Pub. Util. Code, § 8362

(a) By July 1, 2010, the commission, in consultation with the Energy Commission, the ISO, and other key stakeholders shall determine the requirements for a smart grid deployment plan consistent with Section 8360 and federal law, including the provisions of Title XIII (commencing with Section 1301) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140). The commission shall institute a rulemaking or expand the scope of an existing rulemaking to adopt standards and protocols to ensure functionality and interoperability developed by public and private entities, including, but not limited to, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gridwise Architecture Council, the International Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the National Electric Reliability Organization recognized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. An adopted smart grid deployment plan may provide for deployment of cost-effective smart grid products, technologies, and services by entities other than electrical corporations. The smart grid technologies and services shall improve overall efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of electrical system operations, planning, and maintenance.

(b) This section does not require or authorize the commission to delay action on an application by an electrical corporation that is submitted prior to the commission determining the requirements for a smart grid deployment plan.