.