On the first day of the 2021 Legislative Session, Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) introduced Senate Bill 52, which clarifies that de-energization events (also known as PSPS events) qualify for a state of emergency or local emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (CESA).

While utilities are making substantial investments to harden their infrastructure and increase energy resiliency, hundreds of thousands of Californians still had their power shut off during one or more PSPS events this year, including during times of extreme heat and horrendous local air quality.  PSPS events reduce the risk of wildfire, but also pose substantial risks, including endangering lives and property and the operation of critical infrastructure.  Moreover, PSPS events can have debilitating economic consequences in many of our communities, where local governments are often least able to shoulder the additional costs and lost revenues.  

RCRC notes that many local governments have declared PSPS emergencies and the SB 52 statutory clarification will provide greater flexibility to local agencies to respond to those events and seek financial assistance from the state to recover response costs, including overtime, setting up resource centers, checking on medically sensitive residents, and procuring backup generators to ensure that critical facilities remain operational throughout the event.

RCRC’s letter of support can be accessed here.  SB 52 will be eligible for action January 7, 2021; however, it is not anticipated this bill will be set for hearing before March.  For more information, contact John Kennedy, RCRC Legislative Advocate at (916) 447-4806 or jkennedy@rcrcnet.org.