Electricity: transmission planning and permitting.

Senator Rubio's proposal to modify California's electricity transmission planning process would require more frequent reviews of the coordination agreement between the state's key energy regulatory bodies. The legislation changes the mandatory review period of the memorandum of understanding between the Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, and Independent System Operator from every five years to every three years.

The memorandum, established in December 2022, outlines how these entities coordinate on resource and transmission planning, development, permitting, procurement, and interconnections. It serves as the framework for implementing the state's renewable energy goals and maintaining reliable service to load centers. Under current law, these agencies must evaluate and potentially update both the memorandum and its associated workplan every five years to ensure alignment with California's energy objectives.

The bill maintains all other aspects of the existing review process, including the requirement that updates reflect necessary coordination measures for meeting state energy targets. While the legislation does not require additional appropriations, the increased review frequency would require the three agencies to dedicate staff time and resources to the evaluation process more often than under current law.