Existing law establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) and requires the Energy Commission to undertake a continuing assessment of trends in the consumption of electrical energy and other forms of energy and to analyze the social, economic, and environmental consequences of these trends, and to carry out, or cause to be carried out, under contract or other arrangements, research and development into alternative sources of energy, improvements in energy generation, transmission, and siting, fuel substitution, and other topics related to energy supply, demand, public safety, ecology, and conservation that are of particular statewide importance.

This bill would require the Energy Commission, in consultation with the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Independent System Operator, and the Public Utilities Commission, to conduct a study to review potential lower cost ownership and alternative financing mechanisms for new transmission facilities needed to meet the state’s clean energy and climate targets, as specified, and to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature, on or before September 30, 2023, with findings and recommendations related to the study.