Commissioners and presenters debated how the rapid growth of data-center load affects system cost and who bears upgrades. Officials said data centers drive large portions of modeled system cost, but proper cost allocation and tariff design could shift burdens away from residential customers.

SB 1168 directs the CPUC to assess methods ensuring data centers pay for transmission, distribution and load‑increase costs so residential ratepayers aren't left covering upgrades; the Assembly passed the bill by recorded vote.