Integrated Energy Policy Reporting - - CA Public Resources

Section § 25300

This section emphasizes the importance of clean and reliable energy for California's economy and citizens' well-being. The government plays a critical role in ensuring a consistent energy supply while safeguarding public health, welfare, and environmental quality. It requires a thorough understanding of energy markets, such as electricity and natural gas, to navigate potential disruptions like shortages or price changes effectively. Timely data collection and forecasting are necessary to support policy development and decision-making by various stakeholders. Additionally, fostering cooperation among state energy agencies is a key goal.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that clean and reliable energy is essential to the health of the California economy and of vital importance to the health and welfare of the citizens of the state and to the environment.

(b) The Legislature further finds and declares that government has an essential role to ensure that a reliable supply of energy is provided consistent with protection of public health and safety, promotion of the general welfare, maintenance of a sound economy, conservation of resources, and preservation of environmental quality.

(c) The Legislature further finds and declares that the state government requires at all times a complete and thorough understanding of the operation of energy markets, including electricity, natural gas, petroleum, and alternative energy sources, to enable it to respond to possible shortages, price shocks, oversupplies, or other disruptions.

(d) The Legislature further finds and declares that timely reporting, assessment, forecasting, and data collection activities are essential to serve the information and policy development needs of the Governor, the Legislature, public agencies, market participants, and the public.

(e) The Legislature further finds and declares that one of the objectives of this act is to encourage cooperation among the various state agencies with energy responsibilities.

clean energy reliable energy energy markets public health environmental quality energy supply energy policy electricity market natural gas petroleum alternative energy sources energy shortages energy price shocks data collection state agency cooperation

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 25301

Every two years, the commission must review and predict energy supply, demand, prices, and other aspects to create and evaluate energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure reliable energy, boost the economy, and safeguard public health. To do so, they may require data from utilities and suppliers, and will work in partnership with state and federal agencies. They must also keep customer data secure.

In this process, the commission will provide insights into energy industry performance, maintain capabilities to address energy queries, develop and evaluate energy policies, provide a basis for making regulatory decisions, and support efficient energy markets.

(a) At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop and evaluate energy policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require the submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, related outlooks, individual customer historic electric or gas service usage, or both, and individual customer historic billing data, in a format and level of granularity specified by the commission from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocate’s Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commission shall maintain reasonable policies and procedures to protect customer information from unauthorized disclosure.

(b) In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide information about the performance of energy industries.

(2) Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from the government, market participants, and the public.

(3) Analyze, develop, and evaluate energy policies and programs.

(4) Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.

(5) Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.

energy assessments supply forecasting demand forecasting energy policies environmental protection energy reliability economic enhancement public health safety data security energy market analysis utility data collection policy decision-making regulatory foundation government consultations energy performance insights

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 611, Sec. 1. (SB 1374) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Section § 25302

This law requires the commission to adopt an integrated energy policy report every two years, starting from November 1, 2003. The report should include an analysis of major energy trends in California, such as supply and demand, pricing, reliability, and environmental impacts, along with policy recommendations. It also should assess energy system reliability and forecast needs for resources, efficiency, and conservation.

The commission is also tasked with updating the report every two years, starting November 1, 2004, to address new energy issues. Collaboration with various state and federal agencies is necessary for data and recommendations. The report is pivotal for informing energy policies and decisions across multiple agencies, but agencies can contest any report content they reasonably disagree with. The report should be accessible to all stakeholders and the public.

(a) Beginning November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall adopt an integrated energy policy report. This integrated report shall contain an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state, including, but not limited to, supply, demand, pricing, reliability, efficiency, and impacts on public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment. The integrated energy policy report shall present policy recommendations based on an in-depth and integrated analysis of the most current and pressing energy issues facing the state. The analyses supporting this integrated energy policy report shall explicitly address interfuel and intermarket effects to provide a more informed evaluation of potential tradeoffs when developing energy policy across different markets and systems.

(b) The integrated energy policy report shall include an assessment and forecast of system reliability and the need for resource additions, efficiency, and conservation that considers all aspects of energy industries and markets that are essential for the state economy, general welfare, public health and safety, energy diversity, and protection of the environment. This assessment shall be based on the determinations made pursuant to this chapter.

(c) Beginning November 1, 2004, and every two years thereafter, the commission shall prepare an energy policy review to update analyses from the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), or to raise energy issues that have emerged since the release of the integrated energy policy report. The commission may also periodically prepare and release technical analyses and assessments of energy issues and concerns to provide timely and relevant information for the Governor, the Legislature, market participants, and the public.

(d) In the preparation of the report, the commission shall consult with the following entities: the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocate’s Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any federal, state, and local agencies it deems necessary in preparation of the integrated energy policy report. To assure the collaborative development of state energy policies, these agencies shall make a good faith effort to provide data, assessment, and proposed recommendations for review by the commission.

(e) The commission shall provide the report to the Public Utilities Commission, the Public Advocate’s Office of the Public Utilities Commission, the State Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, and the Department of Transportation. For the purpose of ensuring consistency in the underlying information that forms the foundation of energy policies and decisions affecting the state, those entities shall carry out their energy-related duties and responsibilities based upon the information and analyses contained in the report. If an entity listed in this subdivision objects to information contained in the report and has a reasonable basis for that objection, the entity shall not be required to consider that information in carrying out its energy-related duties.

(f) The commission shall make the report accessible to state, local, and federal entities and to the general public.

integrated energy policy report energy trends energy supply demand energy pricing energy reliability public health impacts environmental impacts resource assessment efficiency conservation energy markets policy recommendations government collaboration public accessibility

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 611, Sec. 2. (SB 1374) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Section § 25302.4

This law requires a report by 2027 to assess how fusion energy can add to California's energy supply. Fusion is a reaction creating a heavier nucleus from lighter ones, releasing energy. The report should detail regulatory actions needed to use fusion energy, including specific types like aneutronic, deuterium, and tritium reactions. It should also identify funding sources for developing fusion energy. The assessment needs to explain aneutronic fusion, and this requirement expires on January 1, 2029.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Fusion” means a reaction in which at least one heavier, more stable nucleus is produced from at least one lighter, less stable nucleus, typically through high temperatures and pressures, and emitting energy as a result.

(2) “Fusion energy” means the product of fusion reactions inside a fusion device and used to generate electricity or other commercially usable forms of energy.

(b) As part of the 2027 edition of the integrated energy policy report, the commission shall include an assessment of the potential for fusion energy to contribute to California’s power supply, including both of the following:

(1) Identification of the necessary regulatory and policy actions required to deploy fusion energy, including aneutronic fusion and deuterium and tritium reactions, within California’s energy system.

(2) Identification of state and federal investments available for fusion energy development and deployment.

(c) For purposes of the assessment described in subdivision (b), the commission shall define aneutronic fusion.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

fusion energy nuclear reactions energy generation regulatory actions aneutronic fusion deuterium reactions tritium reactions energy policy report state investments federal investments energy assessment California power supply commercial energy energy development energy deployment

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 360, Sec. 2. (AB 1172) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.)

