Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities. Existing law, except as provided, prohibits a public utility from making a change in a rate or classification, or in a rule or contract relating to, or affecting, a rate, classification, or service, or in a privilege or facility, unless the public utility provides 30 days’ notice, as specified, to the commission and the public. Under existing law, a violation of this requirement is a crime.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.