Energy: solar energy systems: theft prevention.

Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations, as defined. Decisions of the CPUC adopted the California Solar Initiative. Existing law requires the CPUC to undertake certain steps in implementing the California Solar Initiative. Existing law prohibits the CPUC, in implementing the California Solar Initiative, from allocating more than $50,000,000 for research, development, and demonstration that explores solar technologies and other distributed generation technologies that employ or could employ solar energy for generation or storage of electricity or to offset natural gas usage. This bill would authorize moneys allocated by the CPUC for research, development, and demonstration pursuant to the California Solar Initiative, to be used for research, development, and demonstration for antitheft technology to protect investments in solar energy systems.