Utility service: undergrounding of electrical and communications facilities.

Existing law authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. Consistent with this authority, the commission has adopted rules for construction of underground electric supply and communication systems. Existing law declares that it is the policy of the state to achieve, whenever feasible and not inconsistent with sound environmental planning, the undergrounding of all future electric and communication distribution facilities that are proposed to be erected in proximity to any highway designated a state scenic highway. Existing law requires the commission to prepare and adopt a statewide plan and schedule for the undergrounding of electric and communications distribution facilities in accordance with this policy and the rules of the commission relating to the undergrounding of facilities. This bill would require the commission, in consultation with electrical corporations, telephone corporations, and representatives of local government, to open an appropriate proceeding to evaluate whether to amend, revise, or improve its rules for replacing overhead electrical and communications facilities with underground facilities. The bill would require the commission to submit a report relative to its evaluation to the Legislature by June 30, 2012.