SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California became the first state to establish a smart grid law when Senate Bill (SB) 17, sponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), was signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bill is intended to improve electric power distribution reliability and efficiency through the deployment of smart grid technology.

“I am thrilled that the governor signed SB 17. California can’t hope to meet tomorrow’s energy challenges with yesterday’s technology and SB 17 will move California to the forefront of our nation’s smart grid technology deployment,” said Padilla. “With SB 17 in place, a 21st century grid could be realized in California within the next five to 10 years, allowing for a fundamental change in the way we think about, and use, electricity. It would also help jump start a new energy economy, creating green technologies and green collar jobs.”

SB 17 calls on the California Public Utilities Commission to determine the requirements for a smart grid deployment plan by July 2010. The bill also requires investor-owned utilities and municipal utility districts to develop smart grid deployment plans.

Publication date: 11/23/2009