§ 662. — 662. (Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 602, Sec. 3.)

(a)
On or before January 1, 2026, in a new or existing proceeding and following recommendations from each gas corporation and the opportunity for public comment, the commission shall designate priority neighborhood decarbonization zones. In designating the zones, the commission shall consider factors that include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(1)
Presence of disadvantaged or low-income communities in high-temperature climate zones or low-temperature climate zones that
disproportionately lack cooling or heating.
(2)
Presence of environmental and social justice communities as defined in the commission’s Environmental and Social Justice Action Plan.
(3)
Availability of supportive local government or community partners.
(4)
Concentration of gas distribution line replacement projects identified in the map submitted pursuant to Section 661.
(b)
The commission shall coordinate with relevant agencies to identify nonratepayer funding, such as state and federal funds, that may be used to execute pilot projects in priority neighborhood decarbonization zones that would be cost effective with supplemental nonratepayer funding.
(c)
If pilot projects for zero-emission alternatives pursuant to Section 663 are implemented in a priority neighborhood decarbonization zone, the commission may direct gas corporations and electrical corporations, if appropriate, to leverage other available programs, including, but not limited to, energy efficiency, low-income weatherization, and distributed generation programs.
(d)
The commission may, after providing an opportunity for public comment, update the priority neighborhood decarbonization zones as necessary.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 602, Sec. 3. (SB 1221) Effective January 1, 2025. Conditionally repealed as of January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 666.