BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 2137 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 21, 2014 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 2137 (Quirk) - As Amended: May 15, 2014 Policy Committee: Utilities and Commerce Vote: 12-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill requires the Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) post information regarding demandside energy management programs available to small businesses in California on its internet website. This bill also requires the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to revise the Energy Upgrade California's website to include demandside management programs for nonresidential customers, with an emphasis on small business. FISCAL EFFECT 1)One-time costs of $50,000 for GO-Biz . 2)Minor, absorbable costs for the CEC and PUC. COMMENTS 1)Purpose. According to the author, the state has not yet developed a comprehensive outreach program for small businesses even though funds are being invested in energy efficiency upgrade and outreach programs across the state. Helping small businesses become more energy efficient can help California reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in our most impacted communities. 2)Background. OSBA resides within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and advocates for California's small business community. OSBA staff provide AB 2137 Page 2 assistance to the state's small business community on issues ranging from regulations to procurement. Depending on the issue, staff can refer small businesses to appropriate contacts in state government, business, and service organizations. OSBA staff also serve on various state interagency working groups and task forces to represent small business interests in state legislation, policy, and procedures. The PUC, in consultation with the CEC, is required to identify all potentially achievable cost-effective electricity and natural gas efficiency savings and establish efficiency targets. Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081