Voltage changes: consumer protection: study and report.

Senator Hurtado's voltage protection legislation directs the California Public Utilities Commission to expand its oversight of electrical service disruptions through enhanced reporting requirements and a comprehensive study of voltage-related incidents affecting utility customers.

The bill modifies existing annual reporting mandates to include detailed tracking of voltage incidents that damage customer equipment. Reports must specify the number of incidents causing significant equipment damage, claims submitted by affected customers, and the total value of resolved claims. For investigations remaining open 12 months or longer after a claim is filed, the Commission must explain the extended timeline.

A centerpiece of the legislation requires the Commission to conduct a wide-ranging study by July 2026 examining voltage-related service problems across utility territories. The study must analyze the frequency and geographic distribution of significant voltage changes, evaluate impacts across residential, commercial and industrial customers, and assess utility companies' claim procedures and response protocols. The Commission must pay particular attention to whether current consumer protections adequately serve limited English proficiency, low-income, and medically vulnerable populations. Findings and recommendations from the study are due to the Legislature by July 2027.

The bill classifies violations of Commission directives implementing these requirements as criminal offenses under existing utility regulations. While this creates a state-mandated local program, the legislation specifies that no state reimbursement is required for associated local costs.