Endorsement of CA Senate Bill 332 (2025)

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Whereas, investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in California have repeatedly prioritized shareholder profits and executive compensation over public safety, affordability, and climate resilience;

Whereas, IOU negligence has caused wildfires, mass power shutoffs, and rate hikes that disproportionately harm working-class, disabled, rural, and BIPOC communities, contributing to displacement and energy insecurity;

Whereas, corporate utility monopolies have proven structurally incapable of delivering safe, reliable, and equitable energy in a time of climate crisis and accelerating energy transition;

Whereas, SB 332, the Investor-Owned Utilities Accountability Act, introduced by Senator Wahab, provides an opportunity for immediate harm reduction and long-term transformation by:

•  Collecting utility shut-off data for greater transparency;

•  Funding a feasibility study to determine what form of not-for-profit utility ownership model that could replace the IOUs would best serve ratepayers;

•  Directing the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (OEIS) to develop a “best-value” procurement model for all electrical infrastructure projects;

•  Requiring annual audits of equipment that’s outlived its usable life in high fire risk areas, and using fines levied against utility profits to fund replacements for equipment that is out of compliance;

•  Future-proofing replacement equipment after a disaster by requiring utilities to rebuild using the most cost-effective strategies to mitigate future fires.

Whereas, California DSA is committed to fighting for democratic public ownership and a just energy transition that puts people and the planet over profit;

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Therefore be it resolved, that California DSA endorses SB 332 and commits to supporting its passage through the California State Assembly, particularly the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee;

Be it further resolved, that California DSA will sign onto this letter;

Be it finally resolved, that California DSA will:

•  Publicly express support for SB 332 through social media, newsletters, and
   press;

•  Mobilize members to call and email their Assemblymembers using the provided
   action toolkit;

•  Encourage allied labor, tenant, and environmental organizations to sign on to
   the support letter for SB 332.

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