Plan to Base Utility Bills on Income Could Get a New Twist

Regulators with the California Public Utilities Commission issued a proposal March 27 in response to a new law, which takes effect in 2025 and 2026, that would charge a fixed rate for electricity based on a user’s income. The proposal suggests determining income levels based on enrollment in subsidy programs rather than verifying household incomes. Controversy swirled after utility companies introduced proposals last year that would require income verification for customers—with higher rates for those making more money. While the rate structures proposed will be based on income, only customers enrolled in subsidized programs would qualify for reduced fixed rate charges, and those households are already required to verify income levels....