BILL ANALYSIS
SB 82 X2
Page 1
Date of Hearing: September 12, 2001
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY COSTS AND AVAILABILITY
Roderick D. Wright, Chair
SB 82 X2 (Murray) - As Amended: August 28, 2001
SENATE VOTE : 38-1
SUBJECT : Solar energy systems.
SUMMARY : This bill requires Department of General Services
(DGS), in consultation with California Energy Commission (CEC),
to ensure that solar energy equipment is installed, where
feasible, on all state building no later than January 1, 2007.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Establishes DGS in state government with various
responsibilities related to planning, acquisition,
construction and maintenance of state buildings and property.
2)Establishes CEC, which has various responsibilities related to
energy conservation.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown.
COMMENTS :
Proactive Demand Side Solutions to the Power Crisis
This measure requires that DGS ensure that all state buildings,
as is feasible, have solar energy equipment installed not later
than January 1, 2007. Included in the measure's charter of
increased energy efficiency for state buildings is the
requirement that all state buildings and parking structures,
again, as feasible, for which construction commences after
December 31, 2002 must have solar energy equipment installed in
the building process.
The author contends that this measure seeks to make state
buildings as accountable for reduced demand on the power grid as
the private sector and individuals are, through construction
standards and improvement standards that accommodate
installation of solar energy equipment. This measure specifies
that where sufficient, unobstructed roof space with reasonable
SB 82 X2
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sun exposure exists, solar equipment should be installed to
reduce the state's reliance on the electric grid, as is also
economically feasible. The dual benefits are that state
buildings, enormous users of electricity, will reduce their
reliance on the grid and increase the proliferation of clean,
distributed generation.
Initially contemplated as a small business loan measure with the
same purpose, this bill now puts the state and state facilities,
as administered by DGS, into the driver's seat with regard to
clean, distributed generation to partially offset the state's
reliance on the currently overburdened electric grid. This
measure specifies that state buildings and solar facilities
shall not be exempt from any fees or requirements imposed by
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which reduces any
concern that increased self-reliance on the part of state
facilities might create a cost shift onto other electric service
customers.
Staff recommends:
This measure requires no specific appropriation to accomplish
the goals of increased solar generation at state buildings and
structures and will result in reduced reliance on the state's
power grid. The going forward construction standards requiring
state buildings and structures to incorporate solar equipment is
a positive, cost-effective measure to reduce consumption and
adverse environmental impacts. Ultimately this measure
represents the state taking affirmative, responsible steps to
accommodate the reality that reduced reliance on the power grid
and use of cleaner energy resources can be achieved on the
demand side of the power equation in a cost-effective manner.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
California Solar Industries Association
Clean Power Campaign
Sierra Club
Opposition
None on file.
SB 82 X2
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Analysis Prepared by : Kelly Boyd / E. C. & A. / (916)
319-2083