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Committee advances San Diego pilot to shorten utility connection timelines for critical projects
Summary
AB 2518 would create a five‑year San Diego County pilot requiring utilities to meet staggered connection windows (40/55/70 days) for priority projects such as affordable housing and hospitals. Supporters said energization delays have stalled projects and raised costs; committee moved the bill to Appropriations.
AB 2518, presented as a district‑specific pilot, would establish a five‑year program in San Diego County that defines three categories of projects with maximum utility connection timelines: 40 days for category 1 (affordable housing, hospitals and other projects tied to public health and safety), 55 days for municipal and electric‑vehicle infrastructure projects, and 70 days for other projects.
“Connection delays often lead to critical infrastructure projects — such as affordable housing, schools, hospitals, water projects and electric‑vehicle charging stations — sitting empty and useless despite being ready for public use,” the bill’s presenter said. “When these delays occur, that means families are left living on the street.”
Frances Barraza, vice president of policy for the San Diego Housing Commission, testified the delays harm affordable housing projects that operate on thin financing margins and face strict compliance deadlines. Israel Salas of San Diego Gas & Electric told the committee the timelines are achievable and that SDG&E supports the pilot.
Members asked whether creating a faster lane for certain projects could slow service for other customers. Supporters pointed to complementary CPUC work (SB 410 proceedings) that sets average timelines for utilities and said the pilot is designed to work within those processes rather than contradict them.
The committee took the motion, recorded a roll call and moved AB 2518 to the Senate Appropriations Committee; later the committee reconvened to record the final votes and announced passage.
