CA SB978

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a special rate structure for large-scale energy users (facilities requiring at least 75 megawatts of electricity) that prevents cost shifts to other ratepayers and mandates these users pay upfront costs for transmission or distribution infrastructure upgrades

Defines "facility" as contiguous property under common ownership with 75+ megawatt operational requirements, but excludes facilities switching from fossil fuels to renewable fuels or engaged in transportation electrification

Mandates large-scale energy users use only onsite solar, wind, or battery storage as backup power and requires binding agreements with local fire departments for adequate fire protection services

Classifies construction of these facilities as public works projects, requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages, use a skilled and trained workforce, and maintain payroll records subject to inspection

Requires the joint annual report by PUC, Energy Commission, and Air Resources Board to include evaluation of large-scale energy users' impacts on California's goal of 100% renewable/zero-carbon electricity by 2045