BILL NUMBER: SB 500	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN SENATE  MARCH 26, 2001

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 amended, Torlakson.  Public utilities:  rates:
involuntary electric service interruptions. 
   Existing law, the  
   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   within close
proximity, as defined, of  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   within close proximity of  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:   the criteria set forth
in subdivisions (a) and (b). For the purposes of this section,
"close proximity" means a circle with a circumference of 20 miles
with the facility at its center. 
   (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.