Public utilities: ratesetting proceedings: local publicly owned electric utilities: California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program.

Assembly Member Patterson's proposal to modify California's utility regulations would establish new requirements for rate-setting proceedings and extend renewable energy procurement rules. The legislation prohibits the Public Utilities Commission from using consent calendars for rate changes by large electrical corporations and mandates 30-minute public comment periods before votes on rate adjustments, unless insufficient speakers are present.

The bill also clarifies renewable energy procurement requirements for local publicly owned utilities, particularly regarding compliance periods beyond 2030. Under current law, utilities receiving more than 40% of retail sales from large hydroelectric generation through pre-2018 agreements have modified procurement obligations. The new provisions would extend this accommodation to future compliance periods established by the Energy Commission, while maintaining the requirement that utilities procure at least 60% of retail sales from renewable sources after 2030.

For implementation, the Public Utilities Commission must enhance its online transparency by publishing meeting agendas, related documents, and decisions on its website concurrent with public availability. The Energy Commission retains authority to establish and enforce procurement requirements, with the State Air Resources Board authorized to levy penalties for non-compliance that would fund local emissions reduction efforts.