Transcript Highlights:

• Two is the transmission.
• You tell me build a transmission line, I could tell you how much does it cost to build that transmission
• </c> costs that are fixed the transmission costs that are fixed the transmission the<00:15:30.320><c>
• </c> costs are going up and the transmission costs are going up and the transmission lines<00:28:30.960
• </c> in transmission. in transmission. &gt;&gt; Senator<00:29:16.399><c> Green.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• CAISO is our transmission operator.
• The last highlight is on electric transmission infrastructure enhancements.
• These rules apply to any transmission facilities, including sub-transmission lines, substations, and
• It's used to trigger transmission upgrades.
• One is really on that issue of transmission development.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, which would require investor-owned utilities to provide clearer front-end information and follow more consistent timelines for post-entitlement energization applications tied to housing projects. The author and supporters from the Housing Action Coalition and Mission Housing said utility delays can hold up approved housing, add costs, and create uncertainty, and they argued the bill would align utility processes with recent state efforts to streamline local permitting. PG&E and Southern California Edison opposed the bill, saying existing CPUC timelines and the ongoing energization rulemaking already address the issue, that the bill could be duplicative or premature, and that some proposed timelines were too short. The committee discussed the bill’s relationship to the CPUC’s September 2024 decision, and AB 1026 was ultimately approved on a 15-0 vote, with the consent calendar also passing. The second half of the hearing was the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 and 2022 heat emergencies, emphasizing that California has since added significant resources, improved planning, and created backstop programs such as the strategic reliability reserve. They said the summer 2025 outlook is cautiously optimistic, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a projected surplus, though wildfire and extreme heat remain risks. The agencies also described major changes in planning and operations, including more battery storage, updated resource adequacy rules, expanded transmission planning, and reforms to the interconnection queue. Members asked about data center load, Diablo Canyon’s future, the strategic reliability reserve, demand response, wildfire mitigation costs, affordability, and regional market expansion. Witnesses said data center demand is a major variable but can be managed through better forecasting, flexible service arrangements, and siting in areas with existing capacity; they also said firm clean resources remain valuable while planning continues around Diablo Canyon’s scheduled retirement. On affordability, they said the agencies try to balance reliability with least-cost procurement, and that new resources can lower market prices even as they require upfront investment. CAISO also highlighted the value of the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the planned day-ahead market, saying regional coordination improves both reliability and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• CAISO is our transmission operator.
• KISO is our transmission operator.
• These rules apply to any transmission facilities, including sub-transmission lines, substations, and
• It's used to trigger transmission upgrades.
• One is really on that issue of transmission development.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1026 by Assembly Member Wilson, a bill aimed at reducing delays in utility energization applications that can hold up approved housing projects. Supporters, including the Housing Action Coalition, Mission Housing, and several housing and local government groups, said investor-owned utilities should follow clearer timelines and disclosure requirements so projects can move forward predictably. Opponents from PG&E and Southern California Edison argued the bill was unnecessary, could conflict with CPUC efforts already underway, and should wait for the ongoing energization rulemaking to conclude. After discussion of the bill’s amendments and timelines, the committee passed AB 1026 on a 15-0 vote, and also dispensed with the consent calendar on a 15-0 vote. The hearing then shifted to the committee’s annual oversight hearing on electric reliability. Representatives from the CPUC, CEC, CAISO, and DWR reviewed lessons from the 2020 rolling outages and 2022 heat events, emphasizing improved planning, better coordination, and the role of strategic reserves. They reported that California enters summer 2025 in a stronger position, with no expected shortfalls under traditional planning conditions and a surplus under standard reliability analysis, though they cautioned that wildfire and extreme heat could still create risk. They also highlighted major additions of battery storage, new procurement, and transmission and market reforms that have improved reliability and flexibility. Members asked about data center load growth, the future of Diablo Canyon, the strategic reliability reserve, wildfire costs, regional market expansion, and the balance between affordability and reliability. Witnesses said data center demand remains a major variable, Diablo Canyon should be planned for as if it may retire on schedule unless policy changes are made, and demand response and energy efficiency remain important tools. CAISO described the Western Energy Imbalance Market and the upcoming extended day-ahead market as major sources of savings and reliability benefits. The panel also said the new slice-of-day resource adequacy framework is working so far, with high compliance and ongoing monitoring.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need more transmission.
• that was built for them is going to go into transmission cost, whatever method we use for transmission
• that was built for them is going to go into transmission cost, whatever method we use for transmission
• We do that with the transmission service provider to identify what kind of transmission investments are
• Slide 5 shows the various utility transmission service providers, the transmission companies, and the

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, the most important part, transmission charges appropriately assign costs for transmission
• We need more transmission.
• that was built for them is going to go into transmission costs, whatever method we use for transmission
• We do that with the transmission service provider to identify what kind of transmission investments are
• Slide five shows the various utility transmission service providers, the transmission companies, and

