Community Energy Resilience Act of 2021.
The implementation of SB 99 is expected to align local energy systems with broader state goals for clean energy and environmental sustainability. Local governments typically lack the necessary funding and expertise for effective energy resilience planning; therefore, the bill directly addresses this gap by providing financial resources and guidance. Importantly, these community resilience plans must identify critical facilities and the local areas most vulnerable to power disruptions, allowing for prioritization of projects that address the needs of the most affected communities.
Senate Bill 99, titled the Community Energy Resilience Act of 2021, aims to improve the energy resilience of local communities in California by establishing a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans. This bill mandates the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to create and implement procedures for distributing these grants and to offer technical and financial assistance for local governments. By enabling cities and counties to create tailored plans, the bill helps ensure continuous electricity service during outages, thus addressing both unplanned and preemptive power shutoffs that have increasingly affected California residents.
The sentiment surrounding SB 99 appears to be generally positive, with significant bipartisan support reflecting a shared recognition of the importance of energy reliability in safeguarding public health and safety. Legislators emphasize the need for democratic engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders, including communities that are disproportionately impacted by power outages. However, the bill's success will depend on effective implementation, particularly regarding equitable distribution of resources and prioritizing underserved populations.
Notable contentions regarding SB 99 center on the adequateness of grant funding and the potential bureaucratic complexities that local entities may face in developing their energy resilience plans. Critics express concern that the effectiveness of the bill could be diminished if local governments face obstacles in securing the necessary approvals and resources. Ensuring that the program equitably addresses the needs of low-income communities and facilitates swift project execution remain areas of focus.