BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SR 15|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SR 15
Author: Beall (D), et al.
Amended: As introduced
Vote: Majority
SENATE ENERGY, UTIL. & COMMUNIC. COMMITTEE : 10-0, 7/2/13
AYES: Padilla, Fuller, Cannella, Corbett, DeSaulnier, Hill,
Knight, Pavley, Wolk, Wright
NO VOTE RECORDED: De Le�n
SUBJECT : Division of Ratepayer Advocates
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution urges the Senate to support the
Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) and the substantial
contributions it has made to the residents of California.
ANALYSIS : This resolution makes the following legislative
findings:
1. DRA represents residential and small business customers of
electricity, natural gas, water, and communications
investor-owned utilities (IOUs) for the purpose of obtaining
the lowest possible rates for utility customers consistent
with safe and reliable service.
2. DRA was created in the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in
1984.
CONTINUED
SR 15
Page
2
3. DRA has 137 authorized positions, including economists,
engineers, policy analysts, auditors, and accountants, with
expertise in regulatory issues related to the electricity,
natural gas, water, and telecommunications industries in
California.
4. DRA saved residential and small business customers nearly $4
billion in 2012, which was nearly $153 for every dollar
allocated to the DRA.
5. DRA provides thoughtful analysis of pressing issues,
including white papers on the effect of time-variant pricing
on small electric service customers, energy utility service
disconnections, effective smart meter deployment, and a guide
to California's renewable energy policies and programs.
6. DRA achieves its statutory mission to represent and protect
electricity, natural gas, water, and communications IOU
customers in Sacramento by taking positions on bills,
testifying in informational and bill hearings, providing
technical legislative and constituent assistance,
participating in working groups, and providing updates on the
actions of the DRA and of the PUC.
This resolution urges the Senate to support the DRA and the
substantial contributions it has made to the residents of
California.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
JG:k 6/21/13 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED
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