Campaign for Affordable Power (CAP)
Join TURN in advocating for affordability, accountability, and transparency in California!
Building a BIG TENT to Win Affordable Bills!
Utility rates have reached crisis levels, worsening homelessness and jeopardizing our clean energy future. We must lower costs, ensure fair electricity pricing, and advance reliable, equitable, and affordable energy. In January 2025, TURN launched CAP: Campaign for Affordable Power—a three-year initiative focused on grassroots advocacy, local power-building, and bold legislation.
Through CAP, we’re uniting a diverse movement to cut monthly bills, rein in utility spending and profits, and prevent shutoffs and homelessness.
The current system that sets no limits on rate increases needs to be replaced by a cap on annual bills, set at the cost-of-living adjustment provided by Social Security…
MARK TONEY, TURN Executive Director
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SB 254
(Supported)
Protects Ratepayers from Rising Utility Costs
Author: Senator Josh Becker
SB 254 restructures how utility costs are funded, shifting wildfire expenses off ratepayers and creating a low-cost public financing option for electric infrastructure. The bill boosts accountability for investor-owned utilities and requires new limits on how much rates can rise—ensuring long-term affordability and stronger oversight.
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SB 330
(Co-sponsored)
Promotes Alternative Financing for Transmission to Lower Costs
Author: State Senator Steve Padilla
SB 330 authorizes the governor to establish pilot programs to explore more affordable ways to build out the additional electrical transmission infrastructure needed to meet California’s climate goals.
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SB 636
Grants Hardship Deferments to Customers in Need
Author: Senator Caroline Menjivar
When customers face serious hardships—like a job loss, family death, or wildfire—they can request a six-month payment deferment from their utility. Afterward, they transition to a manageable payment plan to catch up on any outstanding balance.
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AB 1020
Prevents Utilities from Double-Dipping Spending Schemes
Author: Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo
Boosts accountability by tightening utility reporting and ensuring financial deals truly benefit customers. It prevents double-charging, increases transparency, and guarantees that any savings are fully passed on to ratepayers.
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AB 1167
(Co-sponsored)
Prohibits Utility Misspending of Ratepayer Dollars
Authors: Assemblymember Marc Berman, Assemblymember Dawn Addis
AB 1167 will keep the cost of utility lobbying, promotional advertising, and other activities and other non-energy related expenses out of monthly energy bills. This bill will ensure greater accountability and transparency.
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SB 24
Prohibits For-Profit Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) from Undermining the Local Establishment of Municipal Utility Districts
Author: Senator Jerry McNerney
Protects ratepayers from abuse, and
prohibits IOUs from using customer dollars to interfere with, or undermine, local municipalities from establishing their own utility districts.
David Binder Research (DPR) Poll
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2025 DBR Voter Survey
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DBR Polling Results - CAP
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CA Affordability Polling Memo
What is a sponsored bill?
A sponsored bill is legislation introduced in the state legislature with the backing of an organization or group that helps shape its language, advocate for its passage, and rally public support.
Bills shape the laws that impact our daily lives—including the cost and accessibility of essential utilities. Without strong legislation, utility companies can raise rates unchecked, leaving communities vulnerable.
That is why TURN is sponsoring the bills above.
We are fighting for fair, affordable utilities and holding decision-makers accountable. By endorsing one of our bills, you are helping turn these policies into real protections for California families.
