California Public Utilities Commission __

   Transparency Act

of 2016

Monday February 8^th, in Sacramento, Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) announced the introduction of a bill that seeks to improve transparency and accountability at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Assembly Bill 1651 would require the CPUC to post awarded contracts and audits on its website for the public to freely access.

In August 2015, the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce (which includes Assemblyman Obernolte as a member) convened a hearing on CPUC contracting practices, including an examination of CPUC competitive solicitation practices and adherence to state contracting rules. The hearing raised questions about the level of oversight and transparency on contracts involving the CPUC and the utilities it regulates.

AB 1651 is intended to address this issue.

“One of the CPUC’s core functions is to foster a fair contracting process that ensures public utilities are providing ratepayers with reliable service at reasonable rates,” Obernolte said. “Given the concerns that have been raised, my hope is that AB 1651 will shine a light on these contracting practices and provide the public with the tools needed to keep the CPUC accountable.”

Introduced by Assemblyman Obernolte  

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte represents the 33^rd Assembly District, which includes the San Bernardino County communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Baker, Barstow, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Big River, Crestline, Fort Irwin, Hesperia, Johnson Valley, Lake Arrowhead,

Lenwood, Lucerne Valley, Needles, Oak Hills, Phelan, Running Springs, Silver Lakes, Trona, Twentynine Palms Base, Twin Peaks and Victorville.