CA SB971

Changes the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) program to base renewable energy procurement requirements on "net program retail sales" rather than total retail sales, excluding sales where loads were met by noneligible hydroelectric generation.

Defines "net program retail sales" as total retail sales minus retail sales where the load was met by noneligible hydroelectric generation.

Updates the legislative intent to require 33% of net program retail sales (rather than total retail sales) to come from eligible renewable energy resources by December 31, 2020.

Applies the net program retail sales calculation to all RPS procurement targets and compliance requirements for both electrical corporations and local publicly owned electric utilities.