Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 593Introduced by Senator HurtadoFebruary 20, 2025 An act to add Section 910.9 to, and to add Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) to Division 4.1 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. amend Section 911 of, to add Section 2774.8 to, and to add Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) to Division 4.8 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 593, as amended, Hurtado. Power surges: ratepayer notice. Voltage changes: consumer protection.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing boards.This bill would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2026, to require electrical corporations to adjust their consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances if the commission determines adjustments to the consumer protections are necessary. The bill would specify the factors that the commission would be required to evaluate when determining whether to adjust the consumer protections, as provided.The bill would also require the governing boards of local publicly owned electric utilities, on or before January 1, 2027, to adopt policies to protect customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances. The bill would require each local publicly owned electric utility to post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.Existing law requires the commission to annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation, as provided.This bill would require the commission to also include in the annual report, the number of significant voltage events that damaged customer equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing board.This bill would require a utility, which includes a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, and a local publicly owned electric utility, to develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge, as defined. The bill would require the notification to be transmitted within 5 minutes of detecting a power surge and to include specified information. The bill would also require a preemptive warning of a power surge, as provided, under specified circumstances. The bill would require a utility to install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges and to submit quarterly reports to the commission regarding power surges, as provided. The bill would require a utility to compensate a ratepayer for damages to electrical systems, appliances, or devices caused by a power surge if the power surge resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence, to process claims for compensation within 30 days of receipt, and to offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.The bill would require the commission to adopt rules and regulations to implement these requirements and monitor compliance, authorize the commission to impose penalties for the failure to comply, and require the commission to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1 of each year regarding the implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications and the impact of these requirements on reducing damages from power surges. The bill would require each utility to submit an implementation plan to the commission within 6 months of the effective date of the bill and to fully implement these requirements within 18 months of the effective date, and would authorize a utility to apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with complying with these requirements through rate adjustments.Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.Digest Key Vote: TWO_THIRDSMAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Public Utilities Commission ensures that existing consumer protections to address power surges that can damage customers properties are adequate, including, upon a power surge occurring, an electrical corporations outreach to affected customers in the relevant languages and with adequate information to navigate the electrical corporations claims procedures.SEC. 2. Section 911 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.SEC. 3. Section 2774.8 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.SEC. 4. Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) is added to Division 4.8 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:PART 3. Voltage Changes9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.SECTION 1.Section 910.9 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:910.9.On or before January 1 of each year, the commission shall submit a report to the Legislature evaluating both of the following:(a)The implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications sent to ratepayers pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) of Division 4.1.(b)The impact of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) of Division 4.1 on reducing damages to the property of ratepayers resulting from power surges.SEC. 2.Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) is added to Division 4.1 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:8.Power Surges: ratepayer Protection8395.The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a)Power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.(b)Ratepayers currently receive notification of power outages from utilities, but are not similarly informed of power surges, limiting their ability to take preventative measures to protect their property.(c)Establishing a notification system for power surges will enhance ratepayer protection, reduce damages, and increase utility accountability.8395.1.For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a)Community choice aggregator has the same meaning as defined in Section 331.1.(b)Electrical corporation has the same meaning as defined in Section 218.(c)Local publicly owned electric utility has the same meaning as defined in Section 224.3.(d)Power surge means a transient increase in electrical voltage that exceeds the standard operating range of an electrical system.(e)Ratepayer means the person named on the utility account as the person responsible for bill payment to the utility.(f)Utility means a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, or a local publicly owned electric utility.8395.2.(a)Each utility shall develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge on the utilitys electrical distribution grid occurring in the utilitys service territory.(b)Notifications required pursuant to this section shall be transmitted within five minutes of detecting a power surge and shall include all of the following:(1)A description of the power surge event.(2)Guidance on recommended actions a ratepayer may take to minimize or prevent damage to the ratepayers property.(3)Contact information for utility ratepayer service assistance.(c)Each utility shall notify a ratepayer who is affected by a power surge on the utilitys electrical distribution grid occurring in the utilitys service territory by one or more of the following methods:(1)Text message.(2)Email.(3)Mobile application alert.(4)Any other method approved by the commission as reasonably designed to promptly reach a ratepayer.8395.3.(a)If maintenance activities or environmental conditions increase the likelihood of a power surge, a utility shall issue a preemptive warning to a ratepayer in the utilitys service territory at least 24 hours in advance, whenever feasible.(b)Preemptive warnings shall include information about the potential for power surges and recommendations for precautionary measures. 8395.4.(a)A utility shall install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges within its service territory.(b)A utility shall quarterly submit a report to the commission that details all of the following:(1)The frequency and duration of power surges detected.(2)The number of notifications sent.(3)Ratepayer complaints or claims related to power surges.8395.5.(a)A utility shall compensate a ratepayer for damages to an electrical system, appliance, or device caused by a power surge if the power surge in the utilitys service territory resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence.(b)The utility shall process claims for compensation pursuant to subdivision (a) within 30 days of receipt.(c)A utility shall offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.8395.6.(a)The commission shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this chapter and monitor compliance by utilities.(b)The commission may impose penalties for a utilitys failure to comply with this chapter, including, but not limited to, fines and orders to implement corrective measures.8395.7.(a)Within six months of the effective date of this chapter, a utility shall submit an implementation plan to the commission.(b)A utility shall fully implement the requirements of this chapter within 18 months of the effective date of this chapter.8395.8.(a)A utility may apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with compliance with this chapter through rate adjustments.(b)A rate adjustment authorized pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be minimized to ensure affordability for ratepayers and subject to oversight by the commission.SEC. 3.The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.SEC. 4.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.SEC. 5.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to ensure that customers of electrical utilities receive the protection from, and compensation for, damages due to power surges, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately.
Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 593Introduced by Senator HurtadoFebruary 20, 2025 An act to add Section 910.9 to, and to add Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) to Division 4.1 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. amend Section 911 of, to add Section 2774.8 to, and to add Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) to Division 4.8 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 593, as amended, Hurtado. Power surges: ratepayer notice. Voltage changes: consumer protection.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing boards.This bill would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2026, to require electrical corporations to adjust their consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances if the commission determines adjustments to the consumer protections are necessary. The bill would specify the factors that the commission would be required to evaluate when determining whether to adjust the consumer protections, as provided.The bill would also require the governing boards of local publicly owned electric utilities, on or before January 1, 2027, to adopt policies to protect customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances. The bill would require each local publicly owned electric utility to post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.Existing law requires the commission to annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation, as provided.This bill would require the commission to also include in the annual report, the number of significant voltage events that damaged customer equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing board.This bill would require a utility, which includes a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, and a local publicly owned electric utility, to develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge, as defined. The bill would require the notification to be transmitted within 5 minutes of detecting a power surge and to include specified information. The bill would also require a preemptive warning of a power surge, as provided, under specified circumstances. The bill would require a utility to install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges and to submit quarterly reports to the commission regarding power surges, as provided. The bill would require a utility to compensate a ratepayer for damages to electrical systems, appliances, or devices caused by a power surge if the power surge resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence, to process claims for compensation within 30 days of receipt, and to offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.The bill would require the commission to adopt rules and regulations to implement these requirements and monitor compliance, authorize the commission to impose penalties for the failure to comply, and require the commission to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1 of each year regarding the implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications and the impact of these requirements on reducing damages from power surges. The bill would require each utility to submit an implementation plan to the commission within 6 months of the effective date of the bill and to fully implement these requirements within 18 months of the effective date, and would authorize a utility to apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with complying with these requirements through rate adjustments.Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.Digest Key Vote: TWO_THIRDSMAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025
Amended IN Senate April 10, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 593
Introduced by Senator HurtadoFebruary 20, 2025
Introduced by Senator Hurtado
February 20, 2025
An act to add Section 910.9 to, and to add Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) to Division 4.1 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. amend Section 911 of, to add Section 2774.8 to, and to add Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) to Division 4.8 of, the Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 593, as amended, Hurtado. Power surges: ratepayer notice. Voltage changes: consumer protection.
Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing boards.This bill would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2026, to require electrical corporations to adjust their consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances if the commission determines adjustments to the consumer protections are necessary. The bill would specify the factors that the commission would be required to evaluate when determining whether to adjust the consumer protections, as provided.The bill would also require the governing boards of local publicly owned electric utilities, on or before January 1, 2027, to adopt policies to protect customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances. The bill would require each local publicly owned electric utility to post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.Existing law requires the commission to annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation, as provided.This bill would require the commission to also include in the annual report, the number of significant voltage events that damaged customer equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing board.This bill would require a utility, which includes a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, and a local publicly owned electric utility, to develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge, as defined. The bill would require the notification to be transmitted within 5 minutes of detecting a power surge and to include specified information. The bill would also require a preemptive warning of a power surge, as provided, under specified circumstances. The bill would require a utility to install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges and to submit quarterly reports to the commission regarding power surges, as provided. The bill would require a utility to compensate a ratepayer for damages to electrical systems, appliances, or devices caused by a power surge if the power surge resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence, to process claims for compensation within 30 days of receipt, and to offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.The bill would require the commission to adopt rules and regulations to implement these requirements and monitor compliance, authorize the commission to impose penalties for the failure to comply, and require the commission to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1 of each year regarding the implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications and the impact of these requirements on reducing damages from power surges. The bill would require each utility to submit an implementation plan to the commission within 6 months of the effective date of the bill and to fully implement these requirements within 18 months of the effective date, and would authorize a utility to apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with complying with these requirements through rate adjustments.Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing boards.
This bill would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2026, to require electrical corporations to adjust their consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances if the commission determines adjustments to the consumer protections are necessary. The bill would specify the factors that the commission would be required to evaluate when determining whether to adjust the consumer protections, as provided.
The bill would also require the governing boards of local publicly owned electric utilities, on or before January 1, 2027, to adopt policies to protect customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances. The bill would require each local publicly owned electric utility to post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.
Existing law requires the commission to annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation, as provided.
This bill would require the commission to also include in the annual report, the number of significant voltage events that damaged customer equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.
Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.
Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.
Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory jurisdiction over public utilities, including electrical corporations, while local publicly owned electric utilities are under the direction of their governing board.
This bill would require a utility, which includes a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, and a local publicly owned electric utility, to develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge, as defined. The bill would require the notification to be transmitted within 5 minutes of detecting a power surge and to include specified information. The bill would also require a preemptive warning of a power surge, as provided, under specified circumstances. The bill would require a utility to install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges and to submit quarterly reports to the commission regarding power surges, as provided. The bill would require a utility to compensate a ratepayer for damages to electrical systems, appliances, or devices caused by a power surge if the power surge resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence, to process claims for compensation within 30 days of receipt, and to offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.
The bill would require the commission to adopt rules and regulations to implement these requirements and monitor compliance, authorize the commission to impose penalties for the failure to comply, and require the commission to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1 of each year regarding the implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications and the impact of these requirements on reducing damages from power surges. The bill would require each utility to submit an implementation plan to the commission within 6 months of the effective date of the bill and to fully implement these requirements within 18 months of the effective date, and would authorize a utility to apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with complying with these requirements through rate adjustments.
Under existing law, a violation of any order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.
Because a violation of a commission action implementing this bills requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Additionally, by imposing new duties on local publicly owned electric utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for specified reasons.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Public Utilities Commission ensures that existing consumer protections to address power surges that can damage customers properties are adequate, including, upon a power surge occurring, an electrical corporations outreach to affected customers in the relevant languages and with adequate information to navigate the electrical corporations claims procedures.SEC. 2. Section 911 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.SEC. 3. Section 2774.8 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.SEC. 4. Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) is added to Division 4.8 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:PART 3. Voltage Changes9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.SECTION 1.Section 910.9 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:910.9.On or before January 1 of each year, the commission shall submit a report to the Legislature evaluating both of the following:(a)The implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications sent to ratepayers pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) of Division 4.1.(b)The impact of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) of Division 4.1 on reducing damages to the property of ratepayers resulting from power surges.SEC. 2.Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) is added to Division 4.1 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:8.Power Surges: ratepayer Protection8395.The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a)Power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.(b)Ratepayers currently receive notification of power outages from utilities, but are not similarly informed of power surges, limiting their ability to take preventative measures to protect their property.