BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair
1455 (Kehoe)
Hearing Date: 05/27/2010 Amended: 04/26/2010
Consultant: Brendan McCarthy Policy Vote: EU&C 10-0, T&H 8-0
SB 1455 (Kehoe), Page 2
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BILL SUMMARY: SB 1455 requires the Public Utilities Commission
to develop an internet web site providing consumers with
information regarding the costs and infrastructure requirements
of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Fund
Website development minor and absorbable. General
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* Energy Resources Program Account.
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STAFF COMMENTS: SUSPENSE FILE. AS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED.
Current law (SB 626, Kehoe, Chapter 355, Statutes of 2009)
requires the Public Utilities Commission to evaluate policies
needed to overcome any barriers to the widespread deployment of
hybrid and electric vehicles. The Commission is required, by
July 1, 2011 to adopt rules to address the impacts on the
electricity grid and other issues related to the increasing
number of hybrid and electric vehicles in the state.
The increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles in the
state is expected to require upgrades to the state's electricity
transmission and distribution grid, including potential upgrades
to individual household electricity connections. Concerns have
been raised that consumers may not be aware that their existing
household electricity system may not be adequate to charge a
plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle without system upgrades.
SB 1455 requires the Public Utilities Commission to develop an
internet web site that provides consumers who are considering
the purchase of a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle with
information on the potential costs and the infrastructure
requirements to recharge those vehicles. The Commission is
required to consult with the California Energy Commission,
electric utilities, the motor vehicle industry, and the
California Electric Transportation Coalition to develop the
needed information.
SB 1455 (Kehoe), Page 2
Staff estimates that the Commission will need an additional
staff position to consult with required stakeholders and develop
information for the website. In addition, the Commission will
likely hire an outside consultant to create the website. There
may also be minor ongoing costs to periodically update the
website.
SB 1437 (Kehoe) requires the Commission to analyze the costs and
benefits to electricity ratepayers associated with the growing
number of hybrid and electric vehicles in the state that will
use the electricity grid to recharge their batteries. That bill
is in the Assembly.
As proposed to be amended by the author, the California Energy
Commission would be required to create a website with links to
web pages developed by utilities that include information about
electric vehicles.