(a) A surcharge is imposed on the consumption in this state of electrical energy purchased from an electric utility on and after January 1, 2003, at the rate of three-tenths mill ($0.0003) per kilowatt-hour, or at the rate determined pursuant to subdivision (b).
(b) The Energy Commission shall fix the rate at a public meeting in each November for each calendar year starting the following January. Under no circumstances may the rate fixed exceed three-tenths mill ($0.0003) per kilowatt-hour. If the commission fails to fix the rate in any November, the surcharge shall continue at the rate in effect during that November.