Section § 25302.5

This law requires all entities that serve or plan to serve electricity to retail customers in California, such as electrical corporations and community choice aggregators, to provide load forecasts to the commission as part of their energy policy reports. They must forecast the amount of load that may change due to shifts involving community choice aggregators, electric utilities, or electric service providers.

The commission will assess and report on these changes for each electrical corporation's area. Some local utilities might be exempt from these requirements if they do not plan to expand their service beyond current areas during the forecast period.

(a) As part of each integrated energy policy report required pursuant to Section 25302, each entity that serves or plans to serve electricity to retail customers, including, but not limited to, electrical corporations, nonutility electric service providers, community choice aggregators, and local publicly owned electric utilities, shall provide the commission with its forecast of both of the following:

(1) The amount of its forecasted load that may be lost or added by any of the following:

(A) A community choice aggregator.

(B) An existing local publicly owned electric utility.

(C) A newly formed local publicly owned electric utility.

(2) Load that will be served by an electric service provider.

(b) The commission shall perform an assessment in the service territory of each electrical corporation of the loss or addition of load described in this section and submit the results of the assessment to the Public Utilities Commission.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the commission may exempt from the forecasting requirements in that subdivision, a local publicly owned electric utility that is not planning to acquire additional load beyond its existing exclusive service territory within the forecast period provided by the commission pursuant to Section 25303.

(d) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “Community choice aggregator” means any “community choice aggregator” as defined in Section 331.1 of the Public Utilities Code.

(2) “Electrical corporation” means any “electrical corporation” as defined in Section 218 of the Public Utilities Code.

(3) “Electric service provider” means any “electric service provider” as defined in Section 218.3 of the Public Utilities Code.

(4) “Local publicly owned electric utility” means any “local publicly owned electric utility” as defined in Section 224.3 of the Public Utilities Code.

energy policy forecast electricity load forecasts community choice aggregators electrical corporations load change assessment local publicly owned utilities electric service providers integrated energy report service territory assessment forecasting requirements exemptions retail electricity service load addition prediction load loss prediction forecast report submission Public Utilities Commission

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 558, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)

Section § 25302.6

This law mandates that for the 2025 edition of the integrated energy policy report, the commission, alongside the Public Utilities Commission, needs to look into the challenges related to connecting to the electricity grid and getting systems energized. They'll also suggest ways to help speed up these processes.

As part of the 2025 edition of the integrated energy policy report, the commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall assess barriers to electricity interconnection and energization and provide recommendations on how to accelerate those processes, as appropriate.

integrated energy policy report electricity interconnection energization barriers Public Utilities Commission accelerate processes recommendations grid connection energy infrastructure 2025 report commission assessment consultation policy recommendations energy policy utility coordination

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 367, Sec. 2. (AB 1373) Effective October 7, 2023.)

Section § 25302.7

By June 1, 2023, California's energy commission must set goals to shift electricity usage to off-peak times to help reduce peak demand on the grid. They will work with the Public Utilities Commission and Independent System Operator to adjust these goals in their energy policy reports every two years. The target for this load shifting should consider past research and aim to lower demand without raising greenhouse gases or electricity costs.

By June 1, 2023, the commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission and the Independent System Operator, shall adopt a goal for load shifting to reduce net peak electrical demand and shall adjust this target in each biennial integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302 thereafter. In developing this target, the commission shall consider the findings of the 2020 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report on the Shift Resource through 2030 and other relevant research. The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission and the Independent System Operator, shall recommend policies to increase demand response and load shifting that do not increase greenhouse gas emissions or increase electric rates.

load shifting peak electrical demand energy policy report Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory demand response greenhouse gas emissions electric rates Public Utilities Commission Independent System Operator net peak demand energy commission goals integrated energy policy report 2020 report findings sustainable energy practices energy grid management

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 239, Sec. 4. (SB 846) Effective September 2, 2022.)

Section § 25303

This section requires a comprehensive report related to electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment. It involves evaluating trends and future demands, analyzing infrastructure capacity, and identifying impacts on health, safety, economy, and the environment. The report also examines how markets meet public interest standards and suggests improvements if needed. Adjustments to forecasts are made in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission.

Every two years, the commission assesses the environmental performance of electric generation facilities, focusing on efficiency, pollution control, and resource impacts on natural resources and socioeconomic factors.

(a) As part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct electricity and natural gas forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Assessment of trends in electricity and natural gas supply and demand, and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for commodity electricity and natural gas under current market structures and expected market conditions.

(2) Forecasts of statewide and regional electricity and natural gas demand, including annual, seasonal, and peak demand, and the factors leading to projected demand growth, including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, industrial expansion and energy intensity of industries, energy demand for different building types, energy efficiency, and other factors influencing demand for electricity. With respect to long-range forecasts of the demand for natural gas, the report shall include an evaluation of average conditions, as well as best- and worst-case scenarios, and an evaluation of the impact of the increasing use of renewable resources on natural gas demand.

(3) Evaluation of the adequacy of electricity and natural gas supplies to meet forecasted demand growth. Assessment of the availability, reliability, and efficiency of the electricity and natural gas infrastructure and systems, including, but not limited to, natural gas production capability both in and out of state, natural gas interstate and intrastate pipeline capacity, storage and use, and western regional and California electricity and transmission system capacity and use.

(4) Evaluation of potential impacts of electricity and natural gas supply, demand, and infrastructure and resource additions on the electricity and natural gas systems, public health and safety, the economy, resources, and the environment.

(5) Evaluation of the potential impacts of electricity and natural gas load management efforts, including end-user response to market price signals, as a means to ensure reliable operation of electricity and natural gas systems.

(6) Evaluation of whether electricity and natural gas markets are adequately meeting public interest objectives including the provision of all of the following: economic benefits; competitive, low-cost reliable services; customer information and protection; and environmentally sensitive electricity and natural gas supplies. This evaluation may consider the extent to which California is an element within western energy markets, the existence of appropriate incentives for market participants to provide supplies and for consumers to respond to energy prices, appropriate identification of responsibilities of various market participants, and an assessment of long-term versus short-term market performance. To the extent this evaluation identifies market shortcomings, the commission shall propose market structure changes to improve performance.

(7) Identification of impending or potential problems or uncertainties in the electricity and natural gas markets, potential options and solutions, and recommendations.

(b) Commencing November 1, 2003, and every two years thereafter, to be included in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall assess the current status of the following:

(1) The environmental performance of the electric generation facilities of the state, to include all of the following:

(A) Generation facility efficiency.

(B) Air emission pollution control technologies in use in operating plants.

(C) The extent to which recent resource additions have, and expected resource additions are likely to, displace or reduce the operation of existing facilities, including the environmental consequences of these changes.

(2) The geographic distribution of statewide environmental, efficiency, and socioeconomic benefits and drawbacks of existing generation facilities, including, but not limited to, the impacts on natural resources including wildlife habitat, air quality, and water resources, and the relationship to demographic factors. The assessment shall describe the socioeconomic and demographic factors that existed when the facilities were constructed and the current status of these factors. In addition, the report shall include how expected or recent resource additions could change the assessment through displaced or reduced operation of existing facilities.

(c) The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall make all reasonable adjustments to its energy demand forecasts conducted pursuant to Sections 25301 and 25302 to account for its findings of market conditions and existing baselines, and, in making those adjustments, may consider the results from subdivisions (b) and (d) of Section 381.2 of the Public Utilities Code.

electricity demand forecasting natural gas supply assessment long-range energy forecasts electricity market evaluation public interest objectives resource impact analysis environmental performance generation facility efficiency pollution control technologies socioeconomic impacts energy infrastructure evaluation resource addition impacts renewable resources impact energy policy report electricity market structure improvements

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 611, Sec. 3. (SB 1374) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Section § 25303.5

This section, called the Natural Gas Act, requires a report every four years starting November 1, 2015, to identify strategies to maximize benefits from using natural gas, including biomethane. The report should explore efficient natural gas use for transportation and energy generation, focus on low-emission options, optimize domestic uses such as heating and cooling, and develop infrastructure and storage solutions. It also considers natural gas’s role in zero net energy buildings, job creation, and state and federal policy facilitation. The commission must analyze environmental and economic impacts of these strategies and work with various state agencies for input. This provision becomes inactive on November 1, 2025, and is repealed by January 1, 2026.

(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Natural Gas Act.

(b) Beginning November 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter, the commission shall, with the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, identify strategies to maximize the benefits obtained from natural gas, including biomethane for purposes of this section, as an energy source, helping the state realize the environmental and cost benefits afforded by natural gas. As part of this report, the commission, at a minimum, shall identify strategies and options for each of the following:

(1) Making the best use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, as appropriate, including for the movement of freight, vessels, mass transit, and other commercial and passenger vehicle use and identifying methods to develop natural gas refueling infrastructure.

(2) Determining the role of natural gas-fired generation as part of a resource portfolio, including, but not limited to, combined heat and power, and the impact of that role on meeting greenhouse gas targets.

(3) Taking the best advantage of natural gas as a low-emission resource, including potential zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas, and biogas options, taking into account the impact on electric system operations.

(4) Optimizing the role of natural gas as a flexible and convenient end use energy source, including the efficient use of natural gas for heating, water heating, cooling, cooking, engine operation, and other end uses, and the optimization of appliances for these uses.

(5) Identifying effective methods by which the electric and natural gas industries can facilitate implementation of any of the strategies identified in this section.

(6) Determining the extent to which a long-term policy is needed to ensure adequate infrastructure and storage and developing strategies for pursuing additional infrastructure development to maintain or enhance pipeline and system reliability, including increased natural gas storage. In developing those strategies, the commission shall consider needed policies to protect against system capacity constraints, minimize system leakage and related emissions, mitigate investment risk associated with the long-term investment in infrastructure in an evolving energy market, and identify factors that could limit the ability to receive maximum benefits from natural gas as an energy resource.

(7) Determining the role that natural gas can play in the development of zero net energy buildings, as appropriate.

(8) Optimizing the methods by which the pursuit of these strategies can facilitate jobs development in the private sector, particularly in distressed areas.

(9) Optimizing the methods by which state and federal policy can facilitate any of the proposed strategies.

(10) Evaluating the incremental beneficial and adverse economic cost and environmental impacts of proposed strategies, including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transportation, and use of natural gas, based on authoritative, peer-reviewed, and science-based analysis or in consultation with the State Air Resources Board.

(c) In developing the strategies described in subdivision (b), the commission shall consult with the Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Independent System Operator, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, and the Department of Conservation to obtain relevant input. The report is intended to assist in establishing state policy and does not independently change any statute, regulation, or regulatory decision.

(d) This section shall become inoperative on November 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.

Natural Gas Act biomethane strategic report natural gas transportation natural gas infrastructure greenhouse gas targets low-emission resources natural gas storage zero net energy buildings energy policy job creation economic impact environmental impact state and federal policy infrastructure development

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 611, Sec. 4. (SB 1374) Effective January 1, 2019. Section inoperative November 1, 2025. Repealed as of January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)

Section § 25304

This section outlines the commission's responsibility to forecast and assess transportation trends and needs. They evaluate trends in transportation fuels and technologies, predict future energy demand, and assess the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies and infrastructure. They also consider risks of supply disruptions or price shocks and suggest alterations to contingency plans to ensure fuel availability. The commission evaluates potential changes, such as using alternative fuels and technologies, that might impact the environment, economy, public health, and energy security. Additionally, they examine the success of advanced technologies like low-emission vehicles and recommend ways to enhance energy efficiency, reduce petroleum dependency, and mitigate environmental impacts.

As a part of the report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, the commission shall conduct transportation forecasting and assessment activities, including, but not limited to:

(a) Assessment of trends in transportation fuels, technologies, and infrastructure supply and demand and the outlook for wholesale and retail prices for petroleum, petroleum products, and alternative transportation fuels under current market structures and expected market conditions.

(b) Forecasts of statewide and regional transportation energy demand, both annual and seasonal, and the factors leading to projected demand growth including, but not limited to, projected population growth, urban development, vehicle miles traveled, the type, class, and efficiency of personal vehicles and commercial fleets, and shifts in transportation modes.

(c) Evaluation of the sufficiency of transportation fuel supplies, technologies, and infrastructure to meet projected transportation demand growth. Assessment of crude oil and other transportation fuel feedstock supplies; in-state, national, and worldwide production and refining capacity; product output storage availability; and transportation and distribution systems capacity and use.

(d) Assessments of the risks of supply disruptions, price shocks, or other events and the consequences of these events on the availability and price of transportation fuels and effects on the state’s economy.

(e) Evaluation of the potential for needed changes in the state’s energy shortage contingency plans to increase production and productivity, improve efficiency of fuel use, increase conservation of resources, and other actions to maintain sufficient, secure, and affordable transportation fuel supplies for the state.

(f) Evaluation of alternative transportation energy scenarios, in the context of least environmental and economic costs, to examine potential effects of alternative fuels usage, vehicle efficiency improvements, and shifts in transportation modes on public health and safety, the economy, resources, the environment, and energy security.

(g) Examination of the success of the introduction, prices, and availability of advanced transportation technologies, low- or zero-emission vehicles, and clean-burning transportation fuels, including their potential future contributions to air quality, energy security, and other public interest benefits.

(h) Recommendations to improve the efficiency of transportation energy use, reduce dependence on petroleum fuels, decrease environmental impacts from transportation energy use, and contribute to reducing congestion, promoting economic development, and enhancing energy diversity and security.

transportation forecasting transportation fuels alternative transportation fuels infrastructure supply wholesale and retail prices energy demand fuel supply sufficiency supply disruptions energy security contingency plans alternative energy scenarios environmental impact efficiency improvements low-emission vehicles congestion reduction

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 611, Sec. 5. (SB 1374) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Section § 25305

This law section mandates that the commission use prior forecasts and assessments to analyze and recommend policies for public interest energy strategies. These strategies aim to improve energy efficiency, conserve energy, manage energy loads, develop new technologies, and promote renewable energy. The section also targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions, addressing climate change, stimulating the energy economy, and protecting the environment.

The law specifically requires assessments to: (a) identify trends and potential improvements in energy efficiency across various sectors, (b) monitor trends in renewable energy and evaluate progress in maintaining and developing these resources, (c) track advances in energy research and development, and (d) assess progress in reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change impacts in California.

The commission shall rely upon forecasting and assessments performed in accordance with Sections 25301 to 25304, inclusive, as the basis for analyzing the success of and developing policy recommendations for public interest energy strategies. Public interest energy strategies include, but are not limited to, achieving energy efficiency and energy conservation; implementing load management; pursuing research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of new technologies; promoting renewable generation technologies; reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the impacts of climate change on California; stimulating California’s energy-related business activities to contribute to the state’s economy; and protecting and enhancing the environment. Additional assessments to address public interest energy strategies shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Identification of emerging trends in energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and transportation sectors of the state’s economy, including, but not limited to, evaluation of additional achievable energy efficiency measures and technologies. Identification of policies that would permit fuller realization of the potential for energy efficiency, either through direct programmatic actions or facilitation of the market.

(b) Identification of emerging trends in the renewable energy industry. In addition, the commission shall evaluate progress in ensuring the operation of existing facilities, and the development of new and emerging, in-state renewable resources.

(c) Identification of emerging trends in energy research, development, and demonstration activities that advance science or technology to produce public benefits.

(d) Identification of progress in reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the effects of climate change on California.

energy efficiency energy conservation load management new technologies renewable generation greenhouse gas emissions climate change impacts California energy economy environmental protection emerging energy trends residential energy efficiency commercial energy efficiency industrial energy efficiency renewable energy progress energy research advancements

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 25305.1

This law requires a specific commission to give regular updates to the California Legislature about the progress of local public electric utilities. These updates are included in a broader energy policy report. The focus is on how well these utilities are meeting specific obligations outlined in another section of California's Public Utilities Code.

The commission shall report to the Legislature, to be included in each integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302, regarding the progress made by each local publicly owned electric utility serving end-use customers in meeting the requirements of Section 9620 of the Public Utilities Code.

integrated energy policy report local publicly owned electric utility end-use customers Section 9620 Public Utilities Code utility progress reporting legislature updates energy policy compliance obligations monitoring public electric utilities energy progress report utility requirements compliance reporting commission reporting public utilities performance

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 606, Sec. 1. (AB 2227) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Section § 25305.2

The commission is responsible for summarizing reports from local public electric utilities about their energy efficiency and demand reduction targets versus actual achievements. This summary is included in a larger energy policy report. If there are areas where a utility can improve to meet statewide energy savings goals, the commission will give recommendations to the utility, the Legislature, and the Governor for improvements.

The commission shall include a summary of the information reported pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 9505 of the Public Utilities Code in the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302. The commission shall also include, for each local publicly owned electric utility, a comparison of the local publicly owned electric utility’s annual targets established in accordance with that section, and the local publicly owned electric utility’s actual energy efficiency savings and demand reductions. If the commission determines that improvements can be made in either the level of a local publicly owned electric utility’s annual targets to achieve all cost-effective, reliable, and feasible energy savings and demand reductions and to enable local publicly owned electric utilities, in the aggregate, to achieve statewide targets established pursuant to Section 25310, or in meeting each local publicly owned electric utility’s annual targets, the commission shall provide recommendations to the local publicly owned electric utility, the Legislature, and the Governor on those improvements.

local publicly owned electric utility energy efficiency savings demand reductions annual targets statewide targets integrated energy policy report energy savings improvements recommendations Legislature Governor cost-effective energy savings reliable energy savings feasible energy savings Public Utilities Code Section 9505

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 606, Sec. 2. (AB 2227) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Section § 25305.5

This law requires the commission responsible for energy policy in California to include firm zero-carbon resources in their energy reports. These resources must be able to supply continuous zero-carbon electricity, especially during extreme weather events when renewable energy might be limited. They are also crucial for helping integrate renewable energy into the power grid and moving toward a zero-carbon electricity system.

(a) The commission shall timely incorporate firm zero-carbon resources into the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302.

(b) For purposes of this section, “firm zero-carbon resources” are electrical resources that can individually, or in combination, deliver zero-carbon electricity with high availability for the expected duration of multiday extreme or atypical weather events, including periods of low renewable energy generation, and facilitate integration of eligible renewable energy resources into the electrical grid and the transition to a zero-carbon electrical grid.

firm zero-carbon resources integrated energy policy report zero-carbon electricity extreme weather events renewable energy integration zero-carbon electrical grid multiday weather events high availability electricity energy transition zero-carbon energy transition renewable energy generation energy policy electricity grid environmental sustainability energy commission

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 353, Sec. 12. (AB 1533) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Section § 25306

This law requires the commission to hold workshops, hearings, and other meetings to gather input from the public and market participants when preparing an integrated energy policy report and other forecasting assessments. They must also include feedback and responses from various groups, like government agencies and industry representatives, in the report's official record.

The commission shall conduct workshops, hearings, and other forums to gain the perspectives of the public and market participants for purposes of the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302 and the forecasting and assessments prepared pursuant to Sections 25301, 25303, 25304, and 25305. The commission shall include the comments, as well as responses to those comments, of governmental agencies, industry representatives, market participants, private groups, and any other person concerning the commission’s proposals and recommendations in the docket for the integrated energy policy report.

integrated energy policy report public hearings stakeholder input market participants governmental agencies feedback energy forecasting industry representatives public workshops commission proposals energy assessments private groups energy policy comments stakeholder comments policy recommendations public and private perspectives

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 25307

This section requires the commission to study how hydrogen can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors in California. These studies are to be part of the 2023 and 2025 integrated energy policy reports. The goal is to support existing laws aimed at achieving 100% clean energy and reducing pollution.

This statute will be repealed on January 1, 2030, unless further legislative action is taken.

(a) For purposes of this section, “decarbonizing” means reducing or eliminating associated emissions of greenhouse gases.

(b) As part of the 2023 and 2025 editions of the integrated energy policy report, the commission shall study and model potential growth for hydrogen and its role in decarbonizing the electrical and transportation sectors of the economy, and helping to achieve the goals set forth in The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Chapter 312 of the Statutes of 2018), the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Division 25.5 (commencing with Section 38500) of the Health and Safety Code), and the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (Chapter 547 of the Statutes of 2015).

(c) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is repealed on January 1, 2030.

hydrogen energy decarbonizing greenhouse gas emissions integrated energy policy report energy sector transportation sector 100 Percent Clean Energy Act California Global Warming Solutions Act Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act emissions reduction renewable energy climate goals 2023 report 2025 report repeal 2030

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 363, Sec. 3. (SB 1075) Effective January 1, 2023. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.)

Section § 25308

Every five years, two major California agencies—the Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Commission—must review and update a Memorandum of Understanding with the Independent System Operator. This is to ensure their plans for energy transmission and resource management align with the state's energy goals, as outlined in Public Utilities Code Section 454.53. This ensures proper coordination among the entities responsible for California's energy future.

The commission and Public Utilities Commission, in coordination with the Independent System Operator, every five years, shall review and update as necessary the Memorandum of Understanding Between the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Independent System Operator (ISO) Regarding Transmission and Resource Planning and Implementation (December 23, 2022) and the related workplan to ensure the memorandum and workplan reflect the coordination that is needed to help meet the state’s energy goals, including those goals described in Section 454.53 of the Public Utilities Code.

energy goals resource planning transmission planning California Public Utilities Commission California Energy Commission Independent System Operator Memorandum of Understanding coordination state energy policy energy management Public Utilities Code Section 454.53 workplan update energy agencies collaboration review process energy infrastructure

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 390, Sec. 1. (SB 319) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Section § 25308.5

By July 1, 2025, a guidebook must be developed by relevant authorities to explain California's processes for planning and permitting electrical transmission infrastructure. This guidebook will be created with input from local, state, tribal, and federal agencies. It will outline stages of development, typical timelines, roles, and responsibilities of involved agencies, and how these integrate with federal processes and environmental reviews. Public and stakeholder feedback will be sought during its development. The guidebook targets infrastructure that connects electricity from generation sites or storage to distribution systems. This law is temporary and will be repealed on January 1, 2028.

(a) On or before July 1, 2025, the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator shall jointly develop an electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook that describes the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure planning and permitting processes conducted by the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator.

(b) In developing the electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook, the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator shall make a reasonable and good faith effort to consult with all relevant local, state, tribal, and federal agencies.

(c) The electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook shall include a description of the different stages of electrical transmission infrastructure development, an analysis of the average timeframes for electrical transmission infrastructure planning and permitting by the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator, clearly identify and describe the roles, responsibilities, and decisionmaking authority of federal agencies and state agencies, including the commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator, and include interfaces with federal agencies, including timing, sequence, and coordination with federal permitting agencies, and coordination between reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)) and the federal National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 4321 et seq.).

(d) The commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Independent System Operator shall provide an opportunity for stakeholder input in the development and communication of the electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook and an opportunity for public comment on a draft electrical transmission infrastructure development guidebook.

(e) For purposes of this section, “electrical transmission infrastructure” means electrical transmission facilities and equipment used to convey electricity from an electrical generation facility or energy storage system to the electrical distribution system or transmission-voltage load.

(f) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2028, and as of that date is repealed.

electrical transmission infrastructure infrastructure planning permitting processes guidebook development Public Utilities Commission Independent System Operator stakeholder input public comment California Environmental Quality Act National Environmental Policy Act federal permitting roles and responsibilities coordination with federal agencies infrastructure development stages timelines for planning and permitting

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 390, Sec. 2. (SB 319) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, by its own provisions.)

Section § 25310

This section is about improving energy efficiency and reducing energy demand in California. It details how the state will estimate and set goals for reducing electricity and natural gas use through efficiency programs. By 2030, the goal is to double energy efficiency savings compared to 2015 levels. This effort involves cooperation between the state's commission, the Public Utilities Commission, and local utilities, involving public input. The section outlines a variety of programs to achieve these goals, ranging from appliance standards to incentives for using cleaner fuels. Progress is tracked and reported every two years, with special strategies for helping disadvantaged communities.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “End use” means the purpose for which energy is used, including, but not limited to, heating, cooling, or lighting, or class of energy uses upon which an energy efficiency program is focused, typically categorized by equipment purpose, equipment energy use intensity, or building type.

(2) “Energy efficiency savings” means reduced electricity or natural gas usage produced either by the installation of an energy efficiency measure or the adoption of an energy efficiency practice that maintains at least the same level of end-use service or by conservation actions that reduce energy use by reducing the quantity of baseline energy services demanded.

(b) On or before November 1, 2007, and by November 1 of every third year thereafter, the commission in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission and local publicly owned electric utilities, in a public process that allows input from other stakeholders, shall develop a statewide estimate of all potentially achievable cost-effective electricity and natural gas efficiency savings and establish targets for statewide annual energy efficiency savings and demand reduction for the next 10-year period. The commission shall base its estimate at least in part on information developed pursuant to Sections 454.55, 454.56, 715, 9505, 9615, and 9615.5 of the Public Utilities Code. The commission shall, for each electrical corporation and each gas corporation, include in the integrated energy policy report, a comparison of the public utility’s annual targets established pursuant to Sections 454.55 and 454.56, and the public utility’s actual energy efficiency savings and demand reductions.

(c)

(1) On or before November 1, 2017, the commission, in collaboration with the Public Utilities Commission and local publicly owned electric utilities, in a public process that allows input from other stakeholders, shall establish annual targets for statewide energy efficiency savings and demand reduction that will achieve a cumulative doubling of statewide energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas final end uses of retail customers by January 1, 2030. The commission shall base the targets on a doubling of the midcase estimate of additional achievable energy efficiency savings, as contained in the California Energy Demand Updated Forecast, 2015-2025, adopted by the commission, extended to 2030 using an average annual growth rate, and the targets adopted by local publicly owned electric utilities pursuant to Section 9505 of the Public Utilities Code, extended to 2030 using an average annual growth rate, to the extent doing so is cost effective, feasible, and will not adversely impact public health and safety.

(2) The commission may establish targets for the purposes of paragraph (1) that aggregate energy efficiency savings from both electricity and natural gas final end uses. Before establishing aggregate targets, the commission shall, in a public process that allows input from other stakeholders, adopt a methodology for aggregating electricity and natural gas final end-use energy efficiency savings in a consistent manner based on source of energy reduction and other relevant factors.

(3) In establishing the targets pursuant to paragraph (1), the commission shall assess the hourly and seasonal impact on statewide and local electricity demand.

(4) In assessing the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency savings for the purposes of paragraph (1), the commission and the Public Utilities Commission shall consider the results of energy efficiency potential studies that are not restricted by previous levels of utility energy efficiency savings.

(5) The energy efficiency savings and demand reduction reported for the purposes of achieving the targets established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be measured taking into consideration the overall reduction in normalized metered electricity and natural gas consumption where these measurement techniques are feasible and cost effective.

(d) The targets established in subdivision (c) may be achieved through energy efficiency savings and demand reduction resulting from a variety of programs that include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Appliance and building energy efficiency standards developed and adopted pursuant to Section 25402.

(2) A comprehensive program to achieve greater energy efficiency savings in California’s existing residential and nonresidential building stock pursuant to Section 25943.

(3) Programs funded and authorized pursuant to the California Clean Energy Job Creation Act (Division 16.3 (commencing with Section 26200)).

(4) Programs funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund established pursuant to Section 16428.8 of the Government Code.

(5) Programs funded and authorized pursuant to this division.

(6) Programs of electrical or gas corporations, or community choice aggregators, that provide financial incentives, rebates, technical assistance, and support to their customers to increase energy efficiency, authorized by the Public Utilities Commission.

(7) Programs of local publicly owned electric utilities that provide financial incentives, rebates, technical assistance, and support to their customers to increase energy efficiency pursuant to Section 385 of the Public Utilities Code.

(8) Programs of electrical or gas corporations, local publicly owned electric utilities, or community choice aggregators, that achieve energy efficiency savings through operational, behavioral, and retrocommissioning activities.

(9) Programs that save energy in final end uses by reducing distribution feeder service voltage, known as conservation voltage reduction.

(10) Programs that save energy in final end uses by using cleaner fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as measured on a lifecycle basis from the provision of energy services.

(11) Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs.

(e) Beginning with the 2019 edition of the integrated energy policy report and every two years thereafter, the commission shall provide recommendations and an update on progress toward achieving a doubling of energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas final end uses of retail customers by January 1, 2030, pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c). The commission shall also include with the recommendations and update both of the following:

(1) An assessment of the effect of energy efficiency savings on electricity demand statewide, in local service territories, and on an hourly and seasonal basis.

(2) Specific strategies for, and an update on, progress toward maximizing the contribution of energy efficiency savings in disadvantaged communities identified pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code.

energy efficiency electricity savings natural gas usage demand reduction public utilities cost-effective savings energy efficiency programs California Energy Demand Forecast targets for 2030 midcase estimate energy savings methodologies appliance standards building energy efficiency disadvantaged communities doubling energy efficiency

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 547, Sec. 6. (SB 350) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Section § 25311

The Natural Resources Agency, alongside the commission and the Department of Water Resources, is responsible for evaluating possible operational and structural improvements to the State Water Resources Development System. This evaluation aims to help California meet its climate and energy goals without disturbing the system's primary functions. The Agency must provide recommendations and a timeline for potentially implementing these improvements. The recommendations should include possible funding sources if they align with the objectives. Findings are to be shared with the Legislature's policy committees by January 1, 2022. The law is set to be repealed on January 1, 2026.

(a) The Natural Resources Agency, in collaboration with the commission and the Department of Water Resources, shall assess the opportunities and constraints for potential operational and structural upgrades to the State Water Resources Development System to aid California in achieving its climate and energy goals and shall provide associated recommendations consistent with the purposes described in Section 11125 of the Water Code and California’s energy goals. The assessment shall include an examination of the system’s actual and potential contributions to the achievement of the state’s climate goals without impacting the system’s purposes. The assessment shall include a timeline for the possible implementation of its recommendations that could assist California in achieving its statewide climate and energy goals. To the extent the recommendations benefit statewide energy goals and are consistent with the system’s purposes, the assessment shall also provide recommendations for state, federal, and other applicable funding sources.

(b)

(1) The assessment and recommendations shall be provided to the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature before January 1, 2022.

(2) The assessment and recommendations to be submitted pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(3) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, this section is repealed on January 1, 2026.

Natural Resources Agency State Water Resources Development System operational upgrades structural upgrades climate goals energy goals California energy goals funding sources assessment timeline Legislature policy committees section repeal Water Code Section 11125 Government Code Section 9795 Government Code Section 10231.5 statewide climate goals

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 697, Sec. 1. (SB 49) Effective January 1, 2020. Repealed as of January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)

Section § 25320

This section requires the commission to manage a data collection system to gather information needed for energy policy reports and analyses. The commission should gather data efficiently from stakeholders, avoiding unnecessary duplication and minimizing burdens on participants. The information collection should align with the schedules of existing energy policy reports.

The collected data should be relevant, with efforts made to use estimates or proxies when appropriate to reduce stakeholder burden. This system must specify data requirements for various energy-related market participants, including electricity, natural gas, nonpetroleum fuels, and petroleum fuels. The commission may use voluntary consumer surveys to gather additional insights on energy use.

(a) The commission shall manage a data collection system for obtaining information necessary to develop the policy reports and analyses required by Sections 25301 to 25307, inclusive, the energy shortage contingency planning efforts in Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 25700), and to support other duties of the commission.

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that information needed to support the energy policy analysis developed by the commission is obtained from stakeholders in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

(2) The commission is encouraged to do all of the following with respect to its data collection:

(A) Align the collection of data to be consistent with the schedule of the integrated energy policy report, to the extent practical.

(B) Eliminate unneeded and duplicative data submittals from stakeholders.

(C) Give full consideration to the potential burdens these data requests impose on the resources of the stakeholders whose information is being requested.

(b) The data collection system, adopted by regulation under Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and managed by the commission shall:

(1) Include a timetable for the submission of this information, so that the integrated energy policy report required by Section 25302 can be completed in an accurate and timely manner. The commission is encouraged to align its timetable with the schedule of the integrated energy policy report, to the extent practical.

(2) Require a person to submit only information that is necessary to the development of the integrated energy policy report and analyses, and that the person can either be expected to acquire through their market activities, or possesses or controls. Information collected pursuant to this section shall relate to the functional role of each category of market participant in that industry and the consumers within that industry.

(3) To the extent it satisfies the information needs of the commission, rely on the use of estimates and proxies, to the maximum extent practicable, for some data elements using survey and research techniques, while for other information it shall obtain data from market participants using submissions consistent with their accounting records. In determining whether to rely on estimates or participant-provided data, the commission shall weigh the burden of compliance on industry participants and energy consumers against the benefit of participant-provided data for the public interest.

(4) To the extent it satisfies the information needs of the commission, rely on data, to the maximum extent practicable, that is reported to other government agencies or is otherwise available to the commission.

(c) Pursuant to the requirements of subdivision (b), the data collection system for electricity and natural gas shall enumerate specific requirements for each category of market participants, including, but not limited to, private market participants, energy service providers, energy service companies, natural gas marketers, electric utility and natural gas utility companies, independent generators, electric transmission entities, natural gas producers, natural gas pipeline operators, importers and exporters of electricity and natural gas, and specialized electric or natural gas system operators. The commission may also collect information about consumers’ natural gas and electricity use from their voluntary participation in surveys and other research techniques.

(d) Pursuant to the requirements of subdivision (b), the data collection system for nonpetroleum fuels and transportation technologies shall enumerate specific requirements for each category of market participant, including, but not limited to, fuel importers and exporters, fuel distributors and retailers, fuel pipeline operators, natural gas liquid producers, and transportation technology providers. The commission may also collect information about consumers’ nonpetroleum fuel and transportation technology use from their voluntary participation in surveys and other research techniques.

