Electrical and gas service: accessory dwelling units.
The enactment of AB 1661 will likely have a significant impact on state utility laws, particularly regarding how service metering is structured for residential properties with ADUs. The bill aims to simplify the metering process for homeowners, potentially reducing costs and administrative burdens associated with individual metering of ADUs. This could lead to increased adoption of accessory dwelling units, aligning with California's broader goals of increasing housing availability and affordability.
Assembly Bill 1661, introduced by Assembly Members Bonta and Juan Carrillo, seeks to amend Section 780.5 of the Public Utilities Code. The bill proposes that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are exempt from the existing requirement for all residential units in multiunit structures, condominiums, and mobilehome parks to be individually metered for electrical and gas services. Under the proposed legislation, if the owner of the property where the ADU is located chooses, they can have the utilities of that ADU metered through existing or upgraded utility meters situated on the property, thus allowing for more flexible utility management for property owners.
There may be points of contention surrounding AB 1661, particularly concerning the broader implications for regulation and potential pushback from public utility corporations that may see reduced revenue from metering services. Moreover, discussions could arise regarding the potential risks of this exemption, especially concerning accountability and the equitable distribution of utility costs among residents in multiunit structures. While proponents argue the need for flexibility in ADU management, critics may raise concerns about the impacts on utility regulation and environmental considerations.