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 Marc Berman
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 8130
Sacramento, CA 95834
R
E: Assembly Bill 2313 (Berman): service line replacements: alternatives –
SUPPORT
D
ear Assemblymember Berman:
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we want to express our support of Assembly Bill 2313, which establishes a forward -looking framework to provide customers with alternatives to gas service line replacements through electrification incentives.
A
B 2313 represents an innovative and pragmatic approach to addressing the evolving role of natural gas in California’s energy system. As the state continues to pursue its ambitious climate and decarbonization goals, it is essential that we proactively manage the transition away from fossil fuel infrastructure in a manner that is cost -effective, equitable, and beneficial to ratepayers.
T
his bill thoughtfully aligns infrastructure investment decisions with long -term energy policy objectives. By requiring gas corporations to offer customers the option to electrify in lieu of replacing aging gas service lines, AB 2313 helps avoid unnecessar y capital expenditures on infrastructure that may become stranded as demand for natural gas declines. One estimate says the US spends $7 billion per year on service line replacement.
Every penny of that $7 billion is passed on to gas users. Redirecting these funds toward electrification solutions, such as efficient electric appliances, panel upgrades, and related improvements, supports both individual households and the broader public interest.
T
he City of Sunnyvale’s support for AB 2313 is grounded in adopted City Council Policy
7.4.14, including the Climate Action Playbook and General Plan policies that promote building electrification, energy efficiency, and the transition to a low -carbon, resilient energy system. These policies prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, minimizing reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure, and advancing equitable Attachment 14
The Honorable Marc Berman, State Assembly
May 11, 2026
access to clean energy solutions. They also emphasize cost -effective approaches that avoid unnecessary long-term investments in infrastructure that may become obsolete. AB 2313 is consistent with these policy objectives by aligning utility investment decis ions with the City’s climate goals and supporting a managed, equitable transition away from natural gas.
Importantly, AB 2313 prioritizes equity by providing enhanced incentives for customers in disadvantaged communities, helping to ensure that the benefits of electrification are accessible to those who may otherwise face financial barriers. This approach not only advances environmental justice but also helps mitigate the risk of rising gas rates disproportionately impacting remaining customers who are least able to transition.
While there are important implementation details that will need to be carefully addressed, AB 2313 establishes a critical policy framework to begin reducing reliance on aging gas infrastructure while empowering customers with meaningful energy choices.
Sunnyvale has long been committed to sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate leadership. This bill furthers all of those aims. For these reasons, the City of Sunnyvale supports AB 2313. 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
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Mansour Nasser, Interim Director of Environmental Services
Attachment 14