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AB 1761

Electricity: calculation methodology: data disclosure.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse Arreguín and 6 co-sponsors

AB 1761 would require public disclosure of the data and models used to calculate electricity metrics, boosting transparency and accessibility of methodologies.

Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.
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Bill Summary · AB 1761

Summary of AB 1761 (2025-2026) – California: Electricity: calculation methodology: data disclosure

Purpose and intent

AB 1761 proposes requirements related to how electricity data and calculation methodologies are disclosed. The bill aims to increase transparency around the methods used to determine electricity-related calculations, potentially including pricing, emissions accounting, or other metrics used by utilities or regulatory bodies. The overall intent appears to be to empower regulators, commenters, and the public with access to the data and methods underlying electricity calculations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Data disclosure requirements: The bill establishes or expands requirements for disclosing data and the methodologies used to calculate certain electricity-related metrics. While the exact scope is not enumerated in the provided summary, it focuses on transparency of calculation processes.
  • Methodology transparency: Utilities or relevant entities may be required to publicly disclose the models, assumptions, inputs, and formulas used in calculating specified electricity metrics.
  • Accessibility: The data and methodologies would need to be accessible to stakeholders, potentially including the public, through reports, dashboards, or other disclosures mandated by the bill.
  • Timing and updates: The bill likely sets timelines for when disclosures must be made (e.g., prior to filings, with annual reports, or upon request). It may also require updates whenever methodologies or data inputs change.

Who and what is affected

  • State regulatory agencies and utilities: Entities responsible for electricity calculation and reporting would be the primary subjects, implementing the disclosure requirements.
  • Stakeholders and the public: Consumers, advocates, researchers, and industry participants would have access to the disclosed data and methodologies.
  • Policy and rate-setting processes: Transparent calculation methodologies could affect how rates, charges, or regulatory benchmarks are determined and reviewed.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status timeline:
    • February–March 2026: Referred to committees; initial readings and amendments.
    • March 18, 2026: Passed committee with amendments and re-referred to the Appropriations Committee.
    • April 29, 2026: Set, heard, and approved by committee (Do pass) with a favorable vote.
    • May 14, 2026: Reported out of committee and sent to the full Assembly.
    • May 18, 2026: Read second time; ordered to third reading.
    • May 27, 2026: Read third time; passed; ordered to the Senate.
  • Legislative path: Following Senate consideration, if approved, the bill would proceed to the governor for signature or veto. The summary notes no final outcome beyond passage in the Assembly as of May 27, 2026.

Sponsorship

  • Co-sponsors include notable California Assembly members: Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Damon Connolly, Chris Ward, Jesse Arreguín, Chris Rogers, Tasha Boerner, and Cottie Petrie-Norris. This indicates bipartisan or cross-district interest in increasing data transparency in electricity calculations.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Transparency gains: Public access to data and methodologies can improve accountability, enable independent analysis, and support consumer advocacy.
  • Administrative burden: Utilities and agencies may need to invest in data systems, documentation, and public-facing disclosures, including potential redaction where necessary to protect sensitive information.
  • Regulatory implications: Clearer methodologies could influence rate-design considerations, compliance reviews, and performance benchmarking.
  • Data scope and sensitivity: The bill’s effectiveness will hinge on the precise scope of “calculation methodology” and which data points are disclosed; too broad a mandate could raise concerns about proprietary information, whereas too narrow a scope could limit usefulness.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, industry stakeholders, or general public) or adjust based on the final, enacted text for AB 1761.

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

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