BILL ANALYSIS
SB 655
Page 1
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 655 (Padilla)
As Amended May 20, 2009
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :25-11
UTILITIES & COMMERCE 15-0
APPROPRIATIONS 17-0
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|Ayes:|Fuentes, Duvall, Tom |Ayes:|De Leon, Conway, Ammiano, |
| |Berryhill, Buchanan, | | |
| |Carter, Fong, Fuller, | |Charles Calderon, Coto, |
| |Furutani, Huffman, | |Davis, Duvall, Fuentes, |
| |Krekorian, Skinner, | |Hall, Harkey, Miller, |
| |Smyth, Swanson, Torrico, | |John A. Perez, Skinner, |
| |Villines | |Solorio, Audra |
| | | |Strickland, Torlakson, |
| | | |Hill |
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SUMMARY : Requires the California Independent System Operator
(CAISO) to appear annually before the appropriate policy
committees of the Senate and the Assembly to report on CAISO's
activities, and states legislative intent that CAISO take all
necessary steps to ensure that the transmission grid is secure
from intrusion by unauthorized persons or entities.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Creates CAISO as a nonprofit public benefit corporation to
ensure the reliability of electric service and the health and
safety of the public.
2)Requires CAISO to consult and coordinate with state and local
agencies to ensure CAISO operates in furtherance of state law
regarding consumer and environmental protection.
FISCAL EFFECT : Negligible fiscal impact.
COMMENTS : CAISO dispatches electricity, performs a needs
analysis on proposed transmission lines, and conducts auctions
for the purchase of electricity needed to meet immediate and
near-term needs. CAISO costs are paid indirectly by ratepayers
SB 655
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through the transmission charge that's embedded in rates.
This bill states legislative intent that CAISO take all
necessary steps to ensure that the transmission grid is secure
from intrusion by unauthorized persons or entities. SB 655
makes a finding that the deployment of smart grid technology
creates additional opportunities for unauthorized persons or
entities to impact the transmission grid.
Analysis Prepared by : Gina Adams / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN: 0002844