Section 382 Of Article 7. Research, Environmental, And Low-income Funds From California Public Utilities Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 2.3. >> Article 7.
382
. (a) Programs provided to low-income electricity customers,
including, but not limited to, targeted energy-efficiency services
and the California Alternate Rates for Energy program shall be funded
at not less than 1996 authorized levels based on an assessment of
customer need.
(b) In order to meet legitimate needs of electric and gas
customers who are unable to pay their electric and gas bills and who
satisfy eligibility criteria for assistance, recognizing that
electricity is a basic necessity, and that all residents of the state
should be able to afford essential electricity and gas supplies, the
commission shall ensure that low-income ratepayers are not
jeopardized or overburdened by monthly energy expenditures. Energy
expenditure may be reduced through the establishment of different
rates for low-income ratepayers, different levels of rate assistance,
and energy efficiency programs.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit
electric and gas providers from offering any special rate or program
for low-income ratepayers that is not specifically required in this
section.
(d) Beginning in 2002, an assessment of the needs of low-income
electricity and gas ratepayers shall be conducted periodically by the
commission with the assistance of the Low-Income Oversight Board. A
periodic assessment shall be made not less often than every third
year. The assessment shall evaluate low-income program implementation
and the effectiveness of weatherization services and energy
efficiency measures in low-income households. The assessment shall
consider whether existing programs adequately address low-income
electricity and gas customers' energy expenditures, hardship,
language needs, and economic burdens.
(e) The commission shall, by not later than December 31, 2020,
ensure that all eligible low-income electricity and gas customers are
given the opportunity to participate in low-income energy efficiency
programs, including customers occupying apartments or similar
multiunit residential structures. The commission and electrical
corporations and gas corporations shall make all reasonable efforts
to coordinate ratepayer-funded programs with other energy
conservation and efficiency programs and to obtain additional federal
funding to support actions undertaken pursuant to this subdivision.
These programs shall be designed to provide long-term reductions
in energy consumption at the dwelling unit based on an audit or
assessment of the dwelling unit, and may include improved insulation,
energy efficient appliances, measures that utilize solar energy, and
other improvements to the physical structure.
(f) The commission shall allocate funds necessary to meet the
low-income objectives in this section.