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California Assembly Bill AB61

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB61 Compare Versions

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1-Amended IN Assembly March 28, 2025 Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 61Introduced by Assembly Member Pacheco(Coauthors: Assembly Members Ransom, Blanca Rubio, and Wallis)December 02, 2024An act to add and repeal Section 3261 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and making an appropriation therefor. electricity.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 61, as amended, Pacheco. Electricity and natural gas: legislation imposing mandated programs and requirements: third-party review.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.This bill would require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2032.Digest Key Vote: TWO_THIRDSMAJORITY Appropriation: YESNO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.(2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.(3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.(2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.(3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d)To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e)(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
1+Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 61Introduced by Assembly Member Pacheco(Coauthors: Assembly Members Ransom, Blanca Rubio, and Wallis)December 02, 2024An act to add and repeal Section 3261 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and making an appropriation therefor. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 61, as amended, Pacheco. Electricity and natural gas: legislation imposing mandated program programs and requirements: third-party review.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.This bill would request require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would request require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under the bill. that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2031. 2032.Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: YES Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.(2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.(3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.(2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.(3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
22
3- Amended IN Assembly March 28, 2025 Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 61Introduced by Assembly Member Pacheco(Coauthors: Assembly Members Ransom, Blanca Rubio, and Wallis)December 02, 2024An act to add and repeal Section 3261 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and making an appropriation therefor. electricity.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 61, as amended, Pacheco. Electricity and natural gas: legislation imposing mandated programs and requirements: third-party review.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.This bill would require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2032.Digest Key Vote: TWO_THIRDSMAJORITY Appropriation: YESNO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
3+ Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 61Introduced by Assembly Member Pacheco(Coauthors: Assembly Members Ransom, Blanca Rubio, and Wallis)December 02, 2024An act to add and repeal Section 3261 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and making an appropriation therefor. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 61, as amended, Pacheco. Electricity and natural gas: legislation imposing mandated program programs and requirements: third-party review.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.This bill would request require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would request require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under the bill. that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2031. 2032.Digest Key Vote: 2/3 Appropriation: YES Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
44
5- Amended IN Assembly March 28, 2025 Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025
5+ Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025
66
7-Amended IN Assembly March 28, 2025
87 Amended IN Assembly February 26, 2025
98
109 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
1110
1211 Assembly Bill
1312
1413 No. 61
1514
1615 Introduced by Assembly Member Pacheco(Coauthors: Assembly Members Ransom, Blanca Rubio, and Wallis)December 02, 2024
1716
1817 Introduced by Assembly Member Pacheco(Coauthors: Assembly Members Ransom, Blanca Rubio, and Wallis)
1918 December 02, 2024
2019
21-An act to add and repeal Section 3261 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and making an appropriation therefor. electricity.
20+An act to add and repeal Section 3261 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and making an appropriation therefor.
2221
2322 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
2423
2524 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
2625
27-AB 61, as amended, Pacheco. Electricity and natural gas: legislation imposing mandated programs and requirements: third-party review.
26+AB 61, as amended, Pacheco. Electricity and natural gas: legislation imposing mandated program programs and requirements: third-party review.
2827
29-Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.This bill would require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2032.
28+Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.This bill would request require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would request require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under the bill. that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2031. 2032.
3029
3130 Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations and gas corporations. The Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission is established as an independent office within the commission to represent and advocate on behalf of the interests of public utility customers and subscribers within the jurisdiction of the commission.
3231
33-This bill would require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2032.
32+This bill would request require the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would request require the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under the bill. that analyses. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2031. 2032.
3433
3534 ## Digest Key
3635
3736 ## Bill Text
3837
39-The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.(2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.(3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.(2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.(3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d)To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e)(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
38+The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.(2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.(3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.(2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.(3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
4039
4140 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4241
4342 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4443
4544 SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.(2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.(3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.(2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.(3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.
4645
4746 SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.(2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.(3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:(1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.(2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.(3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.
4847
4948 SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
5049
5150 ### SECTION 1.
5251
5352 (1) There are an increasing number of proposals that mandate certain programs be paid by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.
5453
5554 (2) Many of the proposals would potentially result in positive outcomes that would be in the public interest.
5655
5756 (3) Those proposals providing benefits may also contribute to the cost and affordability of electricity and natural gas service.
5857
5958 (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to do all of the following:
6059
6160 (1) Promote affordable electricity and natural gas utility rates while also addressing the critical climate issues of the time, including the requirements for renewable and zero-carbon electricity and economywide decarbonization in law.
