Net energy metering: construction of renewable electrical generation facilities: public works project requirements.

Assembly Member Pellerin's proposal modifies California's regulations for renewable energy facilities participating in net energy metering (NEM) programs by redefining contractor oversight requirements and facility eligibility criteria. The legislation amends how public works requirements apply to entities that engage contractors for constructing renewable electrical generation facilities and associated battery storage systems.

Under the amended framework, entities hiring contractors for renewable energy projects would not be classified as "awarding bodies," exempting them from certain public works obligations while maintaining worker protection measures. The bill preserves requirements for contractors to pay prevailing wages and maintain detailed payroll records but creates a path for facilities to retain NEM program eligibility after contractor violations by making restitution to affected workers and paying associated penalties.

The amendments establish specific exemptions for residential installations under 15 kilowatts, single-family homes, and projects serving modular homes or low-rise multi-unit housing. Large electrical corporations must incorporate these modified requirements into their standard contracts and tariffs for net energy metering programs. The legislation maintains existing enforcement mechanisms through the Labor Commissioner, worker complaints, and joint labor-management committee actions, while adjusting how violations affect a facility's participation in NEM programs.