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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 3Art. 1§ 451 Public Utility Fair Charges

§ 451 Public Utility Fair Charges

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

§ 451 Public Utility Fair Charges

Key Takeaways

  • •Public utilities (like water, electricity, or phone companies) must charge fair prices for their services.
  • •They must provide good and reliable service to keep people safe and comfortable.
  • •Any rules they make about their charges or services must also be fair.

Example

Your electricity bill suddenly goes up a lot, even though you're using the same amount of power.

The law says the electricity company can't charge you unfair prices. If the bill seems too high for no good reason, they might be breaking the law.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 451 Public Utility Fair Charges

All charges demanded or received by any public utility, or by any two or more public utilities, for any product or commodity furnished or to be furnished or any service rendered or to be rendered shall be just and reasonable. Every unjust or unreasonable charge demanded or received for such product or commodity or service is unlawful. Every public utility shall furnish and maintain such adequate, efficient, just, and reasonable service, instrumentalities, equipment, and facilities, including telephone facilities, as defined in Section 54.1 of the Civil Code, as are necessary to promote the safety, health, comfort, and convenience of its patrons, employees, and the public. All rules made by a public utility affecting or pertaining to its charges or service to the public shall be just and reasonable. (Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 700.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

utilityhealthemployeefinesafetypublic utilitiesequipmentcommodity

Related Statutes

  • § 451.1 Wildfire Cost Recovery Standards
  • § 451.5 Executive Bonus Debt Restrictions
  • § 468 Union Organizing Cost Prohibition
  • § 3320 Consumer Power Financing Authority
  • § 453 Public Utility Anti-Discrimination Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 451.
View Official Source