BILL NUMBER: SB 1728	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Torlakson

                        FEBRUARY 22, 2008

   An act to add Section 379.8 to the Public Utilities Code, relating
to energy conservation and efficiency, and declaring the urgency
thereof, to take effect immediately.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1728, as introduced, Torlakson. Energy efficiency: energy
storage: peak demand.
   Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has
regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical
corporations. The Public Utilities Act requires the PUC, on or before
March 7, 2001, in consultation with the Independent System Operator
and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development
Commission, to adopt energy conservation demand-side management and
other initiatives in order to reduce demand for electricity and
reduce the load during peak demand periods. Under the act, the PUC is
required to report to the Legislature by July 15, 2009, and
triennially thereafter, on the energy efficiency and conservation
programs overseen by the commission.
   This bill would make legislative findings and declarations
relating to energy conservation and efficiency, including, but not
limited to, moving peak electricity demand from afternoon and early
evening hours to night and early morning hours.
   This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as
an urgency statute.
   Vote: 2/3. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated
local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 379.8 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   379.8.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
   (a) The fastest growing part of the load on this state's
electricity system is the afternoon and early evening peak demand on
the system, which is driven largely by air-conditioning.
   (b) Increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from
powerplants that use fossil fuels have generated significant
community concern over adverse public health and environmental
impacts.
   (c) It is imperative that publicly owned utilities and
investor-owned utilities be encouraged, and, where appropriate,
required, to aggressively pursue and implement permanent peak load
shifting and energy storage technologies to move peak demand to the
night and early morning hours, in addition to all economic energy
efficiency measures and renewable technologies.
  SEC. 2.  This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the
meaning of Article IV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate
effect. The facts constituting the necessity are:
   In order to address the adverse effects of peak electricity demand
on public health and the environment as soon as possible, it is
necessary for this act to take effect immediately.