6261
6362 (2) Preemptively address the issue that electricity and natural gas utility rates are increasing.
6463
6564 (3) Analyze the estimated costs and efficacy of a new program or requirement imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to ensure the cost impact and potential benefits may be fully weighed and carefully considered before enacting the legislation.
6665
6766 (c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission conduct a systematic review of proposed programs or requirements imposed under proposed legislation that would be paid for by ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations to assist the Legislature in determining whether mandating a particular program or requirement is in the ratepayers interest, and for the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission to publish a written analysis of the estimated cost and efficacy of each legislative proposal, including expert data.
6867
69-SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d)To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e)(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
68+SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
7069
7170 SEC. 2. Section 3261 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:
7271
7372 ### SEC. 2.
7473
75-3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d)To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e)(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
74+3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
7675
77-3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d)To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e)(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
76+3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
7877
79-3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d)To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e)(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
78+3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.(2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:(A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.(B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.(3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5. (b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:(A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.(B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service. (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1). (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations. (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code. (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit. (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements. (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis. (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis. (c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation. (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
8079
8180
8281
8382 3261. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
8483
8584 (1) Electrical or gas corporation means an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218, or a gas corporation, as defined in Section 222, with more than 100,000 service connections.
8685
8786 (2) Mandated program or requirement means any of the following:
8887
8988 (A) A new requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation.
9089
9190 (B) A new program that would be paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.
9291
9392 (C) A revision to an existing requirement imposed on an electrical or gas corporation or an existing program paid for by the ratepayers of an electrical or gas corporation.
9493
9594 (3) Office means the Public Advocates Office of the Public Utilities Commission established pursuant to Section 309.5.
9695
97-(b) (1) The office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:
96+(b) (1) The Legislature hereby requests that the office shall establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature and in a manner and pursuant to a timeline agreed to by the Legislature and the office, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated program or requirement or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, including relevant data on all of the following:
9897
9998 (A) Whether the legislation will increase electricity or natural gas utility rates, and, if so, the analysis shall assess the potential costs to all categories of ratepayers.
10099
101100 (B) The potential benefits to all categories of ratepayers resulting from the legislation, with a specific focus on tangible benefits related to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity or natural gas including whether the legislation is directly related to, or necessary for, the delivery of safe, reliable electricity and natural gas utility service.
102101
103102 (C) Similar mandated programs or requirements applicable at the time of the analysis, the costs associated with those mandated programs or requirements, and if those mandated programs or requirements are consistent with the states climate change policy requirements, including, but not limited to, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, the carbon neutrality targets set forth in Section 454.53 of this code or Section 38562.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program (Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11) of Chapter 2.3 of Part 1).
104103
105104 (D) All existing legislatively mandated programs applicable at the time of the analysis that are paid for by the ratepayers of electrical and gas corporations.
106105
107106 (E) The impacts of the legislation on jobs, the economy, and communities that are identified as disadvantaged communities under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or low-income communities as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code.
108107
109108 (F) Whether the legislation is the most cost-effective and appropriate means to achieve the desired outcomes, including costs and benefits beyond the electricity or natural gas market and nonmonetary benefits, such as improvements in environmental quality, public health, and climate stability. If nonmonetary societal benefits are noted, the written analysis shall clearly indicate how all Californians would benefit.
110109
111110 (G) Whether other funding sources besides ratepayers of electrical or gas corporations, such as the General Fund, environmental funds, or other low-income programs, such as CalFresh, could be more appropriately used for the mandated programs or requirements.
112111
113112 (2) The request may be made by the chairperson of the appropriate policy or fiscal committee or their staff, the Speaker of the Assembly, or the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and the legislation shall be provided to the office for analysis.
114113
115114 (3) The office shall conduct each analysis based on the best available data at the time of the analysis. The state shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the office and its officers, directors, employees, subcontractors, agents, and expert partners for any claim arising out of the analysis.
116115
117-(c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation.
116+(c) To avoid conflicts of interests, the office is requested to shall develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions to prohibit a person from participating in conducting an analysis described in this section for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a material financial interest, including, but not limited to, a person who has a consulting or other agreement with another person or organization that would be affected by the legislation.
118117
119118 (d) To effectively support the office for its work under this section, there is hereby established in the State Treasury the Energy Programs Benefit Fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, moneys in the fund are hereby continuously appropriated to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under this section.
120119
121-
122-
123-(e)
124-
125-
126-
127-(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.
120+(e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, 2032, and as of that date is repealed.