Community solar bill pits proponents against PUC and utilities over cost-shift and program viability
AB 18 13 would change the PUC's community renewable energy rules to use avoided-cost valuation and other changes supporters say are necessary to make community solar paired with storage economically viable; the Public Advocates Office and investor-owned utilities warned the bill risks shifting costs to nonparticipating customers and reversing recent PUC protections.
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Assemblymember Ward presented AB 18 13 as a course correction to the PUC’s community renewable energy decision, arguing the commission adopted a compensation framework that will render the program nonviable and leave no new projects built. Supporters — including San Diego Community Power, TURN, industry groups and community choice aggregators — urged the committee to require an avoided-cost calculator and clearer load-modification protocols so community solar paired with storage can be financeable and accessible to renters and low-income customers.
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