(c)Establishing a notification system for power surges will enhance ratepayer protection, reduce damages, and increase utility accountability.8395.1.For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a)Community choice aggregator has the same meaning as defined in Section 331.1.(b)Electrical corporation has the same meaning as defined in Section 218.(c)Local publicly owned electric utility has the same meaning as defined in Section 224.3.(d)Power surge means a transient increase in electrical voltage that exceeds the standard operating range of an electrical system.(e)Ratepayer means the person named on the utility account as the person responsible for bill payment to the utility.(f)Utility means a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, or a local publicly owned electric utility.8395.2.(a)Each utility shall develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge on the utilitys electrical distribution grid occurring in the utilitys service territory.(b)Notifications required pursuant to this section shall be transmitted within five minutes of detecting a power surge and shall include all of the following:(1)A description of the power surge event.(2)Guidance on recommended actions a ratepayer may take to minimize or prevent damage to the ratepayers property.(3)Contact information for utility ratepayer service assistance.(c)Each utility shall notify a ratepayer who is affected by a power surge on the utilitys electrical distribution grid occurring in the utilitys service territory by one or more of the following methods:(1)Text message.(2)Email.(3)Mobile application alert.(4)Any other method approved by the commission as reasonably designed to promptly reach a ratepayer.8395.3.(a)If maintenance activities or environmental conditions increase the likelihood of a power surge, a utility shall issue a preemptive warning to a ratepayer in the utilitys service territory at least 24 hours in advance, whenever feasible.(b)Preemptive warnings shall include information about the potential for power surges and recommendations for precautionary measures. 8395.4.(a)A utility shall install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges within its service territory.(b)A utility shall quarterly submit a report to the commission that details all of the following:(1)The frequency and duration of power surges detected.(2)The number of notifications sent.(3)Ratepayer complaints or claims related to power surges.8395.5.(a)A utility shall compensate a ratepayer for damages to an electrical system, appliance, or device caused by a power surge if the power surge in the utilitys service territory resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence.(b)The utility shall process claims for compensation pursuant to subdivision (a) within 30 days of receipt.(c)A utility shall offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.8395.6.(a)The commission shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this chapter and monitor compliance by utilities.(b)The commission may impose penalties for a utilitys failure to comply with this chapter, including, but not limited to, fines and orders to implement corrective measures.8395.7.(a)Within six months of the effective date of this chapter, a utility shall submit an implementation plan to the commission.(b)A utility shall fully implement the requirements of this chapter within 18 months of the effective date of this chapter.8395.8.(a)A utility may apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with compliance with this chapter through rate adjustments.(b)A rate adjustment authorized pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be minimized to ensure affordability for ratepayers and subject to oversight by the commission.SEC. 3.The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.SEC. 4.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.SEC. 5.This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:In order to ensure that customers of electrical utilities receive the protection from, and compensation for, damages due to power surges, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Public Utilities Commission ensures that existing consumer protections to address power surges that can damage customers properties are adequate, including, upon a power surge occurring, an electrical corporations outreach to affected customers in the relevant languages and with adequate information to navigate the electrical corporations claims procedures.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Public Utilities Commission ensures that existing consumer protections to address power surges that can damage customers properties are adequate, including, upon a power surge occurring, an electrical corporations outreach to affected customers in the relevant languages and with adequate information to navigate the electrical corporations claims procedures.
SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.
### SECTION 1.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the Public Utilities Commission ensures that existing consumer protections to address power surges that can damage customers properties are adequate, including, upon a power surge occurring, an electrical corporations outreach to affected customers in the relevant languages and with adequate information to navigate the electrical corporations claims procedures.
SEC. 2. Section 911 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.
SEC. 2. Section 911 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.
911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.
911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.
911. (a) Beginning February 1, 2016, the commission shall annually publish a report that includes all investigations into gas or electric service safety incidents reported, pursuant to commission requirements, by any gas corporation or electrical corporation. The report shall succinctly describe each safety investigation concluded during the prior calendar year and each investigation that remains open. The categories within the description shall include the month of the safety incident, the reason for the investigation, the facility type involved, and the owner of the facility.
(b) The commission shall include in its report required pursuant to Section 910, a summary of the staff safety investigations concluded during the prior calendar year and the staff safety investigations that remain open for any gas corporation or electrical corporation, with a link to the Internet Web site internet website with the report that contains the information required pursuant to subdivision (a).
(c) The commission shall include in its annual report published pursuant to subdivision (a), the number of significant voltage events that damaged customers equipment and appliances, the number of claims submitted, and the number and total dollar amount of the resolved claims.
SEC. 3. Section 2774.8 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.
SEC. 3. Section 2774.8 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:
### SEC. 3.
2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.
2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.
2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.
2774.8. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the commission shall require each electrical corporation to adjust its consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers equipment and appliances, if the commission determines an adjustment to those consumer protections is necessary.
(b) In determining whether to adjust those consumer protections, the commission shall evaluate the electrical corporations existing consumer protections, including, but not limited to, the electrical corporations claims process, the electrical corporations notification procedures for customers previously affected by significant voltage changes that damaged the customers property, the electrical corporations outreach to customers in relevant languages pursuant to existing commission rules and guidelines, the electrical corporations process to identify the cause of the significant voltage changes, the customers ability to appeal to the commission for additional review, and any necessary additional reporting by the electrical corporation to the commission concerning significant voltage changes.
