Existing law requires the Public Utilities Commission to adopt a process for each load-serving entity, as defined, to file an integrated resource plan, adopt a schedule for periodic updates to the plan, and ensure each load-serving entity take specified actions, as specified. Existing law requires the commission to determine if there is a need for the procurement of eligible energy resources, as described, and requires the commission to specify the eligible energy resources that should be procured to meet that need, and authorizes the commission, within 6 months of making that determination, to request the Department of Water Resources to procure those specified resources that meet the portfolio of resources, as specified. Existing law authorizes the department to procure those resources pursuant to that request only before January 1, 2035, as provided. Existing law authorizes the department to procure resources from a pump hydroelectric facility pursuant to these provisions if the pump hydroelectric facility does not exceed 500 megawatts and was directly appropriated funding by the state before January 1, 2023.

This bill would additionally authorize the department to procure resources from a pump hydroelectric facility pursuant to the above-described provisions if the pump hydroelectric facility is exempt from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing.