Electrical corporations: deenergization events.
The central provision of AB 1915 requires the commission to establish rules governing the conditions under which a deenergization event may occur, along with its geographical scope. It mandates that after a deenergization event, the commission assesses whether the electrical corporation followed established rules and whether the duration and extent of the service interruption were reasonable. If the electrical company fails to comply with these regulations, leading to customer losses, the commission will require it to set up an account to cover those claims, creating a framework for accountability within the utility sector.
Assembly Bill 1915, introduced by Assembly Member Chu, focuses on the regulation of electrical corporations in relation to deenergization events prompted by wildfires. The bill seeks to amend Section 8385 of the Public Utilities Code and introduce Section 8386.7, outlining the responsibilities of the California Public Utilities Commission concerning the management and oversight of wildfire mitigation plans. Electrical corporations are mandated to submit these plans, which must incorporate protocols for notifying customers and first responders about potential electrical service interruptions and the impacts on public safety.
Opposition to the bill arises from concerns regarding the potential for increased regulatory overreach by the state into local utilities. Critics argue that the bill risks penalizing companies for natural events beyond their control while emphasizing public safety demands. The creation of a new crime associated with violations of deenergization protocol could lead to hesitation among electrical corporations in undertaking necessary safety measures. However, proponents stress that the bill is essential for effectively managing wildfire risks and ensuring that electrical companies are held accountable for their actions during critical safety incidents.