CA lawmakers close to passing sweeping energy bill

California is close to passing a sweeping overhaul of its energy regulations that could affect electrical rates for millions of customers and rewrite rules on solar power usage.

The Los Angeles Times says AB327 was approved by the state Senate Monday and by the Assembly in May. The measure faces one largely procedural vote in the Assembly and then would go to Gov. Jerry Brown, who’s expected to sign it.

The bill would allow the state Public Utilities Commission to change the rate structure for many utility customers after conducting a detailed investigation. The Times says coastal residents might see higher bills while people in hotter climates such as San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert might get rate relief.