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Subcommittee advances bill to pilot expedited electric interconnection, microgrid option for growing regions
Summary
AB 1347 would establish a pilot allowing developers in up to six priority regions to expedite grid interconnection by funding infrastructure expansions or using microgrids for up to 10 years; the committee voted to pass the bill to the appropriate policy committee, 8-0.
Assemblymember Carrillo presented AB 1347, a bill aimed at easing lengthy utility interconnection timelines that can delay new residential and commercial development in high-growth regions such as the High Desert.
Carrillo told the committee customers can wait "somewhere between a couple of years and a decade" to connect to the grid, a delay he said discourages new development. AB 1347 would create a pilot program to identify up to six priority regions where developers could either pay up-front to accelerate infrastructure expansion and cost recovery or deploy a microgrid as a temporary power solution for up to 10 years.
Sponsors said the approach balances unlocking growth with protections for existing ratepayers by allowing developers to choose expedited service through private investment while preserving long-term oversight. There were no witnesses in opposition at the hearing.
The committee moved AB 1347 to the relevant policy committee (filed as due passed to Utilities and Energy) by voice vote; the subcommittee recorded the motion as passed and left the item on call for further consideration. Final committee tally reflected unanimous support (8-0).
The sponsor said the pilot would help identify regions where grid constraints are a barrier to economic growth and would provide an option for developers to finance and construct required infrastructure or operate via microgrids while mitigating risks to existing customers.
