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Committee hears bill to speed utility hookups for ADUs, EV chargers and small energy projects
Summary
SB 1196 would let applicants submit utility hookup requests at the time of a building permit and direct the CPUC to set timelines and penalties for investor‑owned utilities that fail to process small energization requests; witnesses said delays of up to 9–12 months are common for accessory dwelling units and other small projects.
Sen. McNerney presented SB 1196 to streamline small energy connections — including ADU electrification, EV chargers and small backup batteries — by directing the California Public Utilities Commission to set timelines for investor‑owned utilities to process service requests and by barring utilities from canceling service connections without the applicant's consent.
Sylvia Aguilar of the Casita Coalition told the committee homeowners and contractors face energization delays of "up to 9 to 12 months" for ADUs and other small projects and said the bill would add necessary timelines and penalties to ensure projects can come online. Jordan Prerna Carvajal of California YIMBY also testified in support, arguing the bill helps the state meet electrification and housing goals.
The committee advanced the measure on roll call with some members recorded as voting no; the author asked for an I vote and emphasized the bill's role in reducing delays and getting housing and small‑scale electrification projects into service more quickly.
