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AB 1404

Electrical corporations: connections: affordable housing projects.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Ortega and 1 co-sponsor

AB 1404 - Electrical Corporations: Connections for Affordable Housing Projects OverviewBill Number: AB 1404Title: Electrical corporations: connections: affordable housing projects.

In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
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Bill Summary · AB 1404

AB 1404 - Electrical Corporations: Connections for Affordable Housing Projects

Overview

Bill Number: AB 1404
Title: Electrical corporations: connections: affordable housing projects.
Status: In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
Introduced: February 21, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of AB 1404 is to improve access to electrical service connections for affordable housing projects in California. The bill aims to address challenges that affordable housing developers often face when trying to connect new projects to the electrical grid, which can create delays and increase costs. By streamlining the connection process, the legislation intends to facilitate the development of more affordable housing units across the state.

Key Provisions

  • Requires electrical corporations to prioritize and expedite the processing of applications for electrical service connections to affordable housing projects.
  • Mandates that electrical corporations establish a dedicated team or division to handle affordable housing connection requests.
  • Directs the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop standardized timelines and procedures for affordable housing electrical connections.
  • Prohibits electrical corporations from charging affordable housing projects higher connection fees or imposing additional requirements beyond those applied to other residential or commercial customers.
  • Requires electrical corporations to provide regular progress updates to affordable housing developers on the status of their connection applications.

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of AB 1404 would be affordable housing developers and the low-income individuals and families who rely on affordable housing. By reducing the time and costs associated with electrical connections, the bill aims to make it easier for affordable housing projects to move forward, ultimately increasing the supply of affordable units in California.

Electrical corporations would also be affected, as they would be required to dedicate additional resources and modify their processes to prioritize and expedite affordable housing connections. However, the bill's provisions are intended to create a more efficient and streamlined system that benefits both affordable housing providers and electrical utilities.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

AB 1404 is currently in the committee stage, with a hearing postponed by the committee. The next steps would be for the bill to be rescheduled for a hearing, where it would be considered and potentially amended by the committee. If the bill passes the committee, it would then move to a full vote in the state legislature.

Given the importance of affordable housing development in California, AB 1404 has the potential to gain bipartisan support. However, the bill may face some opposition from electrical corporations concerned about the operational and financial impacts of the proposed changes. The ultimate success of the legislation will depend on its ability to balance the needs of affordable housing providers and electrical utilities.

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

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