California PUC opens effort to update transmission siting regulations in face of reliability, climate goals

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proposed updates to siting, construction and modification processes for new or existing electric transmission and generation facilities, to help regulations match California’s modern needs and the demands of reliability and climate change.

“Updated rules that provide efficient pathways for review of upgrades and modifications to existing transmission infrastructure will help carry California forward to a clean energy future,” CPUC President Alice Reynolds said.

The action was motivated by Senate Bill 529 of 2022, which mandated changes and consideration of additional modifications to update rules governing CPUC’s review of transmission and generation projects. Modifications will be proposed to authorize utilities to utilize a streamlined permit-to-construct process when expanding or upgrading existing transmission facilities.

Other modifications to current rules could include a new process for permitting battery storage projects, better cost information for CPUC regarding electrical infrastructure projects, increased cost transparency for related projects, better notice to local governments of projects in their jurisdiction and better alignment of the rule with other CPUC orders.

“This Rulemaking will consider how California renewable energy goals can be supported by streamlining the construction process while maintaining California Environmental Quality Act standards. I look forward to following the important issues that will be considered,” Genevieve Shiroma, CPUC commissioner, said.