(e) The commission shall collect data for petroleum fuel pursuant to Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 25350). The commission may also collect information about consumers’ petroleum fuel use from consumers’ participation in surveys and other research techniques.

data collection energy policy stakeholders integrated energy policy report market participants energy analysis information gathering electricity and natural gas petroleum fuels energy consumers efficiency estimates and proxies government agencies burden of compliance consumer surveys

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 353, Sec. 13. (AB 1533) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Section § 25321

This law mandates that people or companies comply with a data collection system. If they don't, the commission will notify them of their violation. If they still fail to comply after five days, they could face a fine of $500 to $2,000 for each day and each type of data they didn't provide. If someone knowingly provides false information, they also face similar fines for every day the information is overdue until it's corrected. These rules apply to individuals and corporate officers, and different rules may apply for petroleum and other fuels, as specified in another section.

In order to ensure timely and accurate compliance with the data collection system adopted under Section 25320, the commission may use any of the following enforcement measures:

(a) If any person fails to comply with an applicable provision of the data collection system, the commission shall notify the person. If, after five working days from being notified of the violation, the person continues to fail to comply, the person shall be subject to a civil penalty, to be imposed by the commission after a hearing that complies with constitutional requirements.

(1) The civil penalty shall not be less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each category of data the person did not provide and for each day the violation has existed and continues to exist.

(2) In the case of a person who willfully makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any record, report, plan, or other document filed with the commission, the civil penalty shall not be less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) per day applied to each day in the interval between the original due date and the date when corrected information is submitted.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “person” means, in addition to the definition contained in Section 25116, any responsible corporate officer.

(c) Enforcement measures for petroleum and other fuels shall be those contained in Section 25362.

data collection compliance civil penalties false reporting fines corporate officers responsibility timely data submission enforcement measures petroleum data enforcement fuel data compliance compliance notification constitutional hearing fines for non-compliance false statement penalty corporate data violation daily fines data system enforcement

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 25322

This section outlines rules on how information collected by the commission must be kept confidential. Individuals or entities can request their information be kept confidential if it fits certain criteria, like being exempt under the California Public Records Act or if keeping it private serves the public interest more than disclosing it does. The commission can also label certain information categories as confidential without needing a specific request.

If someone asks for the release of this confidential information, the commission will provide an explanation for keeping it private and outline the process for seeking disclosure. If contested, the commission must rule on the request within 20 days. If they decide to disclose, they'll give the information provider 14 days to seek judicial review.

Information isn’t confidential if the one who provided it made it public. The commission must also implement security measures to protect this data, limits access to employees who need it, and ensures all involved sign non-disclosure agreements. Finally, data on petroleum fuels are also subject to confidentiality rules in other specified sections.

(a) The data collection system managed pursuant to Section 25320 shall include the following requirements regarding the confidentiality of the information collected by the commission:

(1) Any person required to present information to the commission pursuant to this section may request that specific information be held in confidence. The commission shall grant the request in any of the following circumstances:

(A) The information is exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act, Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code.

(B) The information satisfies the confidentiality requirements of Article 2 (commencing with Section 2501) of Chapter 7 of Division 2 of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations, as those regulations existed on January 1, 2002.

(C) On the facts of the particular case, the public interest served by not disclosing the information clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the information.

(2) The commission may, by regulation, designate certain categories of information as confidential, which removes the obligation to request confidentiality for that information.

(3) Any confidential information pertinent to the responsibilities of the commission specified in this chapter that is obtained by another state agency, or the California Independent System Operator or its successor, shall be available to the commission and shall be treated in a confidential manner.

(4) Information presented to or developed by the commission and deemed confidential pursuant to this section shall be held in confidence by the commission. Confidential information shall be aggregated or masked to the extent necessary to ensure confidentiality if public disclosure of the specific information would result in an unfair competitive disadvantage to the person supplying the information.

(b) Requests for records of information shall be handled as follows:

(1) If the commission receives a written request to publicly disclose information that is being held in confidence pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (a), the commission shall provide the person making the request with written justification for the confidential designation and a description of the process to seek disclosure.

(2) If the commission receives a written request to publicly disclose a disaggregated or unmasked record of information designated as confidential under paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (a), notice of the request shall be provided to the person that submitted the record. Upon receipt of the notice, the person that submitted the record may, within five working days of receipt of the notice, provide a written justification of the claim of confidentiality.

(3) The commission or its designee shall rule on a request made pursuant to paragraph (2) on or before 20 working days after its receipt. The commission shall deny the request if the disclosure will result in an unfair competitive disadvantage to the person that submitted the information.

(4) If the commission grants the request pursuant to paragraph (3), it shall withhold disclosure for a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 14 working days, to allow the submitter of the information to seek judicial review.

(c) No information submitted to the commission pursuant to this section is confidential if the person submitting the information has made it public.

(d) The commission shall establish, maintain, and use appropriate security practices and procedures to ensure that the information it has designated as confidential, or received with a confidential designation from another government agency, is protected against disclosure other than that authorized using the procedures in subdivision (b). The commission shall incorporate the following elements into its security practices and procedures:

(1) Commission employees shall sign a confidential data disclosure agreement providing for various remedies, including, but not limited to, fines and termination for wrongful disclosure of confidential information.

(2) Commission employees, or contract employees of the commission, shall only have access to confidential information when it is appropriate to their job assignments and if they have signed a nondisclosure agreement.

(3) Computer data systems that hold confidential information shall include sufficient security measures to protect the data from inadvertent or wrongful access by unauthorized commission employees and the public.

(e) Data collected by the commission on petroleum fuels in Section 25320 shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of Sections 25364 to 25366, inclusive.

confidentiality data security California Public Records Act disclosure process non-disclosure agreement public interest unfair competitive disadvantage confidential designation judicial review security practices information access data protection petroleum fuel data confidential information government agency data

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 384. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.)

Section § 25323

This law makes it clear that the commission is not allowed to dictate a specific supply plan for any utility while performing its duties like analysis, planning, siting, or certification.

Nothing in this division shall authorize the commission in the performance of its analytical, planning, siting, or certification responsibilities to mandate a specified supply plan for any utility.

commission responsibilities utilities supply plan planning authority limitations siting responsibilities certification duties analytical responsibilities utility regulation limits supply plan mandate prohibition energy commission powers utility management autonomy

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 25324

This section requires a strategic plan for improving California's electric transmission grid. The commission, along with various stakeholders, will identify necessary investments to ensure reliable energy, reduce congestion, and accommodate growth in energy demand and renewable resources. The plan will also consider energy efficiency and demand reduction measures and be included in the state's energy policy report.

