CA AB1912

Requests the Public Advocate's Office of the Public Utilities Commission to establish by January 1, 2026 a program to analyze legislation proposing mandated programs or requirements affecting electrical and gas ratepayers, upon request by the Legislature.

Requires analyses to evaluate estimated costs to ratepayers, potential benefits, consistency with climate policy requirements, impacts on disadvantaged and low-income communities, cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives, and whether other funding sources besides ratepayers could be used.

Establishes the Energy Programs Benefit Fund and requires the Public Utilities Commission to assess an annual fee on large electrical and gas corporations (those with over 100,000 service connections) of up to $2,000,000 total annually, divided evenly among each corporation, with funds continuously appropriated to the office.

Prohibits persons with material financial interests in affected legislation from participating in the analyses and requires the state to indemnify and defend the office and its personnel against claims arising from analyses.

Repeals this section on January 1, 2030.