[SMM PV News] California lawmakers urge CPUC to enforce utility interconnection timelines

Published: Dec 3, 2025 09:23

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A bipartisan coalition of 18 California legislators, that led by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), is pressing the CPUC to enforce Rule 21, which mandates timelines for utilities (PG&E and SCE) to approve and connect customer-sited solar/storage systems. Over five years, the utilities have failed to meet Rule 21 deadlines for 27%-73% of steps (far below the 95% compliance requirement), with the CPUC taking no enforcement action despite repeated violations.

The delays burden consumers: many secure financing for solar/storage but face inactive systems while loan payments begin, and risk missing 2026-2027 federal tax credit deadlines. Lawmakers argue the bottlenecks undermine California’s 2045 100% clean energy goal and compound market challenges from NEM 3.0.

They urge the CPUC to adopt strict penalties and incentives for utilities in its upcoming Rule 21 reform ruling (via a pending OIR), with industry groups noting compliance would improve with consequences. The commission is expected to issue a final decision in the coming months.

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