Sets deadlines for utilities to connect new projects

Existing law authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to establish an expedited distribution grid interconnection dispute resolution process with the goal of resolving disputes over interconnection applications within the jurisdiction of the commission in no more than 60 days from the time the dispute is formally brought to the commission.

This bill would require the commission, on or before September 30, 2024, to establish maximum energization time periods by when an electrical corporation would be required to energize a development project, including the maximum time period for the energization ready phase of a project. The bill would require an electrical corporation to energize a development project with the electrical corporation’s electrical distribution grid within the maximum energization time period established by the commission, after receiving a notification from a development project applicant that the development project is energization ready, as defined. The bill would specify that the maximum energization time period established by the commission does not apply if an issue specific to the development project or the project site arises that would prevent the electrical corporation from safely completing the energization within that time period and would require the electrical corporation to work with the development project applicant to establish an alternative time period. The bill would require each electrical corporation to annually report to the commission the number of applications for energization with the electrical corporation’s distribution grid and the time period in which the electrical corporation energizes the development project with its electrical distribution grid after the electrical corporation was notified that the development project was energization ready. The bill would require an electrical corporation to compensate a development project applicant for failing to meet the maximum energization time period described above or the alternative time period, as specified. The bill would require the commission to arbitrate any dispute related to the claim for compensation.

Under existing law, a violation of an order, decision, rule, direction, demand, or requirement of the commission is a crime.

Because a violation of an order or decision of the commission implementing the above-described requirement would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.