BILL ANALYSIS
SB 626
Page 1
Date of Hearing: August 19, 2009
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Kevin De Leon, Chair
SB 626 (Kehoe) - As Amended: July 1, 2009
Policy Committee:
TransportationVote:10-2
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to
adopt rules regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles. Specifically,
this bill:
1)Requires the PUC, in consultation with the California Energy
Commission, the Air Resources Board (ARB), electrical
corporations, and the motor vehicle industry, to evaluate
policies to develop infrastructure sufficient to overcome any
barriers to the widespread deployment and use of plug-in
hybrid and electric vehicles.
2)Requires the PUC, by July 1, 2011, to adopt rules addressing
the following:
a) With regard to realizing widespread use of plug-in
hybrid and electric vehicles:
i) The impacts upon electrical infrastructure,
including necessary infrastructure upgrades, and the role
and development of public charging infrastructure.
ii) The impact of plug-in hybrid and electric
vehicles on grid stability and the integration of
renewable energy resources.
iii) Required technological advances, and the
state's role in supporting such development.
iv) The impact of existing code and permit
requirements, and recommended changes to any existing
SB 626
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legal impediments.
v) The impact on achieving renewable portfolio standard
goals and AB 32 emissions reduction goals, and steps to
possibly shift emissions reductions responsibilities from
the transportation sector to the electrical industry.
b) The role the state should take to ensure that
technologies employed in plug-in hybrid and electric
vehicles work harmoniously and across service territories.
FISCAL EFFECT
One-time special fund costs to the PUC of $110,000 for one
regulatory analyst position to administer and conduct a
proceeding within the allotted 18-month timeframe. [Public
Utilities Reimbursement Account]
COMMENTS
Purpose . This bill is intended to facilitate the deployment of
plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to assist with reducing
greenhouse gas emissions generated by the transportation sector.
According to the author, the PUC has not been given express
authority to examine how transforming into an electric vehicle
economy will effect the state's energy system, including grid
reliability and which sources of energy will be used to provide
electricity for these vehicles. SB 626 provides clear direction
on these subjects. The CPUC has prepared a white paper on the
potential barriers and opportunities faced by the state in
developing the infrastructure necessary to accommodate plug-in
hybrid and electric vehicles. The bill mandates the commission
to take the next step by administratively adopting rules and
policies supporting such vehicles.
Analysis Prepared by : Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081