Electricity: state policy.
AB 3159 reinforces California's position as a leader in renewable energy and seeks to ensure that the achievement of these goals does not inadvertently increase carbon emissions elsewhere in the western grid. This provision eliminates the possibility of 'resource shuffling,' where reductions in one area could lead to increases in another, ensuring an overall net decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the bill outlines considerations for maintaining affordable rates for consumers and preventing unreasonable impacts on utility bills caused by the transition to a zero-carbon energy system.
Assembly Bill 3159, introduced by Assembly Member Quirk, seeks to amend Section 454.53 of the Public Utilities Code regarding California's electricity policy. The bill reaffirms the state's existing commitment that all retail sales and electricity procured for state agencies are to be supplied 100% by eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by the target date of December 31, 2045. The bill intends to make nonsubstantive revisions to the language, maintaining the overarching goals outlined in current law.
While the bill primarily proposes amendments that clarify existing policies, it does not propose changes that would disrupt current regulatory oversight by the Public Utilities Commission or local publicly owned electric utilities. It seeks to maintain the integrity of enforcement against retail sellers while ensuring equity in emissions reductions across sectors. Nonetheless, potential opposition could arise from stakeholders concerned about the economic implications of transitioning to a zero-carbon system, particularly regarding rates and operational burdens on utilities.