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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 3Ch. 1Art. 3§ 2974 Municipal Utility Control Elections

§ 2974 Municipal Utility Control Elections

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 2974 Municipal Utility Control Elections

Key Takeaways

  • •This law is about letting the people in a city vote on who controls things like water or electricity.
  • •If most voters say yes, the city gives up control, and a special group (the commission) takes over.
  • •If most voters say no, the city keeps control.
  • •The city can ask the voters again later if they want to give up control.

Example

A city wants to let the state control its water system instead of running it themselves.

The city holds a vote. If more than half the voters say yes, the city files some papers, and the state takes over. If most say no, the city keeps running the water system. They can try asking again in another vote later.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 2974 Municipal Utility Control Elections

The provisions of this chapter, insofar as applicable, shall govern elections called, conducted, and held under the provisions of this article and general municipal elections at which the propositions to surrender control of public utilities are submitted. If it appears from the result of the election declared as provided in this article, that a majority of the qualified electors of a municipal corporation have voted to surrender the powers of control of the municipal corporation respecting any particular class of public utility, the municipal corporation is deemed to have surrendered its powers of control as to such class of public utility to the commission, and such powers shall thereafter vest in and be exercised by the commission, as provided by law, upon the filing, in the office of the commission, of a certified copy of the order declaring the result of the election. If it appears from the result of the election, as declared, that a majority of the qualified electors have voted not to surrender the powers of control respecting any particular class of public utility, such powers of control shall continue in the municipal corporation. Such powers of control may thereafter be surrendered by the municipal corporation at any subsequent election at which the question of surrender may again be submitted under the provisions of this chapter. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

qualified electorssurrender the powers of controlpublic utilitycommissionmunicipal corporation

Related Statutes

  • § 2969 Public Utility Control Election
  • § 2968 Municipal Utility Control Retention
  • § 2971 Utility Control Transfer
  • § 10001 Municipal Public Utility Definition
  • § 10002 Municipal Public Utility Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 2974.
View Official Source