The Overview
Every time you flip a light switch in California, you're relying on a web of transmission lines that most people never think about until something goes wrong. AB 192, the Energy: transmission infrastructure accelerator: financing bill, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 18. The Los Angeles Times reported that the state had curtailed 3.2 million megawatt-hours so far that year as of November 2024, enough by its estimate to power more than half a million homes for a year. The law takes effect immediately.
What the Law Does
The law updates the Transmission Infrastructure Accelerator, the state program that selects and finances major grid projects. It now requires the accelerator to evaluate draft results from the California Independent System Operator's transmission planning process before selecting projects for public financing, and shifts final approval authority to the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank). Developers seeking public financing must certify contractor information under penalty of perjury.
The law extends the California Transmission Accelerator Revolving Fund Program's sunset date by five years, to Jan. 1, 2036. The accelerator must develop program guidelines by Dec. 31, 2027.
A tax credit for transmission project spending remains in place through 2035, covering 20 percent of qualified costs up to $20,000,000 per taxpayer per year.
Legislative Status
The Assembly Committee on Budget sponsored the bill. The Assembly passed it 53-17 on March 20, 2025. The Senate passed it unanimously, 39-0, on Aug. 31, 2026. The Assembly then concurred in Senate amendments 60-17 the same day.
CivicWell described AB 192 as making "several important but largely technical changes" to the Transmission Accelerator.
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