SB 943 advances to encourage industrial electrification through off‑peak price signals

Senator Becker presented SB 943 as a mechanism to make electrifying industrial heat economically viable by creating price signals and tariffs that lower off‑peak electricity costs for industrial customers. Supporters described technology options — industrial heat pumps, electric boilers and thermal batteries — and argued rate reforms would enable factories to switch from fossil fuels without losing competitiveness.

Theresa Chang of Industrious Labs testified that California’s current industrial electricity pricing makes electric heat more expensive than gas in many cases and that tariff reforms would unlock electrification opportunities while using curtailed renewable energy. NRDC and other supporters argued the approach could reduce emissions concentrated in environmental justice communities and keep manufacturing jobs in the state.

Committee members expressed broad support and moved the bill as amended to Senate Appropriations.