CA SB1240

Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, in consultation with the Independent System Operator, to identify and evaluate options for transforming electrical corporations' distribution grids into open access platforms allowing local governments and third parties to participate more easily in grid activities.

Commission evaluation must consider methods for electrical corporations to organizationally separate distribution functions from other operations, standards for third-party planning and grid reliability, open-access principles for transmission-distribution coordination, and necessary regulatory changes to facilitate third-party participation.

Goals of grid transformation include improving safety and resiliency during climate-related power shutoffs, better integrating local renewable energy and storage resources, and increasing deployment of energy efficiency and demand management to reduce peak electricity demand.

Commission shall update the identification and evaluation of options at least once every two years and submit biennial reports to the Legislature beginning January 1, 2022.