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> less transmission. less transmission. That's<01:26:23.840><c> true.
• Distribution and uh transmission. Transmission is a little different.
• </c> transmission it's all uh distribution. transmission it's all uh distribution.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Distribution and uh transmission. &gt;&gt; Distribution and uh transmission.
• </c> Transmission is a little different. Transmission is a little different.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Co-location provides an opportunity to eliminate or reduce transmission. transmission costs that are
• Transmission is what connects generation to load.
• So the closer you can get a load to generation, you can avoid some transmission costs, or a lot of transmission
• I didn't hear much about the build out of transmission.
• How do those timelines match with transmission building?

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• we're accountable to reimburse the fund up to the same as California, 20% of what's called our transmission
• we're accountable to reimburse the fund up to the same as California, 20% of what's called our transmission
• we're accountable to reimburse the fund up to the same as California, 20% of what's called our transmission
• rate base transmission distribution rate base Equity<00:26:45.120><c> rate</c><00:26:45.360><c> base
• Buried in this bill is a provision that would legalize interstate kidnapping by requiring judges to issue

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• projects to receive financing from the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund.
• received from the California Transmission Accelerator financing, right?
• Transmissions, we're talking about billions of dollars, right? Correct.
• And for so-called reliability transmission lines and... ...transmission lines and clean energy transmission
• , when wind and solar energy are produced, that will require new grid transmission.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard six budget-related items and took no votes, holding all items open for a future hearing. The first item concerned a climate bond expenditure plan for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, and the Department of Finance described a request for nearly $26 million and 10 limited-term positions to develop financing strategies and evaluate transmission projects, while the LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted that the Legislature may want to provide more direction on program design. Senators questioned how the proposal would lower ratepayer costs, protect state funds, and ensure accountability for billion-dollar transmission projects. The second item covered trailer bill language to redirect funding among demand-side reliability programs. Finance proposed moving $22 million from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026 and using CalSHAPE interest funds for ELRP or an equivalent CPUC program in 2027-28, with CEC and CPUC coordinating the transition. Senators and LAO questioned why CalSHAPE funds should not continue supporting schools, and several members argued DSGS has been more successful and should continue rather than be shifted to ELRP. CEC and CPUC explained that DSGS and ELRP serve different reliability functions and do not address public safety power shutoffs. Public commenters, including school groups and clean energy advocates, split between extending CalSHAPE for school HVAC/plumbing projects and preserving or expanding DSGS. The committee also heard on petroleum market oversight implementation under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1, with the CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requesting additional staffing to support inventory monitoring, refinery resupply analysis, and market oversight. Senators pressed for details on investigations, refinery margins, gasoline price spikes, and the transportation fuels transition plan, while staff said the draft plan would be released soon and that DPMO’s work on branded versus unbranded gasoline remains ongoing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional proposals: implementing AB 1207’s climate credit reforms, studying large-load/data center cost impacts under SB 57, and preparing for regional market participation under AB 825. The LAO repeatedly cautioned that some of these requests may go beyond statutory minimums and urged the Legislature to decide how much policy direction and staffing it wants to provide. Public commenters supported DPMO funding, opposed ending CalSHAPE, and strongly favored continued DSGS funding over a new ELRP structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• projects to receive financing from the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund.
• projects receiving financing from the California Transmission Accelerator, right?
• Transmissions, we're talking about billions of dollars, right? Correct.
• lines and... ...transmission lines and clean energy transmission, when wind and solar energy are produced
• , that will require new grid transmission.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard presentations on six budget-related issues and took no votes; all items were held open for a future hearing. The first item concerned funding for the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank requested nearly $26 million over five years and 10 limited-term positions to evaluate and finance eligible transmission projects. The LAO said the proposal was broadly consistent with Prop. 4 but noted many implementation details remain unresolved. Senators questioned how the program would lower ratepayer costs, how funds would be protected, and whether the full requested amount was necessary; the administration said the financing strategy is still being developed and that consultants are needed. The committee then discussed trailer bill language to redirect $22 million in General Fund money from the DEPA program to DSGS for summer 2026, and to use roughly $70 million in CalSHAPE interest for ratepayer relief through ELRP or an equivalent program in 2027-28. CEC and CPUC staff said DSGS and ELRP are reliability tools, not PSPS programs, and explained that DSGS had enrolled over 1,000 MW and was expected to have about $52 million available for 2026. Senators and the LAO raised concerns about ending a successful DSGS program, the complexity of transitioning customers to ELRP, and whether CalSHAPE funds should instead continue school HVAC and plumbing projects. Public commenters largely supported extending CalSHAPE and continuing or expanding DSGS rather than shifting funds to ELRP. The subcommittee also heard on petroleum market oversight under SBX1-2 and ABX2-1. The CEC and its Division of Petroleum Market Oversight requested about $1.67 million and a small permanent staffing increase to implement new inventory, resupply, and market analysis duties. Senators pressed the agencies on gasoline price spikes, refinery maintenance, price gouging, and the status of the transportation fuels transition plan, which staff said would be released in draft form soon. Public testimony supported DPMO’s work and called for continued oversight of gasoline pricing. Finally, the CPUC presented three additional budget proposals: resources to implement AB 1207’s changes to the California climate credit, funding for a study of large electrical loads such as data centers under SB 57, and staffing for AB 825’s regional market participation requirements. The LAO said the AB 1207 request may go beyond the statute and urged the Legislature to decide whether it wants a simpler or more complex climate credit redesign. Senators questioned the cost of the work, the need for ongoing staffing, and how ratepayer interests would be protected. The CPUC said the work is needed to adapt to changing load patterns, electrification, data center growth, and potential regional market participation. Public commenters also supported DPMO funding, CalSHAPE, and DSGS, and some urged the Legislature to keep DSGS at the CEC rather than shift funds to ELRP.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I don't think transmission applies here. Um, on what the alternative is, right?
• </c><00:35:07.839><c> um</c><00:35:09.119><c> on</c> think transmission applies here. um on think transmission
• </c><01:36:15.120><c> to</c> employed in the transmission to employed in the transmission to telecommunication
• </c> save cost in the form of transmission save cost in the form of transmission cost<05:03:34.480><c
• <05:59:36.160><c> transmission</c><05:59:37.040><c> where</c> transmission transmission where transmission

