(a) Notwithstanding Sections 1001 to 1013, inclusive, an application of an electrical corporation for a certificate authorizing the construction of new transmission facilities is necessary to the provision of electric service if the commission finds that the new facility is necessary to facilitate achievement of the renewables portfolio standard established in Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11).

(b) With respect to a transmission facility described in subdivision (a), the commission shall take all feasible actions to ensure that the transmission rates established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are fully reflected in any retail rates established by the commission. These actions shall include all of the following:

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(1) Making findings, where supported by an evidentiary record, that those transmission facilities provide benefit to the transmission network and are necessary to facilitate the achievement of the renewables portfolio standard established in Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11).

(2) Directing the utility to which the generator will be interconnected, where the direction is not preempted by federal law, to seek the recovery through general transmission rates of the costs associated with the transmission facilities.

(3) Asserting the positions described in paragraphs (1) and (2) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in appropriate proceedings.

(4) Allowing recovery in retail rates of any increase in transmission costs incurred by an electrical corporation resulting from the construction of the transmission facilities that are not approved for recovery in transmission rates by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission after the commission determines that the costs were prudently incurred.

(c) (1) The commission, prior to making a finding pursuant to subdivision (a), may approve an advice letter from an electrical corporation seeking, for a specific transmission project, a finding of eligibility for cost recovery pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b), if the electrical corporation certifies in the advice letter, in a form prescribed by the commission, that it expects that the facility will be necessary to facilitate achievement of the renewables portfolio standard established pursuant to Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11). The electrical corporation’s ultimate recovery of construction costs shall be contingent upon the commission finding, pursuant to subdivision (a), that the facility is necessary to facilitate achievement of the renewables portfolio standard and that the costs were prudently incurred.

(2) Prior to making a finding pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission may approve an advice letter from an electrical corporation requesting retail rate cost recovery for costs incurred prior to permitting or certification for potential transmission facilities if the electrical corporation certifies in the advice letter, in a form prescribed by the commission, that it expects that the facility will be necessary to facilitate achievement of the renewables portfolio standard established pursuant to Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11). The electrical corporation’s ultimate recovery of costs incurred prior to permitting or certification shall be contingent upon the commission finding that the electrical corporation administered the approved costs reasonably and prudently.

(3) Any commission determination pursuant to this subdivision is not binding upon the commission when determining the need for the transmission facilities pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1001) or Article 16 (commencing with Section 399.11).

(d) Any cost recovery pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) shall be limited to costs that are not approved for recovery in transmission rates by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 460, Sec. 1. (AB 1954) Effective January 1, 2011.)