Larry Klein
Mayor
Richard Mehlinger
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
September 15, 2026
T
he Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
R
E: Assembly Bill 2313 (Berman): service line replacements: alternatives –
REQUEST FOR SIGNATURE
D
ear Governor Newsom,
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we respectfully request that you sign AB 2313 into law. AB 2313 establishes a forward -looking framework to provide customers with alternatives to gas service line replacements through electrification incentives.
AB 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 mana ge the transition away from fossil fuel infrastructure in a manner that is cost -effective, equitable, and beneficial to ratepayers.
This 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.
The 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 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 decisions Attachment 17
The Honorable Gavin Newsom, Governor
September 15, 2026
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.
For these reasons, the City of Sunnyvale respectfully urges you to sign AB 2313 into law. Thank you for your consideration of the City of Sunnyvale's position on this important legislation. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Ramana Chinnakotla, Director of Environmental Services at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Ramana Chinnakotla, Director of Environmental Services
Attachment 17