Assembly Bill No. 2760, introduced by Assembly Member Maienschein on February 18, 2022, seeks to amend Section 9510 of the Public Utilities Code concerning local publicly owned electric utilities. The primary objective of this bill is to ensure that such utilities are required to offer appropriate space and capacity on their utility poles and support structures to various communication providers, including cable television corporations and telephone providers, under reasonable terms and conditions. This change aims to streamline access to infrastructure necessary for enhancing broadband service capabilities across the state.
One of the key points of contention surrounding AB 2760 is the assertion that local publicly owned electric utilities, which also include irrigation districts, should charge only actual costs for providing access to their utility poles. The measure emphasizes that these entities should not subsidize the costs incurred by for-profit corporations in the telecommunications sector. This provision is perceived as a step towards not just promoting fair competition among service providers, but also ensuring that public utilities operate without financial loss in providing necessary infrastructure.
The legislation also addresses the issue of legislative oversight, declaring that the regulatory conditions imposed by local publicly owned electric utilities fall under a 'statewide interest' thereby intending to supersede any conflicting local regulations. This aspect signifies a notable shift in the balance of regulatory authority between state and local governments, which could lead to a centralization of authority that may be unwelcome among certain local jurisdictions that prefer maintaining control over their public utility infrastructures.
Overall, AB 2760 aligns with ongoing efforts to improve broadband access and adoption in California, presenting a proactive stance towards technological inclusivity. While supporters argue that it will foster better services by allowing multiple providers to utilize existing infrastructure, opponents may question the implications this could have on local governance and autonomy regarding public utility management.