Buena Park, August 12, 2025—In a strong show of support for working families and affordable energy rates, the Buena Park City Council voted to support AB 825. This key state bill is designed to lower energy bills, rein in monopoly utility greed, and speed the transition to clean energy.

The resolution is part of a growing regional effort to reform a system that has too often favored monopoly utilities over the public interest. Following San Diego’s lead, cities are stepping up to demand reforms that protect residents, increase transparency, and stop utilities from writing the rules in their favor.

Each new resolution sends a louder message to Sacramento: communities across the region are united, organized, and ready to take back their power.

“Often, the only way to protect ratepayers is via legislative intervention. See, given the choice, investor-owned utilities look out for one thing: for their bottom lines, their profits,” said Vice Mayor Connor Traut of Buena Park. “It is on all of us as policymakers and the community to say ‘enough is enough.’”

AB 825 would:

• Limit excessive utility profits on specific infrastructure projects.

• Speed up clean energy permits to bring more affordable, renewable power online.

• Include public financing for critical grid upgrades, meaning more affordable, reliableenergy infrastructure without forcing families to foot the bill.“

Thousands of Buena Park families are behind on their energy bills, owing an average of over $800. We need legislative reform to address this massive crisis,” said Councilmember Susan Sonne, District 3. “I, personally, will also be supporting a slate of other legislation that will tackle expensive energy bills, like SB 254, another major reform package by Senator Becker.”

“Our energy system was built on a social contract: companies could profit in exchange for safe, reliable, affordable service. That contract has been broken.” Councilmember Donald Torres of Stanton.

Nicole Capretz, CEO of Climate Action Campaign, issues the following statement:

“Buena Park’s leadership shows that the fight for affordable energy rates is gaining ground across Southern California. Communities are tired of being overcharged while utilities rake in profits and slow-walk clean energy progress. This vote is another turning point: proof that when cities come together, we can take back our power.

We’re working across the region to encourage more cities to pass similar resolutions, creating a powerful coalition in support of state legislation that reforms California’s rigged energy system.”

- Visuals from Wednesday’s press conference are available here:

drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cTIMeIUNfFkhDwICYk55Bq9v35G1mUS9?usp=drive_li nk