BILL NUMBER: SB 500	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senators Torlakson, Machado, and Perata
   (Coauthor: Assembly Member Aroner)

                        FEBRUARY 22, 2001

   An act to add Section 743.2 to the Public Utilities Code, relating
to public utilities.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 500, as introduced, Torlakson.  Public utilities:  rates:
involuntary electric service interruptions.
   Existing law, the Public Utilities Act, requires the creation and
operation of an Independent System Operator to ensure efficient use
and reliable operation of the state's electricity transmission grid
consistent with achievement of specified planning and operating
reserve criteria.  A violation of the act is a crime.
   This bill would require that a consumer of electricity located not
more than 20 miles from an electric power generation facility
receive a discount of 20% on electricity rates and be exempt from
involuntary electric service interruptions during any state of
emergency declared by the Independent Service Operator, if the
facility (1) was licensed by the State Energy Resources Conservation
and Development Commission on or after January 1, 1999, and (2) is
capable of producing 50 megawatts or more.
   Since a violation of the bill's prohibition would be a crime under
existing law, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program
by changing the definition of a crime.
  The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local
agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the
state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that
reimbursement.
   This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this
act for a specified reason.
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  yes.
State-mandated local program:  yes.


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


  SECTION 1.  Section 743.2 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   743.2.  A consumer of electricity located not more than 20 miles
from an electric power generation facility shall receive a discount
of 20 percent on electricity rates and shall be exempt from
involuntary electric service interruptions during any state of
emergency declared by the Independent Service Operator, if the
facility meets both of the following criteria:
   (a) The facility was licensed by the State Energy Resources
Conservation and Development Commission on or after January 1, 1999.

   (b) The facility is capable of producing 50 megawatts or more.
  SEC. 2.  No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to
Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the
only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district
will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction,
eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime
or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government
Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of
Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.