SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The California Water Service (Cal Water) today commended Gov. Newsom for signing SB 1469 (Sens. Bradford, Becker) that perpetuates a proven program that protects the encouraged Californians to reduce their water use and helped keep water bills low for all customers, especially low-income customers.

The bill received broad support from labor, business, consumer and environmental groups; low-income advocates; local governments; and many others.

“We would like to thank Governor Newsom for signing SB 1469,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO. “The law will help expand California’s water conservation efforts and improve resilience, which could not be more important given longer and more frequent droughts. Climate change will challenge California’s water future indefinitely, and efficient use of water must become a way of life in our state.”

“In addition to thanking Gov. Newsom for signing the bill into law, we thank Senators Bradford and Becker, who worked hard to get the bill across the finish line in the Legislature,” Kropelnicki continued.

Background:
The passage of SB 1469 gives water utilities, which are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), a powerful tool that allows them to focus on conservation without taking the risk of not sacrificing resources that are necessary for the safe and reliable operation of their water systems.

SB 1469 allows these water utilities to use a regulatory tool known as decoupling. The decoupling, recognized as regulatory best practice across the country, removes the link between the financial performance of water utilities and the volume of water they sell. Instead of focusing on selling more water, utilities can turn their attention to expanding water conservation efforts and improving the safety and reliability of their water systems.

California Water Service serves more than 2 million people through approximately 494,500 customer connections in California. The utility provided …