Utility Rates and Campaign Money

Utility bills may include expenses beyond the cost of power, such as trade association fees, lobbying efforts, and even country club memberships.
These additional costs can add up to a few extra dollars per month, contributing to the increasing utility bills’ burden on consumers.
Utilities often include memberships in professional organizations and trade associations, which may lobby for higher rates or against initiatives like rooftop solar power.
Utilities have been found to funnel money to 501(c)(4) non-profits for lobbying activity, political advocacy, or supporting/opposing candidates.
State regulators approve rate increases, but not all requested expenses are approved. Some utilities claim certain costs, like executive and country club memberships, are charged to shareholders, not customers.
Eleven states are considering utility accountability legislation to prevent passing political-related expenses to consumers, and a bill has been introduced in the U.S. House to prohibit utilities from charging political expenses.