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SB 593

Relating to: various changes to insurance laws.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Romaine Quinn

SB 593 mandates studies on voltage-related incidents by large electrical corporations to enhance consumer protections and accountability for damages over $5,000.

Presented to the Governor on 3-26-2026
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Bill Summary · SB 593

Summary of SB 593: Electrical Corporations and Voltage-Related Incidents

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 593
Title: Electrical corporations: significant voltage-related incidents: studies
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 420, Statutes of 2025.
Vote Requirement: Majority
Fiscal Committee: Yes
Local Program: Yes

Purpose and Intent

SB 593 aims to enhance the oversight and accountability of large electrical corporations in California regarding significant voltage-related incidents that can cause damage to customer-owned equipment, appliances, or property. The bill mandates the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to conduct studies on these incidents to better understand their frequency, causes, and impacts, thereby improving consumer protections.

Key Provisions

  1. Study Requirement:

    • By January 1, 2027, each large electrical corporation must commence a study evaluating significant voltage-related incidents affecting residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
    • A "significant voltage-related incident" is defined as a deviation in electrical service voltage that exceeds a range of plus or minus 5 percent of nominal voltage, resulting in damages of $5,000 or more.

  2. Study Components:
    Each study must include:

    • Evaluation of consumer protections within the service territory.
    • Quantification of the frequency and causes of voltage-related incidents from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
    • Identification of causes such as electrical grid instability or natural disasters.
    • Assessment of the impacts on the corporation’s operations and customer property.
    • Analysis of customer complaints and response times related to these incidents.
    • Evaluation of existing outreach and support mechanisms for affected customers, particularly those who are low-income or have limited English proficiency.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • By July 1, 2027, the PUC must publish hyperlinks to the studies on its website and report findings to the Legislature.

  4. Local Agency Reimbursement:

    • The bill specifies that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts for costs incurred due to the creation of new crimes or changes in penalties related to the bill's implementation.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily impacts large electrical corporations and their customers, including residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers who may experience voltage-related incidents.
  • Consumer Protections: By requiring comprehensive studies and public reporting, the bill aims to enhance consumer protections and ensure that electrical corporations are held accountable for damages caused by voltage fluctuations.

Conclusion

SB 593 represents a significant step towards improving the safety and reliability of electrical services in California. By mandating studies on voltage-related incidents, the bill seeks to protect consumers from financial hardships and safety concerns associated with electrical service fluctuations. The findings from these studies will inform future regulations and consumer protection measures.

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

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