BILL NUMBER: AB 1915INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Davis FEBRUARY 16, 2010 An act to add Section 2853 to the Public Utilities Code, relating to solar energy. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1915, as introduced, Davis. Solar energy projects: rental properties. Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations. A decision of the PUC adopted the California Solar Initiative. Existing law requires the PUC to undertake certain steps in implementing the California Solar Initiative. This bill would require the commission to implement a strategy to expand the participation rates of multiunit residential and commercial rental properties in utility energy efficiency and solar energy programs in accordance with prescribed program requirements. The commission would be required to prepare and submit a report on that program to the Legislature. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 2853 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read: 2853. (a) The commission shall do both of the following: (1) Implement a strategy to expand the participation rates of multiunit residential and commercial rental properties in utility energy efficiency and solar energy programs. (2) Prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on the program developed pursuant to paragraph (1). (b) The commission shall ensure that the program complies with all of the following: (1) Does not result in any additional ratepayer surcharges. (2) Is funded through existing utility energy efficiency programs and the California Solar Initiative, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 2852. (3) Is cost effective for utility customers. (c) The commission shall consider, in developing the program, whether synergies exist between its energy efficiency program and the solar energy programs of the California Solar Initiative, including, but not limited to, the low-income provisions of the California Solar Initiative, that, in the determination of the commission, can make energy efficiency and solar investments cost effective for utility customers in multiunit residential or commercial rental properties.