Bill > AB737

This bill amends existing California law to expand the definition of "energy supplier" to include gas corporations in the context of decarbonization upgrade programs. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for recording and tracking decarbonization charges, which are fees added to utility bills to fund energy-efficiency improvements on properties. Specifically, energy suppliers (now including gas corporations) must record a notice with the county recorder within 30 days of funding a decarbonization upgrade, detailing the property information, charge amount, upgrade description, and contact information. The bill defines decarbonization upgrades as changes that reduce energy demand, allow energy storage, reduce fossil fuel use, or convert renewable energy sources like water, wind, or sunlight into electricity. For gas corporations, decarbonization charges are limited to measures that demonstrably reduce natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also requires energy suppliers to record a notice when the charges are fully paid or when they decide to stop collecting the charge. The goal is to provide transparency for renters and homebuyers about existing decarbonization charges associated with a property, ensuring that successive property owners or occupants are aware of and can continue paying these charges. The bill includes provisions to make these charges transferable with the property and requires certain disclosures in lease agreements for non-owner-occupied properties.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB737