Today California Assmeblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) introduced a bill (A-538) that would transition the California Independent System Operator into a regional interstate transmission organization. In response, Food & Water Watch Managing Director of Policy and Litigation Mitch Jones issued the following statement:

“Yet again, profit-driven energy companies are pushing for more electricity deregulation in California, the likes of which brought rate spikes and rolling blackouts in recent years. This proposal would enrich corporate utilities, reduce public accountability and raise California’s electricity rates – all while allowing the industry to avoid stronger pollution controls moving forward. The legislature must reject this proposal out of hand.

“This so-called grid regionalization proposal would radically change California’s electric system by replacing the state’s Independent System Operator (CAISO) with a new regional grid, giving out-of-state interests authority over California’s electric system. While CAISO is far from perfect, the California grid is at least relatively transparent, with locally-appointed board members and opportunities for stakeholder participation in infrastructure investment and rate hikes.

“As recent research has shown, deregulating electricity leads to higher rates for customers – as has already occurred in California. Surely this would be the case again, as expensive, polluting coal-generated power from states like Wyoming would be sent into California homes and businesses.

“This regionalization proposal would give out-of-state power companies the ability to undermine California’s stronger clean energy policies necessary to counteract the deepening climate chaos the state is facing every day.”

Contact: Seth Gladstone – [email protected]