SEC. 4. Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) is added to Division 4.8 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:PART 3. Voltage Changes9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.
SEC. 4. Part 3 (commencing with Section 9530) is added to Division 4.8 of the Public Utilities Code, to read:
### SEC. 4.
PART 3. Voltage Changes9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.
PART 3. Voltage Changes9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.
PART 3. Voltage Changes
PART 3. Voltage Changes
9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.
9530. (a) On or before January 1, 2027, the governing board of each local publicly owned electric utility shall adopt a policy to protect its customers from voltage changes that result in damage to customers equipment and appliances.
(b) Each local publicly owned electric utility shall post its policy, including its claims process to address damage caused by voltage changes, on its internet website.
SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 5. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
### SEC. 5.
On or before January 1 of each year, the commission shall submit a report to the Legislature evaluating both of the following:
(a)The implementation and effectiveness of power surge notifications sent to ratepayers pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) of Division 4.1.
(b)The impact of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 8395) of Division 4.1 on reducing damages to the property of ratepayers resulting from power surges.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)Power surges can result in significant damage to electrical systems, appliances, and devices, causing financial hardship and safety concerns for residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers.
(b)Ratepayers currently receive notification of power outages from utilities, but are not similarly informed of power surges, limiting their ability to take preventative measures to protect their property.
(c)Establishing a notification system for power surges will enhance ratepayer protection, reduce damages, and increase utility accountability.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a)Community choice aggregator has the same meaning as defined in Section 331.1.
(b)Electrical corporation has the same meaning as defined in Section 218.
(c)Local publicly owned electric utility has the same meaning as defined in Section 224.3.
(d)Power surge means a transient increase in electrical voltage that exceeds the standard operating range of an electrical system.
(e)Ratepayer means the person named on the utility account as the person responsible for bill payment to the utility.
(f)Utility means a community choice aggregator, an electrical corporation, or a local publicly owned electric utility.
(a)Each utility shall develop and implement a system to notify a ratepayer of a power surge on the utilitys electrical distribution grid occurring in the utilitys service territory.
(b)Notifications required pursuant to this section shall be transmitted within five minutes of detecting a power surge and shall include all of the following:
(1)A description of the power surge event.
(2)Guidance on recommended actions a ratepayer may take to minimize or prevent damage to the ratepayers property.
(3)Contact information for utility ratepayer service assistance.
(c)Each utility shall notify a ratepayer who is affected by a power surge on the utilitys electrical distribution grid occurring in the utilitys service territory by one or more of the following methods:
(1)Text message.
(2)Email.
(3)Mobile application alert.
(4)Any other method approved by the commission as reasonably designed to promptly reach a ratepayer.
(a)If maintenance activities or environmental conditions increase the likelihood of a power surge, a utility shall issue a preemptive warning to a ratepayer in the utilitys service territory at least 24 hours in advance, whenever feasible.
(b)Preemptive warnings shall include information about the potential for power surges and recommendations for precautionary measures.
(a)A utility shall install and maintain equipment capable of detecting power surges within its service territory.
(b)A utility shall quarterly submit a report to the commission that details all of the following:
(1)The frequency and duration of power surges detected.
(2)The number of notifications sent.
(3)Ratepayer complaints or claims related to power surges.
(a)A utility shall compensate a ratepayer for damages to an electrical system, appliance, or device caused by a power surge if the power surge in the utilitys service territory resulted from utility equipment failure or negligence.
(b)The utility shall process claims for compensation pursuant to subdivision (a) within 30 days of receipt.
(c)A utility shall offer financial incentives or rebates for the installation of whole-house surge protection systems by ratepayers.
(a)The commission shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this chapter and monitor compliance by utilities.
(b)The commission may impose penalties for a utilitys failure to comply with this chapter, including, but not limited to, fines and orders to implement corrective measures.
(a)Within six months of the effective date of this chapter, a utility shall submit an implementation plan to the commission.
(b)A utility shall fully implement the requirements of this chapter within 18 months of the effective date of this chapter.
(a)A utility may apply to the commission for approval to recover reasonable costs associated with compliance with this chapter through rate adjustments.
(b)A rate adjustment authorized pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be minimized to ensure affordability for ratepayers and subject to oversight by the commission.
The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of this chapter or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act or because costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.
This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
In order to ensure that customers of electrical utilities receive the protection from, and compensation for, damages due to power surges, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately.