In a recent government meeting, San Diego Community Power (SDCP) celebrated a significant budget victory, securing $124 million over four years, which was met with minimal opposition. This funding is expected to bolster various initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and affordability for local ratepayers.

Patrick Welch, SDCP's senior legislative manager, provided an overview of the legislative landscape following the conclusion of the session on August 31. He highlighted that ratepayer affordability emerged as a central issue, driven by rising costs associated with wildfires and distribution. Legislators faced increased inquiries from constituents regarding their energy bills, prompting a series of hearings and legislative actions focused on these concerns.

Welch outlined SDCP's legislative engagement, which is guided by three main pillars: accelerating equitable decarbonization, promoting local development, and stabilizing community choice. This year, SDCP supported 12 bills aimed at protecting ratepayers from excessive costs and enhancing oversight of investor-owned utilities. Notably, legislation was passed to facilitate access to low-income customer discounts for state-sponsored housing projects.

Despite some setbacks, including the failure of six bills to reach the governor's desk, SDCP remains optimistic about future legislative efforts. One bill, AB 3264, which aims to improve transparency regarding energy efficiency programs, has been sent to the governor for approval. The ongoing discussions around affordability are expected to continue into the next legislative session, with potential implications for ratepayer costs.

The meeting also touched on the need for increased transmission capacity to meet clean energy goals. SDCP is advocating for innovative solutions that utilize existing infrastructure to reduce costs, while also promoting local solar and storage initiatives to lessen reliance on new transmission lines.

As the governor's special session on oil prices unfolds, SDCP is closely monitoring developments, recognizing the potential for broader discussions on energy affordability. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges faced by ratepayers while advancing its clean energy objectives.