Public Utilities: thermal energy networks.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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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 allow California gas corporations and other public utilities to build and operate thermal energy networks, which are systems for delivering heating and cooling without burning fossil fuels. It requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish a regulatory framework for these networks and ensures they provide a suitable substitute for traditional gas service. The bill also prioritizes the use of existing gas utility workers during the transition and prohibits recovering costs for gas infrastructure in areas served by thermal energy networks.
Key provisions
- Authorizes utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks.
- Requires the PUC to establish a regulatory framework for thermal energy service.
- Prohibits recovery of gas infrastructure costs in areas served by thermal energy networks.
- Prioritizes existing gas utility workforce for the transition to thermal energy networks.
- Requires contractors on thermal energy network projects to use a skilled workforce.
- Directs the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop technical standards for thermal energy networks.
- Sets a deadline for the PUC to initiate the regulatory proceeding (December 31, 2027).
- Requires the PUC to ensure thermal energy service is an adequate substitute for existing gas service.
Who is affected
- Public Utilities Commission
- Gas Corporations
Bill text
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