BILL NUMBER: AB 2672	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Perea

                        FEBRUARY 21, 2014

   An act to add Section 783.5 to the Public Utilities Code, relating
to energy.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 2672, as introduced, Perea. Gas: extension of service:
disadvantaged communities.
    Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has
regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical and
gas corporations, as defined. Existing law authorizes the commission
to fix the rates and charges for every public utility, and requires
that those rates and charges be just and reasonable.  Existing law
requires the commission to establish various programs that provide
assistance to low-income electric and gas customers.
   This bill would require the commission to develop a program,
through an existing or new proceeding, to enable disadvantaged
communities in the San Joaquin Valley to finance the cost of
extending natural gas service within those communities. The bill
would impose specified requirements on a gas corporation that
provides natural gas service in the San Joaquin Valley in connection
with the program. The bill would require the commission to identify
potential sources of funds that may be allocated to the program to
reduce the cost to disadvantaged communities of extending gas service
under the program.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


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

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares the following:
   (a) Many low-income communities throughout California lack access
to natural gas lines.
   (b) Increasing access to natural gas can improve the health,
safety, and financial security of these communities.
   (c) Increasing access to natural gas has the potential of
improving energy affordability and air quality.
  SEC. 2.  Section 783.5 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   783.5.  (a) The commission shall develop a program, through an
existing or new proceeding, to enable disadvantaged communities in
the San Joaquin Valley to finance the cost of extending natural gas
service within those communities.
   (b) The commission shall require a gas corporation that provides
natural gas service in the San Joaquin Valley to do the following:
   (1) Identify disadvantaged communities in the San Joaquin Valley
that do not have gas service.
   (2) Assess the cost of extending gas lines to disadvantaged
communities.
   (3) Work with disadvantaged communities and local agencies that
desire gas service to develop and implement a financing plan to
provide gas service to those disadvantaged communities.
   (c) The commission shall identify potential sources of funds
available for the program, including funds from ratepayers within
each disadvantaged community desiring gas service, funds generated
from the surcharge imposed on natural gas pursuant to Section 890, or
any other sources of funds that may be allocated to the program to
reduce the cost to disadvantaged communities of extending gas service
under the program.