Sacramento – Yesterday at the annual oversight hearing of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Office of Ratepayer Advocates (ORA) held by the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes expressed her displeasure with a recent proceeding with the San Gabriel Water Company where the company had proposed raising the water rates of residents served by the Fontana Water Company.
It is the responsibility of the CPUC to regulate privately owned electric, natural gas and water companies while it is the role of the ORA to obtain the lowest possible rate for service.
“While ORA’s advocacy on behalf of ratepayers in this proceeding is appreciated, the result was simply not good enough. There will still be rate increases of over 30% over the next three years for over 45,000 customers in San Bernardino,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “While I understand the need for investment in the infrastructure that allows the utility to function, it is unfair to put that type of rate shock on the backs of my constituents.”
In 2016 the San Gabriel Valley Water Company entered into a General Rate Case with the CPUC where they proposed to increase the water rates of those served by the Fontana Water Company by 44.3%. Through intervention by ORA this total was decreased to an increase of 30.7%.
“The CPUC must take steps to better protect ratepayers” said Assemblymember Reyes, “Especially those who can least afford to pay these substantial increases.”
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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Contact: Matthew Hamlett, matthew.hamlett@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2047