Bill > SB256

This bill addresses electrical infrastructure safety and wildfire mitigation in California by introducing several key requirements for electrical corporations and local publicly owned electric utilities. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2027, the Public Utilities Commission must update regulations to require electrical corporations to remove all permanently abandoned facilities to prevent hazards. For areas rebuilding electrical infrastructure after wildfires, electrical corporations must consider undergrounding electrical lines if it is cost-effective. The bill expands wildfire mitigation plan requirements to include consideration of wildland-urban interface risks and more comprehensive notification procedures, such as enabling household residents who are not the customer of record to receive deenergization notifications. Additionally, electrical corporations and local utilities must establish procedures to coordinate with emergency services and assign liaison representatives to work within local operations centers during emergencies. The legislation aims to enhance public safety, improve emergency preparedness, and reduce wildfire risks by creating more comprehensive communication and infrastructure management protocols. The bill reflects the Legislature's intent to find sustainable ways to finance wildfire mitigation strategies while minimizing the financial impact on ratepayers.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB256