Governor Newsom's Veto of SB 24: A Surprise Clerical Error
Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill 24 (SB 24), a move that surprised many as it was not due to policy disagreements but a clerical error. The bill, introduced by Senator Jerry McNerney, aimed to protect Californians from higher bills by strengthening oversight of investor-owned utilities.
SB 24 sought to increase state oversight of utility spending and electricity rates. However, Governor Newsom's veto message cited two contradictory provisions in the bill, rendering it 'unimplementable'. This contradiction was an oversight, not a reflection of the governor's stance on the bill's objectives.
The veto was seen as a victory for major investor-owned utilities and a setback for energy affordability advocates. The bill aimed to prevent utilities from charging customers for lobbying against new competition, a practice that advocates argue leads to higher bills for consumers.
Despite the veto, the bill's original intent to protect consumers from excessive bills remains a relevant issue. Energy affordability advocates will likely continue to push for increased oversight of investor-owned utilities. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom's office has not indicated if they will support a revised version of SB 24.
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