"California utilities propose fixed-rate and income-based electricity billing"

California's three largest power companies have submitted a joint proposal to the state's Public Utilities Commission to simplify electricity bills to include a fixed-rate billing system based on household income. The aim is to lower power bills, particularly for lower-income customers, while increasing transparency. Customers would see two main charges on their bills: a new fixed rate and power use rates. The fixed rate will cover the costs of safely building, maintaining and operating the electric grid, of providing customer support, and the cost of state initiatives to help income-qualified customers and energy-efficiency programs. Income verification would be handled by a third party, possibly a state agency.