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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 3Art. 2§ 491 Public Utility Rate Changes

§ 491 Public Utility Rate Changes

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

§ 491 Public Utility Rate Changes

Key Takeaways

  • •Public utilities (like electric or water companies) can't change their prices or rules without telling the government and the public first.
  • •They must give at least 30 days' notice before making any changes.
  • •The notice must be clear and show exactly what will change and when.
  • •Sometimes, the government can allow changes faster than 30 days if there's a good reason.

Example

If your electric company wants to raise prices, they can't just do it suddenly.

They have to tell the government and everyone 30 days before the price goes up. They must show the new price and the date it starts. If there's an emergency, like a big storm, the government might let them change prices faster.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 491 Public Utility Rate Changes

Unless the commission otherwise orders, no change shall be made by any public utility in any rate or classification, or in any rule or contract relating to or affecting any rate, classification, or service, or in any privilege or facility, except after 30 days’ notice to the commission and to the public. Notice shall be given by filing with the commission and keeping open for public inspection new schedules stating plainly the changes to be made in the schedule or schedules then in force, and the time when the changes will go into effect. The commission, for good cause shown, may allow changes without requiring the 30 days’ notice, by an order specifying the changes that may be made on less than 30 days’ notice, the time when they shall take effect, and the manner in which they shall be filed and published. When any change is proposed in any rate or classification, or in any form of contract or agreement or in any rule or contract relating to or affecting any rate, classification, or service, or in any privilege or facility, attention shall be directed to such change on the schedule filed with the commission, by some character to be designated by the commission, immediately preceding or following the item. (Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 1005, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 2000.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

agreementclassificationcontractcommissionfacilityutilityinspectionattention

Related Statutes

  • § 454 Public Utility Rate Changes
  • § 492 Joint Utility Tariff Filing
  • § 532 Public Utility Rate Compliance
  • § 582 Utility Records Submission
  • § 729 Utility Rate Regulation Authority

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 491.
View Official Source