CA SB1385

California Public Utilities Commission must establish a multifamily housing local solar program by January 1, 2024, requiring large electrical corporations (100,000+ service connections) to construct solar and storage systems on or near qualified multifamily housing.

Large electrical corporations must export electricity from these systems and use revenue to provide monthly bill credits to participating low-income customers, pay construction and operating costs, and fund program administration—with costs prohibited from being shifted to or recovered from non-participating customers.

Qualified multifamily housing includes buildings with 4+ units that predominantly house low-income customers, are located in underserved communities, or are located in high fire threat districts (Tier 2 or 3 fire risk areas).

Commission must evaluate the program when installed capacity reaches 500 megawatts or by January 1, 2026 (whichever is first) and report findings to Legislature by July 1, 2026, including assessment of voluntary customer renewable energy programs for potential consolidation or elimination of duplicative offerings.

Program sections expire January 1, 2027; total program size target is 1,500 megawatts with each corporation's share based on proportionate bundled electrical load; construction of solar systems by non-employee contractors constitutes a public works project under Labor Code prevailing wage requirements.