Data center regulation in California: the CPUC, CAISO, CARB, and the county.
Agency decisions shape how policy works in practice. Explore the institutions and policy matters relevant to data center organizations, then discuss the proceedings affecting your business.
Who writes and enforces the rules.
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)Large-load tariff and interconnection rulemaking, rate design.
- California Energy Commission (CEC)Generation siting and demand forecasting.
- California Independent System Operator (CAISO)Transmission interconnection queue.
- California Air Resources Board and the 35 local air districtsDiesel backup generator rules and permit-by-permit emissions authority.
- PG&E, SCE, and SMUDUtility-specific interconnection and tariff administration.
- City councils, county boards, planning commissionsCEQA review, conditional use permits, business licensing.
- State Water Resources Control Board and local suppliersWater-use conditions where applicable.
Rulemakings, programs, and enforcement in 2026.
- CPUC rulemakingRulemakingLarge-load and transmission-connected customer rate design. Includes data-center-specific rate structures. Opened April 2026; roughly 24 months; staff proposal expected in the third quarter of 2026. Open for comment.
- CARB backup generatorsRulemakingEmergency standby diesel generators. Scrutiny of emergency-standby self-certification and diesel particulate filter requirements; petitions to tighten reporting filed April 2026. Ongoing.
- FERC orderProgramInterconnection rules for large loads. June 2026 order directing grid operators including CAISO to justify or revise interconnection and tariff rules for large loads. Shapes the parallel CPUC proceeding.
Discuss your California
policy priorities.
Tell us what is changing for your organization.
We’ll discuss the representation and scope you need.