State Legislation Affecting Community Choice

In April, Local Clean Energy Alliance called on advocates to take action on two critical state senate bills—SB 692 and SB 618—that would have a major impact on Community Choice energy in California.

Good news on SB 692 - Fix Transmission Access Charges: On April 4, the Senate Energy, Utilities, & Communications Committee voted 8-2 to approve SB 692, which would level the playing field for local renewable energy projects by ensuring the proper allocation of transmission access charges to Community Choice energy programs based on their actual usage of transmission lines. This bill will move to the Senate floor in the next month or so.

Decent news on SB 618 - The Community Choice Killer: SB 618 would have tied the hands of Community Choice programs by putting approval of their integrated resource plans in the hands of the California Public Utilities Commission, a body that has historically acted against Community Choice energy programs in the interest of investor-owned utilities. Following significant pushback from Community Choice advocates, including California Alliance for Community Energy (statewide coalition led by Local Clean Energy Alliance), CalCCA (business association of existing Community Choice energy programs), and others, author Senator Bradford agreed to remove the language requiring CPUC “approval” of the integrated resource plans. With this amendment—and the assurance that any further changes would bring the bill back to the committee—the Senate Energy, Utilities, & Communications Committee voted unanimously on April 18 to move SB 618 forward.

While the amended language removes the immediate threat of hamstringing Community Choice programs, it leaves the door dangerously open for future amendments to revert the bill to its initial intent. Local Clean Energy Alliance continues to oppose the bill for this reason.