Advanced electrical distributed generation technology.

Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations, as defined. The existing definition of an electrical corporation excludes a corporation or person employing cogeneration, as defined, technology or producing electricity from other than a conventional power source for certain purposes. Existing law states that it is the policy of the state to encourage and support the development of cogeneration as an efficient, environmentally beneficial, competitive energy resource that will enhance the reliability of local generation supply, and promote local business growth. Existing law places certain limitations upon gas rates and surcharges charged cogenerators. Existing law prohibits placing alternative fuel capability requirements upon gas customers that use gas for purposes of cogeneration. This bill would authorize the commission and the State Air Resources Board to treat advanced electrical distributed generation technology, as defined, as cogeneration, and would make certain existing limitations upon gas rates and surcharges charged cogenerators applicable to an advanced electrical distributed generation technology. The bill would make the prohibition upon placing alternative fuel capability requirements upon gas customers that use gas for purposes of cogeneration applicable to a generator using advanced electrical distributed generation technology. These provisions would not apply to an advanced electrical distributed generation technology that is first operational at a site on and after January 1, 2014.