Electrical transmission system.

Under existing law, the Public Utilities Commission has regulatory authority over public utilities, including electrical corporations. The existing restructuring of the electrical industry within the Public Utilities Act provides for the establishment of an Independent System Operator (ISO) , states the intent of the Legislature that electrical corporations and local publicly owned electric utilities commit control of their transmission facilities to the ISO, and requires the ISO to ensure efficient use and reliable operation of the transmission grid consistent with achieving planning and operating reserve criteria no less stringent than those established by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and the American Electric Reliability Council. This bill would provide that it is the policy of the state and the intent of the Legislature to ensure timely investments are made in the state's electrical transmission system to integrate electricity generation from renewable energy resources, to increase capacity to import electricity, and to accommodate load growth consistent with the efficient use and reliable operation of the grid.