Section 25301.

(a) At least every two years, the commission shall conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission shall use these assessments and forecasts to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state's economy, and protect public health and safety. To perform these assessments and forecasts, the commission may require submission of demand forecasts, resource plans, market assessments, and related outlooks from electric and natural gas utilities, transportation fuel and technology suppliers, and other market participants. These assessments and forecasts shall be done in consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies including, but not limited to, the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, the Air Resources Board, the Electricity Oversight Board, the Independent System Operator, the Department of Water Resources, the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(b) In developing the assessments and forecasts prepared pursuant to subdivision (a), the commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Provide information about the performance of energy industries.

(2) Develop and maintain the analytical capability sufficient to answer inquiries about energy issues from government, market participants, and the public.

(3) Analyze and develop energy policies.

(4) Provide an analytical foundation for regulatory and policy decisionmaking.

(5) Facilitate efficient and reliable energy markets.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)