CA SB1165

Expands eligibility for Energy Commission certification to include electrical transmission projects, in addition to existing eligible facilities like solar, wind, and energy storage systems.

Allows electrical corporations to simultaneously submit applications to both the Public Utilities Commission and Energy Commission when seeking to construct new electrical transmission facilities rated 138 kilovolts or greater.

Requires applicants for electrical transmission project certification to avoid or minimize significant environmental impacts in disadvantaged communities and enter into binding agreements to comply with mitigation measures before certification.

Makes Energy Commission certification satisfy the Public Utilities Commission's California Environmental Quality Act obligations for transmission facilities, with the PUC prohibited from approving construction until after the Energy Commission issues a certification decision.

Allows applications for Energy Commission certification to be filed no later than January 1, 2032, and authorizes the Energy Commission to recover reasonable administrative costs from electrical corporations submitting applications.