BILL NUMBER: SB 1153	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY   JULY 14, 1999
	AMENDED IN SENATE   APRIL 20, 1999

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Brulte

                        FEBRUARY 26, 1999

    An act to add Section 745 to the Public Utilities Code,
  An act to add Section 900 to the Public Utilities
Code,  relating to gas utilities.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1153, as amended, Brulte.  Gas utility programs.
   Existing law requires the  commission  
Public Utilities Commission  to establish a prescribed program
of assistance to low-income gas customers, referred to as the
California Alternate Rates for Energy Program.  Existing law requires
the commission to require a gas corporation to perform home
weatherization services for low-income customers if the commission
determines that a significant need for those services exists in the
corporation's service territory, as prescribed.  
   This bill would state that it is the intent of the Legislature to
resolve issues regarding the funding of the gas utility programs
described above, in a manner that preserves the programs and
addresses any competitive inequities resulting from the programs'
funding methodologies.  
   This bill would require the commission to determine the most
efficient and cost-effective way to provide these programs in a
consistent manner among public utility gas corporation service
territories, and to develop and implement efficient and
cost-effective programs on or before July 1, 2001.  The bill would
authorize the commission to conduct compliance and financial audits
for purposes of the programs. 
   Vote:  majority.  Appropriation:  no.  Fiscal committee:  
no   yes  . State-mandated local program:  no.


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

  
  SECTION 1.  Section 745 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   745.  It is the intent of the Legislature to resolve issues
regarding the funding of those natural gas public purpose programs,
such as those authorized under Section 701.1, 739.1, 739.2, 740, and
2790, in a manner that preserves the programs and addresses any
competitive inequities resulting from the programs' funding
methodologies.  
  SECTION 1.  Section 900 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   900.  The commission shall determine the most efficient and
cost-effective way to provide programs pursuant to Sections 739.1,
739.2, and 2790 in a consistent manner among public utility gas
corporation service territories.  In determining the most
cost-effective way to provide service that benefits persons who are
eligible for low-income programs, the commission shall consider
factors including, but not limited to, outreach efforts to reach the
targeted population and the types of discounts and services that
should be provided by each utility.  On or before July 1, 2001, the
commission shall develop and implement efficient and cost-effective
programs pursuant to Sections 739.1, 739.2, and 2790.  The commission
may conduct compliance audits to ensure compliance with any
commission order or resolution relating to the implementation of
programs pursuant to Sections 739.1, 739.2, and 2790 and may conduct
financial audits for purposes of the programs.