Legis
Energy
AB 2476, Chapter 302, Statutes of 2026 · Friday 18 September 2026

Electricity: integrated resource plans: Department of Water Resources: procurement

California can procure power from qualifying pumped-storage hydropower projects up to 500 megawatts without a prior state funding appropriation.

The change expands the pool of pumped-storage projects the Department of Water Resources may contract for when the California Public Utilities Commission identifies a need for eligible clean-energy resources.

What the law does ​

  • Removes the requirement that a pumped-storage hydropower project have received a direct state appropriation before January 1, 2023, to qualify for Department of Water Resources procurement.
  • Retains the 500-megawatt maximum size for pumped-storage projects procured under this authority.
  • Leaves in place the requirement that the California Public Utilities Commission first identify the procurement need and may request Department of Water Resources procurement.

Who it affects ​

  • Pumped-storage hydropower project developers and operators.
  • The Department of Water Resources and the California Public Utilities Commission.
  • Electricity customers served by load-serving entities.

Context ​

Department of Water Resources may use this procurement authority before January 1, 2035, following a commission request.