In a proceeding evaluating the issuance of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a proposed transmission project, the commission shall establish a rebuttable presumption with regard to need for the proposed transmission project in favor of an Independent System Operator governing board-approved need evaluation if all of the following are satisfied:

(a) The Independent System Operator governing board has made explicit findings regarding the need for the proposed transmission project and has determined that the proposed project is the most cost-effective transmission solution.

(b) The Independent System Operator is a party to the proceeding.

(c) The Independent System Operator governing board-approved need evaluation is submitted to the commission within sufficient time to be included within the scope of the proceeding.

(d) There has been no substantial change to the scope, estimated cost, or timeline of the proposed transmission project as approved by the Independent System Operator governing board.

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 367, Sec. 10. (AB 1373) Effective October 7, 2023.)