Bill Text: CA AB725 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 725 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Utility service: undergrounding of electrical and

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-02-01 - Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56. [AB725 Detail]

Download: California-2011-AB725-Introduced.html

BILL NUMBER: AB 725	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Bradford

                        FEBRUARY 17, 2011

   An act to add Section 764 to the Public Utilities Code, relating
to utility service.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 725, as introduced, Bradford. Utility service: undergrounding
of electrical and communications facilities.
   Existing law authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to
establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the
Legislature. Consistent with this authority, the commission has
adopted rules for construction of underground electric supply and
communication systems.
   Existing law declares that it is the policy of the state to
achieve, whenever feasible and not inconsistent with sound
environmental planning, the undergrounding of all future electric and
communication distribution facilities that are proposed to be
erected in proximity to any highway designated a state scenic
highway. Existing law requires the commission to prepare and adopt a
statewide plan and schedule for the undergrounding of electric and
communications distribution facilities in accordance with this policy
and the rules of the commission relating to the undergrounding of
facilities.
   This bill would require the commission, in consultation with
electrical corporations, telephone corporations, and representatives
of local government, to open an appropriate proceeding to evaluate
whether to amend, revise, or improve its rules for replacing overhead
electrical and communications facilities with underground
facilities. The bill would require the commission to submit a report
relative to its evaluation to the Legislature by June 30, 2012.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


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

  SECTION 1.  Section 764 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to
read:
   764.  (a) The commission, in consultation with electrical
corporations, telephone corporations, and representatives of local
government, shall open an appropriate proceeding to evaluate whether
to amend, revise, or improve its rules for replacing overhead
electrical and communications facilities with underground facilities.
The issues to be addressed during the proceeding shall include all
of the following:
   (1) How to provide more flexibility and control to local
governments.
   (2) How to enhance public safety.
   (3) How to improve reliability.
   (b) The commission shall submit a report to the Legislature
relative to its evaluation by June 30, 2012. The commission may
revise its rules for replacing overhead electrical and communications
facilities with underground facilities without further action by the
Legislature.
   (c) (1) The report to be submitted pursuant to subdivision (b)
shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government
Code.
   (2) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under
subdivision (b) is inoperative on January 1, 2016, pursuant to
Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.