BILL ANALYSIS AB 1182 Page 1 CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS AB 1182 (Calderon) As Amended June 21, 2005 Majority vote ----------------------------------------------------------------- |ASSEMBLY: |73-0 |(May 27, 2005) |SENATE: |40-0 |(August 22, | | | | | | |2005) | ----------------------------------------------------------------- Original Committee Reference: U. & C. SUMMARY : Requires the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to post its annual work plan on its Internet Web site, and propose a plan for submitting advice letters by electronic means if deemed feasible. The Senate amendments are minor technical amendments. AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill required PUC to determine the feasibility of submitting informal filings by electronic means. FISCAL EFFECT : Estimated costs in the range of $350,000 to implement electronic filing of informal filings, based on the similar costs for a recently issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for electronic filing of formal matters at the PUC. COMMENTS : According to the author, the purpose of this bill is to permit the use of available technology to more efficiently submit filings and provide information to the public. The author intends to increase efficiency, reduce production costs, and utilize a currently available technology that provides a more efficient manner of communication and disseminating information. PUC engages in two types of matters, formal and informal. Formal matters are those that require a proceeding and involve agenda decisions and rulings. PUC has issued an RFP to solicit bids for a system that would allow electronic filings for formal matters. Informal matters include advice letters. Utilities are permitted to use advice letters to make certain changes to their tariffs. Historically, the utilities submitted advice letters AB 1182 Page 2 to PUC and interested parties by filing and transmitting paper copies. This bill would require PUC to determine, as part of a proceeding, the feasibility of submitting advice letters to PUC through electronic means. If determined to be feasible, this bill requires PUC to propose a plan for submitted advice letters within six months. Analysis Prepared by : Gina Mandy / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083 FN: 0012089