This section simply states that the act is officially named the Public Utilities Code.

This law section says that if any parts of this code are very similar to existing laws about the same topic, they should be understood as a continuation of those laws, not as entirely new laws.

This law states that any legal actions or rights established before this code began are not changed by the new code. However, any future legal processes in these cases should follow the rules of the new code whenever possible.

This section explains that unless there's a specific reason to interpret it differently, the meanings and rules laid out in Sections 1 to 22 and definitions in the Public Utilities Act will be used to understand this code.

This section explains that when a public officer is given certain powers or responsibilities, they can allow a deputy or another legally authorized person to carry out those powers or duties unless a specific law says otherwise.

This section defines 'writing' as any recorded message that can be easily understood by sight. It specifies that any notice, report, or document required by this code should be written in English unless explicitly stated otherwise. It also clarifies that if a notice needs to be sent via registered mail, sending it by certified mail is considered compliant with the law.

This law says that when a specific part of this code or any other California law is mentioned, it includes any changes or additions that have been or will be made to it.

This section defines two terms. A "Section" refers to a section within this particular legal code unless another law is specified. A "Subdivision" refers to a specific part within the same section unless another section is clearly mentioned.

This law means that when reading legal texts, words in one tense can also apply to actions or situations in the past or future. So, if something is written in the present tense, it might also refer to past and future events, and vice versa.

This section states that whenever a law refers to men, it also includes women and other gender-neutral categories. In other words, any legal terms traditionally using male pronouns or descriptions should be interpreted to apply to all genders.

This law clarifies that when California legal language mentions a 'spouse,' it also means a 'registered domestic partner,' ensuring equal treatment under the law.

This rule means that if a law uses a word in its singular form, it also applies to multiple things, and vice versa. Basically, don't worry too much about whether the word is for one thing or many; it should cover both situations.

This legal section clarifies the meaning of two words often used in laws. "Shall" means you must do something, while "may" means you have the option to do it but it's not required.

This section explains that in the context of this law, whenever someone refers to an 'oath,' it also covers affirmations. This means both sworn oaths and solemn affirmations are considered equivalent.

A "signature" or "subscription" can include a simple mark if someone can't write. In that case, a witness must write the person's name near the mark and add their own name. For the mark to be acknowledged as a signature on a sworn statement, two witnesses need to sign their names next to it.

This law clarifies that when you come across the term "county" in this context, it also covers both individual cities and combined city-counties.

This section defines the term "city" to mean both cities and counties, as well as incorporated towns. However, it explicitly excludes unincorporated towns and villages from this definition.

This law section defines two key terms: The "Commission" refers to the Public Utilities Commission, which is established by California's Constitution. A "commissioner" is a member of this Commission. Additionally, the "Energy Commission" is the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission.

This law section defines "recycled water" or "reclaimed water" to mean the same thing as the definition provided in a specific part of the Water Code.

This law says that if any part of this code is found to be invalid or unenforceable in a specific situation or for a specific person, it doesn't mean the entire code is invalid. The rest of the code will still apply to other situations and people.

This law states that any corporation formed before January 1, 1873, is not impacted by Division 4 of the current code unless the corporation chooses to operate under this new code or the repealed Civil Code. These corporations continue to follow the original laws they were created under, even if those laws have since been repealed.