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Old or already installed transmission. Is that correct? Right. Thank you.
• current transmission more efficient versus just building out new transmission?
• efficient, we reduce the need for more transmission lines.
• Now, what does compare building new transmission versus making current transmission more efficient, how
• Transmission lines?

Bills: HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989

Committee: Senate Energy

Summary: The committee first considered the nomination of Russell Isaacs to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Isaacs described his farming background and experience with cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat, and said he regularly tests conservation technologies on his farm. Senators discussed his water-conservation experience and the value he could bring to the board. The nomination received 10 ayes and 0 nays and was advanced to the full Senate floor. Members then took up House Bill 3183, dealing with smart transmission technology and electric grid efficiency. Senator Murdoch explained that the bill had been difficult to negotiate and that the enacting clause was stricken so work could continue on a committee substitute. He said the technology would allow existing transmission towers to carry lighter, more efficient lines, reduce wildfire risk, and potentially lower long-term rates by easing congestion. Senators asked about costs, who pays, and whether ratepayers or large load users would bear the burden; an amendment changed language from “customer funded” to “large load user funded.” The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 7 ayes to 3 nays. The committee also advanced several nominations and bills related to environmental and energy policy. Steve Mason was confirmed to the Environmental Quality Board by an 8-0 vote. House Bill 4316, which removes an old deadline that prevented nonprofit corporations from converting into water districts and accessing grant funding, passed 8-0. House Bill 4484, allowing discretionary use of state-owned or state-leased vehicles between employees’ homes and workplaces to save mileage costs, passed 9-0. House Bill 3464 created a statewide framework for energy storage and solar facilities; a motion to table an amendment failed, and the bill passed 10-0 after debate over landowner protections, decommissioning, fire safety, and dual-use agricultural concerns. The committee then passed House Bill 3173, the Well-Repurposing Act, 10-0, to allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be repurposed for geothermal and energy storage uses, with discussion about surface-owner rights and possible tweaks to the geothermal temperature definition. House Bill 3469, a measure easing surety requirements for smaller producers by allowing a stair-stepped compliance schedule, passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3989 was amended for drafting corrections and then passed 9-0; it relates to the one-megawatt load standard and uses actual load over a two-year period rather than plate load. The chair ended the meeting by thanking members and staff and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many other states have transmission development authorities, Mr. Speaker.
• We have generation without transmission. We have some transmission that could use some generation.
• I did tours of transmission projects. I did Energize Eastside, and I did Spokane.
• transmission projects in the region have taken from 12 to 20 years.
• They haven't even built any transmission.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Summary: The House first took up Substitute Senate Bill 6225, a transportation bond measure. Supporters said it was needed to fund preservation and maintenance of Washington’s transportation system, including road upkeep and emergency repairs, while opponents argued the state had already addressed current needs through a recent unanimous budget and existing bond authority. The bill passed final passage 59-38, meeting the required three-fifths vote. The House then considered Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6260, an education budget-related bill with many floor amendments focused on transition to kindergarten, alternative learning experience (ALE) funding, local effort assistance (LEA), educational service district reserves, superintendent pay, MSOC funding, and collective bargaining limits. Most proposed amendments were rejected, though Amendment 2654 on TK priorities was adopted. After the committee amendment as amended was adopted, the bill advanced to third reading and then passed 50-47. Supporters described it as a necessary budget reduction and risk-management measure; opponents argued it cut K-12 funding too deeply, especially in rural and property-poor districts, and would worsen inequities and invite litigation. The House also concurred in Senate amendments and passed several other bills. House Bill 1796, about school construction financing and capital levy use, passed 95-2. Second Substitute House Bill 2105, dealing with immigrant worker protections, passed 58-38. Engrossed House Bill 2211, on food sourcing for a health-related program, passed unanimously. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225, regulating companion chatbots and child safety, passed 74-21. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2247, related to animal care, passed unanimously. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2418, streamlining permitting timelines to support housing affordability, also passed unanimously. The House then moved on to additional Senate-concurred bills, beginning with Second Substitute House Bill 1906.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the transmission, for the transmission catalyst, it's really providing a portion of their financial
• ... ...transmission financing.
• So for the transmission, for the transmission catalyst, it's really providing a portion of their financial
• . transmission for the transmission catalyst, it's really providing a portion of their financing.
• On the California Transmission Accelerator evolving from that C-T-A-R-F fund, when you say transmission

