Overview

• The draft rules would redefine “substantial contribution,” set timelines for intervenors and judges, curb administrative law judges’ discretion, and require online posting and reporting on rate cases, with public comment opening Oct. 3 and a hearing on Nov. 20.
• Lara released data showing Consumer Watchdog received nearly $1.4 million in intervenor fees in 26 of 28 rate cases this year.
• Consumer Watchdog condemned the proposal as retaliatory and warned it would discourage participation, and the group says it is considering a lawsuit.
• The American Property Casualty Insurance Association backed the plan, arguing the current intervenor system delays approvals, duplicates state work, and raises costs.
• The insurance department says the changes aim to increase transparency, attract more intervenors, and address coverage availability as insurers pull back from wildfire‑risk areas.