Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee advances package of energy bills after lengthy debate

The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy met in a multi‑hour hearing that advanced a slate of energy bills and heard extended testimony on the costs, safety and implementation of policies tied to California’s move away from fossil fuels.

Chair (Chair) opened the hearing and set procedures for testimony and registration before the committee took up AB 18 13, AB 23 13 (Home Energy Choice Act), AB 19 75 (grid utilization metric), AB 26 12 (plug‑in photovoltaic standards), AB 18 49 (decarbonized gaseous fuels study), AB 20 88 (thermal energy networks), and several other measures.

AB 18 13 — community renewable projects Assemblymember Ward, the bill’s author, framed AB 18 13 as a way to expand access to shared solar for renters and low‑income customers, noting that "45% of all California households and 70% of low income households are renters," and argued community projects paired with storage could close that gap. Supporters including Matt Friedman of the Utility Reform Network and Marian Borgeson of NRDC said community solar can be built quickly and deliver bill savings; utility witnesses (Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison) expressed procedural and cost‑shift concerns and asked for more time to review the committee amendments. The author said incentives would be capped and the bill includes PUC direction and emergency exemptions. The committee later took a motion on the measure (see votes at a glance).

AB 23 13 — Home Energy Choice Act Supporters…