Customers frustrated by high power bills they feel are being used for public relations have a remedy as a new law prohibits utilities from spending ratepayer money on lobbying and advertising.

The legislation was authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, and recently signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Its aim is to rein in skyrocketing utility rates, a common complaint from constituents. There’s been a 90% increase for Southern California Edison customers in the past 10 years and a 110% increase for Pacific Gas and Electric customers.

“This is us listening to our constituents and listening to the frustration of the experiences that our constituents are having, frankly, the frustration of the experiences that we are having,” Berman said. “We’re not only legislators, but we’re also

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