CA AB2789

Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to determine by January 1, 2022 whether distributed energy resources can maintain electric service for circuits or substations at risk of public safety power shutoffs.

Mandates the commission calculate the net cost or savings of using distributed energy resources instead of traditional transmission and distribution system upgrades to mitigate wildfire risks while maintaining reliable service.

Requires the commission to use grid planning modeling tools to evaluate the current and estimated future value of electric transmission and distribution infrastructure that may not be necessary due to behind-the-meter distributed energy resources, battery storage systems, and demand response technologies between 2020 and 2040.

Obligates electrical corporations to provide the commission and any contracted consultants with all data necessary for transmission and distribution system planning and maintenance.

Sunsets this requirement on January 1, 2026, and requires the commission to make its findings available for all relevant regulatory proceedings.