AB-286 • 2026

Electricity: mandatory rate reduction.

Energy

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Gallagher
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest indicate that the law requires a report with recommendations rather than direct rate reductions.

Electricity: mandatory rate reduction

This law requires the Public Utilities Commission to generate a report outlining recommendations to decrease electricity rates by at least 30% for customers by January 1, 2027.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to generate a report on reducing electricity rates.
Sets a goal of decreasing electricity costs by at least 30%.
Specifies that the commission must complete this task by January 1, 2027.

Who It Names or Affects

Electricity customers who pay for their power.
The Public Utilities Commission which sets electricity rates.

Terms To Know

Public Utilities Commission: A government agency that controls and oversees companies providing services like electricity, water, and gas to the public.
Ratepayers: People or businesses who pay for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much money will be saved by customers.
It is unclear what specific actions the commission must take to generate reduction recommendations.
There are no details on who pays for any costs related to implementing these rate reductions.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2025-05-14 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
2025-05-01 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (April 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-04-22 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
2025-04-21 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on U. & E. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-18 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
2025-03-17 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on U. & E. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-17 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on U. & E.
2025-01-23 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 22.
2025-01-22 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 286, as amended, Gallagher.
Electricity: mandatory rate reduction.
Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations. Existing law authorizes the commission to fix the rates and charges for every public utility and requires that those rates and charges be just and reasonable.
This bill would require the commission to
reduce
generate a report outlining recommendations to decrease
the kilowatt-per-hour rate for electricity charged to ratepayers by not less than
30%.
30% by
January 1, 2027.
The bill would require the commission, in making
that reduction,
those reduction recommendations,
to take certain actions, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF