Large Load Customers - Electric System Interconnection and Demand Response Program

SB 596 exempts large commercial or industrial electricity customers (defined as those with 25+ MW monthly demand and over 80% load factor) from needing a certificate of public convenience to connect to the grid when using surplus interconnection capacity. It establishes a new interconnection process with standard and expedited timelines, requiring these customers to cover 25% of their power needs through on-site storage, new carbon-free energy sources, or demand response. The bill also mandates a Demand Response Program where large customers can opt for scheduled load reductions during peak times in exchange for compensation, with fees from interconnection requests split between universal service and low-income energy efficiency programs.