BILL NUMBER: SBX2 68	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Battin

                        MAY 17, 2001

   An act to amend Section 2772 of, and to add Section 351.5 to, the
Public Utilities Code, relating to electricity.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 68, as introduced, Battin.  Electricity: blackouts.
   Existing law requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish
priorities among the types or categories of customers of every
electrical corporation and every gas corporation, and among the uses
of electricity or gas by those customers.  In establishing those
priorities, existing law requires the commission to consider certain
factors, as prescribed.
   This bill would also require the commission in establishing use
priorities to include the effect on the health and safety of persons
in zones or regions that exceed a temperature of 105 degrees as a
priority in making the determination under those provisions.
   Existing law requires the Independent System Operator to manage
the transmission of electricity.
   This bill would require the Independent System Operator to
consider the effect of zones or regions that reach or exceed a
temperature of 105 degrees on the health and safety of persons in a
geographic area before ordering rolling blackouts in the geographic
area.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  yes.
State-mandated local program:  no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) Several cities experience temperatures on average that exceed
105 degrees.
   (b) A number of illnesses and deaths result each year from
overexposure to heat.
   (c) Without electricity, individuals within these areas will be
potentially exposed to dangerous circumstances that could lead to
these illnesses and death.
   (d) For all of the reasons specified in the section, the Public
Utilities Commission and the Independent System Operator should take
this act into account before ordering rolling blackouts in regions
where the temperature exceeds 105 degrees.
  SEC. 2.  Section 351.5 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   351.5.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Independent System Operator shall consider the effect in zones or
regions that reach or exceed a temperature of 105 degrees on the
health and safety of persons in a geographic area before ordering
rolling blackouts in the geographic area.
  SEC. 3.  Section 2772 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to
read:
   2772.  In establishing the priorities pursuant to Section 2771,
the commission shall include, but not be limited to, a consideration
of all the following:
   (a) A determination of the customers and uses of electricity and
gas, in descending order of priority, which provide the most
important public benefits and serve the greatest public need.
   (b) A determination of the customers and uses of electricity and
gas which are not included under subdivision (a).
   (c) A determination of the economic, social, and other effects of
a temporary discontinuance in electrical or gas service to the
customers or for the uses determined in accordance with subdivision
(a) or (b).
   (d)  The effect on the health and safety of persons in zones
or regions that exceed a temperature of 105 degrees shall be a
priority in making the determination under this section.
   (e)  Any curtailment or allocation rules, orders, or
regulations issued by any agency of the federal government.