Data centers: energy usage reporting and efficiency standards: electricity rates.

Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan's data center energy reporting legislation establishes new transparency requirements for artificial intelligence developers and data centers while expanding regulatory oversight of associated utility costs. The bill requires developers of large AI models to publicly report both development and operational energy consumption, including the percentage of power generated within California.

Data centers must now provide the California Energy Commission with operational details including physical locations, contact information, and website addresses. The Commission must incorporate data center energy consumption patterns into its integrated energy policy reports. These reporting mandates apply to facilities with energy demands of at least 5 megawatts that house computer equipment exceeding specific power density thresholds.

The Public Utilities Commission gains new authority over cost recovery applications related to data center construction or major modifications. When reviewing these applications, the Commission must determine whether costs are reasonable and minimize shifting expenses to ratepayers who do not directly benefit from the facilities. The legislation defines covered AI models as those developed using more than 10^25 computing operations.

Implementation timelines require AI developers to assess and publish energy data before commercial deployment or third-party access, with annual reporting beginning February 2027. The energy usage information must remain publicly accessible at no cost and be presented in a format comprehensible to individuals with ordinary cognitive abilities.