The bill would require the commission to adjust the current CARE balancing account of the utilities to ensure for maximum efficiency and greater program outreach. The bill would require public utility electrical corporations to work with public utility telephone corporations to streamline the eligibility for low-income rate programs and would require that customers already enrolled in the Universal Lifeline Telephone Services program be automatically enrolled in the CARE program and be given the option to opt out of the program. The bill would require weatherization programs to use the needs assessment conducted by the Low-Income Oversight Board to maximize efficiency of delivery. Because a violation of the Public Utilities Act is a crime, this bill would change the definition of that crime by adding new requirements for electric utilities, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state.
Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. The commission shall allocate funds necessary to meet the low-income objectives in this section. To ensure a comprehensive needs assessment is conducted of both program implementation and the effectiveness of specific energy efficiency services on a periodic basis. The Low-Income Oversight Board shall report directly to the Legislature and the members of the commission, but shall act independently from the commission. The commission shall provide technical support to the Low-Income Oversight Board.