WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1873

County of Ventura: fire suppression: backup energy source.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bennett

Ventura County water suppliers must ensure backup energy or equivalent water sources can operate critical fire suppression infrastructure for 24 hours in high/very high fire zones,

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E.M. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 9). Re-referred to Com. on E.M.
#countyofventura #backupenergysource #firesuppression
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1873

Summary of AB 1873 (2025-2026) – County of Ventura: fire suppression: backup energy source

Overall purpose

AB 1873 amends the California Water Code to expand and standardize requirements for backup energy sources used to operate critical fire suppression infrastructure in Ventura County. The bill focuses on ensuring reliable power or water backup for fire suppression wells and pumps in high or very high fire hazard areas, with additional planning, reporting, and inspection duties for local agencies and the water supplier.

Key aim: strengthen resilience of water delivery and critical fire suppression infrastructure during power outages, red flag warnings, extreme weather, and other emergencies in Ventura County.

Main provisions and changes

  • Backup energy requirement timeline (Section 7080(a))

    • Beginning July 1, 2030, a water supplier must have access to sufficient backup energy sources to operate critical fire suppression infrastructure for at least 24 hours in high/very high fire hazard zones in Ventura County, or have access to alternative water sources that can provide the same backup water to critical wells and pumps for 24 hours.
    • If backup energy sources lack automatic/remote transfer switches, backup power must be turned on as soon as practically possible after deenergization. If there is an automatic/remote transfer switch, power must be on within 30 minutes after power loss.
    • If relying on alternative water sources from other suppliers, those sources must be available within 30 minutes and supply the required volume.

  • Non-permanent backup energy sources (Section 7080(a)(2))

    • If the backup energy is not permanent/stationary, a water supplier may use mobile backup energy sources or mutual aid energy agreements, provided:
    • Power is available within 12 hours of a National Weather Service red-flag warning for Ventura County.
    • Power can be provided for at least 24 hours after a power loss and within 90 minutes after a loss of power (or as soon as practically possible after deenergization).
    • If power is not provided within 90 minutes, the supplier must notify the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services (VECSO) as soon as practically possible, but no later than 72 hours after the loss.

  • Compliance timing for pre-existing contracts (Section 7080(a)(3))

    • If a supplier contracted for backup energy before July 1, 2030 but has not received the backup energy by that date, compliance is deemed met if the supplier has access to the backup energy by January 1, 2033.

  • Critical infrastructure identification and reporting (Section 7080(b))

    • By May 1, 2026, water suppliers must identify critical fire suppression infrastructure or alternative water sources and provide that list to the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services (VCOES). Updates must be provided within 120 days of changes.
    • VCOES will establish procedures for identification by March 1, 2026.

  • Fire safety standards and inspections (Section 7080(c))

    • By January 1, 2027, the Ventura County Fire Department (in consultation with water suppliers and local fire departments) must develop minimum fire safety standards for hardening critical infrastructure and backup energy sources located in high/very high hazard zones.
    • After standards are set, VCFD and local departments will annually inspect relevant infrastructure; water suppliers must also conduct annual inspections for systems outside the high/very high zone.

  • Emergency preparedness planning (Section 7080(d))

    • By July 1, 2027, water suppliers must establish an emergency preparedness plan for red flag warnings, extreme weather, and major power outages, coordinated with VCOES and VCFD. Plans must be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
    • Plans should consider filling water tanks and stationing backup energy sources and may be incorporated into any PUC-required emergency response plans.

  • Notifications during emergencies (Section 7080(e))

    • Water suppliers must notify VCOES within three business days of any reduction in water delivery capacity that could hinder firefighting or reservoir replenishment.
    • Suppliers must alert VCOES as soon as they learn of any reduction during a fire event.

  • Damages reporting (Section 7080(f))

    • If a fire damages cause more than 10 uninhabitable residences within a supplier’s service area, the Ventura County Fire Department, with the supplier, must prepare a report for the Board of Supervisors assessing:
    • Tank filling adequacy for fire suppression per the emergency plan.
    • Timeliness/mitigation of water delivery disruptions due to power loss.
    • Compliance with fire safety standards.
    • Whether a power loss notification was made for non-permanent backup energy sources and the duration of power losses.

  • Definitions (Section 7080(g))

    • Defines “critical fire suppression infrastructure,” “high/very high fire hazard severity zone,” and “water supplier” (retail providers serving >20 residential dwellings in Ventura County’s high/very high hazard zones).

  • Exceptions (Section 7080(h))

    • Excludes gravity-fed systems that do not require backup power and nonpotable, recycled, irrigation, or agricultural water systems not used for fire suppression.

  • Statutory findings and mandate considerations (Sections 7080(ii), 7080(i))

    • The act acknowledges Ventura County’s unique fire history and asserts the need for a special statute.
    • If the state mandates costs, reimbursements to local agencies may apply under existing state mandates provisions.

  • Legislative and fiscal notes

    • The bill includes typical mandate reimbursement language if applicable.

Who is affected

  • Ventura County water suppliers (community water systems serving more than 20 residential dwellings in high/very high fire hazard zones).
  • Ventura County Fire Department and the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services.
  • Local fire departments within Ventura County.
  • Residents served by affected water systems (indirectly through reliability of water for firefighting).
  • Potentially, if costs arise, local agencies and school districts (per mandate provisions).

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Initial filing and amendments occurred in early 2026.
  • Key statutory dates:
    • July 1, 2030: Primary backup energy reliability standard takes effect.
    • May 1, 2026: Identification of critical fire suppression infrastructure to VCOES.
    • March 1, 2026: VCOES procedures for identifications.
    • January 1, 2027: Minimum fire safety standards and commencement of annual inspections (VCFD and applicable agencies).
    • July 1, 2027: Emergency preparedness plan must be established; annual review and updates begin.
  • The bill includes state-mandated local program language and potential state reimbursements if mandates are determined to be cost-imposing.

Bottom line

AB 1873 strengthens Ventura County’s resilience to fire and power outages by codifying robust backup energy requirements for critical fire suppression infrastructure, establishing a structured identification and inspection framework, and mandating comprehensive emergency planning and interagency coordination. It sets phased timelines culminating in 2030 for essential backup power capabilities, with ongoing planning, notification, and reporting obligations for local agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.