CA AB853

Requires electrical and gas corporations to use their own employees for work involving design, engineering, and operation of nuclear, electrical, and gas infrastructure, including computer and information technology systems.

Allows utilities to contract with non-employees only if they file a separate request as part of their general rate case application and demonstrate the work can be performed safely and securely without jeopardizing infrastructure security.

Mandates the Public Utilities Commission issue a written decision to approve or deny each utility's request to use non-employees for such work.

Exempts construction, maintenance, and repair work; standard equipment design from outside vendors; emergency response work; and work related to state transportation infrastructure projects.

Becomes effective for each electrical or gas corporation upon that corporation's filing of a general rate case application on or after January 1, 2016.