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California Utilities Fact Sheet

California has been a partially deregulated energy state since 2009, when Senate Bill 695 permitted limited private market activity in energy. As of 2020, gas is deregulated and consumers can pick and choose from private companies. Electric still comes either from investor-owned utility companies or Community Choice Aggregators.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is responsible for regulating California utilities including water, energy (electric), natural gas, and telecom companies.

19 Community Choice Providers in California
1.5M Utility customers on SDG&E service
AB 56 regulation creates a central buyer for green energy
800% increase in CA energy costs in 2000 due to poor regulatory management
3 investor-owned utilities in California: PG&E, SDG&E, and SoCalGas
$50B/year spent on utilities regulated by the CPUC

Consumer Utility Guides

Our guides help consumers understand and benefit from public utilities in the state of California. Articles posted to ConnectCalifornia.com do not constitute legal advice and are for informational purposes only.

How to Set Up Utilities in San Francisco

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How to Set Up Utilities in Sacramento

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How to Set Up Utilities in Fresno, CA

Pre-setup checklist Typical utility costs in Fresno Electric Gas utility Cable & Internet...

Utility Shutoffs: California Policy for Tenants and Landlords

California legislation ensures that rental unit landlords can only shut off utilities under certa...

Water Leak Damage and Bill Responsibility (California Rental Policy)

Water damages Excess water bills tenant protection After 15 years of experience as a water utili...

How to Set Up Utilities in Los Angeles

Pre-setup checklist Typical utility costs in Los Angeles Electric and Water Gas utility Inter...

Aluminum Wiring: Retrofitting and Insurance Basics for Home Buyers

Aluminum wiring always requires an electrician in order to perform safety inspections and get you...

How to Set Up Utilities Before a Move in California

In order to avoid being without electric, gas, water, or internet service in a new California hom...

Water Utility Policy For Tenants & Landlords In California

Most California landlords handle the water utility and account for it when setting the base rent ...

Utility Gas Service In California: Tenant & Landlord Policy

If you’re thinking about renting in California, you may be wondering who is responsible for the g...
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Last Update: January 07, 2023
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