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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 5Art. 1§ 1002 Certificate Granting Factors

§ 1002 Certificate Granting Factors

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1002 Certificate Granting Factors

This law tells the commission what things to think about when deciding whether to give a certificate, and says that for thermal power plants or big power lines they must first get a different certificate, which then replaces those things to consider.

Key Takeaways

  • •The commission must consider community values, park areas, historic/aesthetic values, and environmental impact before granting a certificate.
  • •If the project is in another state, the commission only looks at environmental impact when it would significantly affect this state.
  • •For thermal power plants or major transmission lines, a different certificate must be obtained first, and that decision replaces the four‑factor review.

Example

A company wants to build a new high‑voltage power line that runs through the state.

The commission has to look at how the line will affect the community, parks, historic sites, and the environment. If the line is mostly in another state, the commission only worries about the environment if the line’s emissions would noticeably affect this state. Because it is a big transmission line, the company must first get a separate certificate under the Public Resources Code; once that is granted, the commission does not need to go through the four‑factor check.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1002 Certificate Granting Factors

(a) The commission, as a basis for granting any certificate pursuant to Section 1001 shall give consideration to the following factors: (1) Community values. (2) Recreational and park areas. (3) Historical and aesthetic values. (4) Influence on environment, except that in the case of any line, plant, or system or extension thereof located in another state which will be subject to environmental impact review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Chapter 55 (commencing with Section 4321) of Title 42 of the United States Code) or similar state laws in the other state, the commission shall not consider influence on the environment unless any emissions or discharges therefrom would have a significant influence on the environment of this state. (b) With respect to any thermal powerplant or electrical transmission line for which a certificate is required pursuant to the provisions of Division 15 (commencing with Section 25000) of the Public Resources Code, no certificate of public convenience and necessity shall be granted pursuant to Section 1001 without such other certificate having been obtained first, and the decision granting such other certificate shall be conclusive as to all matters determined thereby and shall take the place of the requirement for consideration by the commission of the four factors specified in subdivision (a) of this section. (Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 573, Sec. 3.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

Community valuesRecreational and park areasHistorical and aesthetic valuesInfluence on environmentthermal powerplantelectrical transmission linecertificate of public convenience and necessity

Related Statutes

  • § 1001.1 Transmission Project Need Presumption
  • § 1005.1 Renewable Energy Transmission Approval
  • § 1006 Utility Construction Halt Orders
  • § 1102 Cost-Effective Transmission Line Approval
  • § 1001 Utility Construction Approval

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 1002.
View Official Source