SB 722 Summary

• Increases California's renewable energy standard from 20% to 33% of retail electricity sales by December 31, 2020, with interim targets of 20% by 2013 and 25% by 2016.

• Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish renewable energy procurement targets for retail sellers and local publicly owned electric utilities through compliance periods, with the PUC authorized to permit delays only when circumstances are beyond the seller's control.

• Authorizes electrical corporations to own and operate eligible renewable energy resources up to 8.25% of their anticipated retail sales, subject to PUC approval based on viable technology and reasonable cost.

• Applies renewable portfolio standard requirements to local publicly owned electric utilities with similar procurement percentages and timelines, with enforcement through the Energy Commission and State Air Resources Board.

• Appropriates $322,000 to the Public Utilities Commission for staffing to review and approve transmission lines necessary to achieve renewable energy standards.