Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Utilities and Energy
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to expedite the undergrounding of electrical infrastructure in California, particularly in high-risk areas like wildfire-prone zones. It establishes a program for large electrical corporations to develop and implement 10-year plans for undergrounding distribution lines, prioritizing projects based on wildfire risk reduction and cost efficiency. The bill also mandates public review, independent monitoring, and the use of non-ratepayer funds to reduce program costs.
Key provisions
- Requires large electrical corporations to submit a 10-year undergrounding plan to the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety.
- Prioritizes undergrounding projects in Tier 2 and 3 high fire-threat districts and rebuild areas.
- Specifies detailed requirements for the undergrounding plan, including timelines, cost targets, and a comparison of undergrounding versus aboveground alternatives.
- Mandates public comment and review of the plan by both the Office and the Commission.
- Requires an independent monitor to assess the corporation’s compliance with the plan and recommend penalties for non-compliance.
- Allows for the use of federal, state, and other non-ratepayer funds to reduce program costs.
- Exempts approved undergrounding plans from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), subject to separate environmental review.
- Establishes a process for the Commission to waive certain requirements for applications.
Who is affected
Bill text
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