Larry Klein
Mayor
Richard Mehlinger
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
May 11, 2026
T
he Honorable Nick Schultz
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 5210
Sacramento, CA 95814
R
E: Assembly Bill 1975 (Schultz): Electrical Corporations: Grid Utilization Metric – SUPPORT
D
ear Assemblymember Schultz:
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we want to express our support of AB 1975, which would direct the California Public Utilities Commission to establish a grid utilization metric to better measure and optimize how California’s electrical distribution system is used.
A
s California accelerates toward its clean energy and electrification goals, ensuring that our existing electrical infrastructure is used as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible is critical. AB 1975 takes an important step in that direction by requiring the development of a transparent, data- driven framework to assess grid utilization across distribution circuits, substations, and service territories.
F
or cities like Sunnyvale, where electrification of buildings and transportation is a key component of our climate action efforts, the ability to maximize existing grid capacity is essential. By measuring electrical load as a percentage of rated capacity and requiring regular reporting, this bill will provide valuable insights into where the grid is underutilized and where constraints may exist. This information can help guide more strategic investments, reduce unnecessary infrastructure expansion, and ulti mately help contain costs for ratepayers.
W
e are particularly supportive of the bill’s emphasis on encouraging cost -effective solutions and aligning utility incentives with improved grid performance. By establishing performance-based mechanisms that reward efficient use of infrastructure while ensuring net benefits for customers, AB 1975 promotes innovation and accountability among electrical corporations.
Attachment 8
The Honorable Nick Schultz, State Assembly
May 11, 2026
Additionally, this measure complements California’s broader efforts to integrate distributed energy resources, support demand flexibility, and modernize the grid.
Improving grid utilization will be key to accommodating increased electricity demand from electric vehicles, building electrification, and renewable energy integration without placing undue financial burdens on communities.
The City of Sunnyvale’s support for AB 1975 is grounded in adopted City Council Policy
3.5.1 (Energy), including the City’s Climate Action Playbook and General Plan policies that promote energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and the transition to a reliable, low-carbon energy system. These policies prioritize maximizing the efficiency of existing infrastructure, supporting electrification, and advancing innovative, data-driven solutions to meet growing energy demand while minimizing costs and environmental impacts. Establishing a grid utilization metric is consistent with these policy objectives by enabling more efficient use of the electrical system, reducing the need for unnecessary infrastructure expansion, and supporting a resilient and sustainable energy future.
AB 1975 reflects a thoughtful and forward- looking approach to grid management that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and affordability. By making better use of the infrastructure we already have, California can advance its climate goals while protecting ratepayers and maintaining reliable service.
For these reasons, the City of Sunnyvale respectfully supports AB 1975 and thanks you for your leadership on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Mansour Nasser, Interim Director of Environmental Services at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab
Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Attachment 8
The Honorable Nick Schultz, State Assembly
May 11, 2026
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Mansour Nasser, Interim Director of Environmental Services
Attachment 8