AB 2705 Summary

• Requires electrical corporations to include estimated duration and total affected area in all deenergization event notifications, with updates provided in subsequent notices.

• Mandates initial notifications to all potentially affected customers at least 72 hours before, and again at approximately 48 and 24 hours before deenergization events, using personalized contact methods (phone calls, text messages, email, in-person, or door notices).

• Imposes a $10 penalty per customer for each customer who fails to receive required notifications, unless the electrical corporation provides justified written explanation to the Public Utilities Commission.

• Requires electrical corporations to establish programs providing emergency backup systems to critical facilities and customers receiving medical baseline allowances to maintain operations during deenergization events.

• Prohibits electrical corporations from recovering deenergization event costs from customers if the event violates commission guidelines, if two or more planned deenergizations occurred in the calendar year, if the corporation was convicted of violating state or federal law in the previous three years, or if the corporation filed for bankruptcy protection on or after January 1, 2021.