The commission, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, the California Independent System Operator, transmission owners, users, and consumers, shall adopt a strategic plan for the state’s electric transmission grid using existing resources. The strategic plan shall identify and recommend actions required to implement investments needed to ensure reliability, relieve congestion, and meet future growth in load and generation, including, but not limited to, renewable resources, energy efficiency, and other demand reduction measures. The plan shall be included in the integrated energy policy report adopted on November 1, 2005, pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 25302.

electric transmission grid strategic plan reliability congestion relief future energy growth renewable resources energy efficiency demand reduction transmission grid investments California Independent System Operator stakeholder consultation integrated energy policy report energy policy energy load growth

(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 692, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

Section § 25326

This law requires a commission to conduct public hearings to find out what problems are preventing the purchase of biomethane in California. The commission must address these issues in their energy policy report. Biomethane here refers to biogas that meets certain safety standards so it can be pumped into the main gas pipelines.

(a) The commission shall hold public hearings to identify impediments that limit procurement of biomethane in California, including, but not limited to, impediments to interconnection. The commission shall offer solutions to those impediments as part of the integrated energy policy report prepared pursuant to Section 25302.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “biomethane” means biogas that meets the standards adopted pursuant to subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 25421 of the Health and Safety Code for injection into a common carrier pipeline.

biomethane procurement biomethane impediments public hearings biogas standards pipeline interconnection energy policy report biomethane solutions renewable gas standards common carrier pipeline biogas injection California energy policy biogas procurement challenges integrated energy policy biomethane interconnection challenges Section 25421 standards

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 602, Sec. 4. (AB 1900) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Section § 25327

This law outlines the need to study barriers preventing low-income and disadvantaged communities in California from accessing solar energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation options.

It highlights a lack of information and understanding regarding these issues and mandates the commission, along with the State Air Resources Board and input from agencies and the public, to conduct studies and publish findings by January 1, 2017. These studies aim to identify barriers and propose solutions to improve access to these resources and opportunities for small businesses in these communities.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) There is insufficient information available to fully realize the potential of solar photovoltaic energy generation to serve low-income customers, including those in disadvantaged communities.

(2) There is insufficient understanding of the barriers to access for low-income customers to all forms of renewable energy being generated in the state.

(3) There is insufficient understanding of the barriers to access for low-income customers to energy efficiency investments.

(4) There is insufficient understanding of the barriers to access for low-income customers to zero-emission and near-zero-emission transportation options.

(b) On or before January 1, 2017, the commission, with input from relevant state agencies and the public, shall conduct and complete a study on both of the following:

(1) Barriers to, and opportunities for, solar photovoltaic energy generation as well as barriers to, and opportunities for, access to other renewable energy by low-income customers.

(2) Barriers to contracting opportunities for local small businesses in disadvantaged communities.

(c) On or before January 1, 2017, the commission, with input from relevant state agencies and the public, shall develop and publish a study on barriers for low-income customers to energy efficiency and weatherization investments, including those in disadvantaged communities, as well as recommendations on how to increase access to energy efficiency and weatherization investments to low-income customers.

(d) On or before January 1, 2017, the State Air Resources Board, in consultation with the commission and with input from relevant state agencies and the public, shall develop and publish a study on barriers for low-income customers to zero-emission and near-zero-emission transportation options, including those in disadvantaged communities, as well as recommendations on how to increase access to zero-emission and near-zero-emission transportation options to low-income customers, including those in disadvantaged communities.

solar photovoltaic energy low-income access renewable energy barriers energy efficiency weatherization investments zero-emission transportation near-zero-emission transportation disadvantaged communities small business opportunities accessibility barriers public input energy investments transportation options commission studies State Air Resources Board

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 547, Sec. 7. (SB 350) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Section § 25328

This law aims to support California's goal of having all new passenger vehicles be zero-emission by 2035, and the same for medium and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045, where feasible. It requires the collection and sharing of data on vehicle fleets regarding their size, type, location, and energy needs, specifically for those regulated by the State Air Resources Board. This data will be used to help plan the electrical grid, ensuring there is enough capacity for charging zero-emission vehicles. The law emphasizes privacy, stating that such data cannot be disclosed to third parties and must comply with existing public utilities privacy laws. Furthermore, it ensures that fleet operators do not face new or duplicate reporting requirements.

(a) In order to achieve the state’s goal of reaching 100 percent zero-emission vehicles for new passenger vehicles sales by 2035 and for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles everywhere feasible by 2045, it is the intent of the Legislature to advance zero-emission infrastructure deployment.

(b) The commission, in collaboration with the State Air Resources Board, the Public Utilities Commission, and other relevant stakeholders, shall do both of the following:

(1) Annually gather entities’ fleet data from state agencies that already collect fleet data, including, but not limited to, data collected by the State Air Resources Board pursuant to its zero-emission vehicle regulations, and vehicle registration data collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles, to the extent that such data is collected by state agencies at the time. The data collected from state agencies pursuant to this paragraph shall encompass fleet data for on-road and off-road vehicles in the medium- and heavy-duty sectors of only those entities that are subject to the regulations of the State Air Resources Board, and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following data:

(A) The total vehicle fleet or equipment size and composition, including each vehicle’s fuel type, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell.

(B) The physical address of the fleet’s location.

(C) Information that would allow the electrical corporation or local publicly owned electric utility to estimate the total anticipated charging capacity at each fleet location.

(2) Enter into data sharing agreements with state agencies, as necessary, to facilitate the gathering of data pursuant to this section.

(c) The commission shall share the data gathered pursuant to subdivision (b) with electrical corporations and local publicly owned electric utilities to help inform electrical grid planning efforts.

(d) For data shared pursuant to subdivision (c), an electrical corporation or local publicly owned utility shall not disclose information protected pursuant to Sections 8380 and 8381 of the Public Utilities Code.

(e) For data shared pursuant to subdivision (c), an electrical corporation or local publicly owned utility shall not disclose the data to third parties for any purpose.

(f) The commission’s data collection pursuant to this section is not intended to create any new or duplicate reporting requirements on behalf of fleet operators.

zero-emission vehicles fleet data vehicle registration medium-duty vehicles heavy-duty vehicles electric grid planning charging capacity data sharing agreements zero-emission infrastructure vehicle fleets State Air Resources Board Public Utilities Commission privacy regulations third-party data restriction duplicate reporting avoidance

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 354, Sec. 2. (AB 2700) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Energy Conservation And Development

Chapter 4Integrated Energy Policy Reporting

Section § 25300

Section § 25301

Section § 25302

Section § 25302.4

Section § 25302.5

Section § 25302.6

Section § 25302.7

Section § 25303

Section § 25303.5

Section § 25304

Section § 25305

Section § 25305.1

Section § 25305.2

Section § 25305.5

Section § 25306

Section § 25307

Section § 25308

Section § 25308.5

Section § 25310

Section § 25311

Section § 25320

Section § 25321

Section § 25322

Section § 25323

Section § 25324

Section § 25326

Section § 25327

Section § 25328

Struggling to fill out your Divorce Forms?

COMPANY

WHAT YOU CAN DO

RESOURCES

FOLLOW US

ARTICLES