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• So does this figure on estimated average bill include the transmission estimated increase in transmission
• So does this figure on estimated average bill include the transmission estimated increase in transmission
• </c> we had, it showed that our transmission we had, it showed that our transmission costs<00:16:04.560
• </c> increase in transmission cost? increase in transmission cost?
• Major review is transmission lines.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> transmission is stopped or not stopped. transmission is stopped or not stopped.
• </c> transmission. So, please Il this bill. transmission. So, please Il this bill.
• vaccines that don't stop transmission. vaccines that don't stop transmission.
• </c> seeing transmission of these diseases. seeing transmission of these diseases.
• </c> would see the decrease in transmission. would see the decrease in transmission.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We would also ask that the bill stipulate. the minimum transmission charge actually be a minimum transmission
• The first is on the issue of the minimum transmission rate.
• If you're relying on the transmission system to disconnect for an entire day in order to avoid pain transmission
• Transmission is up. All right. Yep, thank you, Chairman.
• Do that with the minimum transmission.

Bills: SB 6 , SB6 , SB504 , SB765 , SB815 , SB929

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• projects to receive financing from the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund.
• received from the California Transmission Accelerator financing, right?
• Transmissions, we're talking about billions of dollars, right? Correct.
• lines and... ...transmission lines and clean energy transmission.
• When wind and solar energy are produced, that will require new grid transmission.

Transcript Highlights:

• what the word “transmission” means.
• The speaker said she wanted to make sure that transmission meant the energy delivery piece.
• evolving from, that C-T-A-R-F fund, does that, when you say transmission, what does the word transmission
• Is there a tariff or a transmission line cost?
• We're really assigned with the financing of the transmission line. Got it. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments and procedural items. The committee approved, largely on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, the appointments of Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, Richard Stein to the California Arts Council, and Nicholas Hardiman to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. It also approved references to bills, committee appointments, subcommittee ratifications, joint committee appointments, and floor acknowledgments. A motion to grant rule waivers for Senators Perez and Padilla to introduce additional measures under SR 22.5 drew opposition from Senator Grove and ultimately passed on a 3-2 vote in the final tally. The committee then heard testimony on the appointment of Andy Nakahata as executive director of the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). Nakahata described his background in finance and infrastructure lending and said he would focus on expanding access to IBank programs statewide, especially in underserved and rural areas. Members questioned him about outreach equity, county-by-county loan activity, creditworthiness standards, the California Transmission Accelerator, and financing for public hospitals and other infrastructure projects. He said IBank works through financial development corporations, municipal advisors, and other partners, monitors geographic reach, and can work with applicants to adjust loan size or identify additional funding sources when projects are not fully creditworthy. Public witnesses spoke in support of Nakahata, including representatives from Siebert William Shank and O’Melveny/other public finance firms, who praised his expertise and leadership. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee voted 5-0 to move Nakahata’s appointment to the full Senate for confirmation. After completing a final roll call on the earlier agenda items, the committee adjourned its public session and announced it would move into executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> upkeep and and buying new transmission upkeep and and buying new transmission and<00:14:44.480><
• equipment. lastly, the transmission needs um to to lastly, the transmission needs um to to serve<00:
• </c><00:42:18.880><c> needs</c> extra high voltage transmission needs extra high voltage transmission
• </c> upgrading their transmission lines. upgrading their transmission lines.
• </c> of all transmission miles in the state. of all transmission miles in the state.

Bills: HF3296 , HF3802

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes