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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 5Art. 1§ 1011 Public Utility Franchise Rights

§ 1011 Public Utility Franchise Rights

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1011 Public Utility Franchise Rights

This law says the state can make rules about public utility franchises that work together with any rules a city or county might set, and those state rules stay in effect even when a city gives a franchise.

Key Takeaways

  • •The state keeps the power to set rules for public utilities.
  • •State rules stay active at the same time as any city or county franchise rules.
  • •The law is about the state’s authority, not about giving cities the right to grant franchises.

Example

A city gives a new electric company permission to run power lines in the city, but the state also has its own rules about how that company must operate.

Even though the city approved the electric company, the state’s rules still apply, so the company must follow both the city’s and the state’s requirements.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1011 Public Utility Franchise Rights

The provisions of this article are enacted under the State’s reserved power over public utilities or corporations, or both, as the case may be, for the purpose of acting on the right of the grantee of a public utility franchise granted by a city, county, or city and county, to exercise rights thereunder, and not for the purpose of acting on the right of any city or city and county to grant any such franchise. The Legislature hereby declares that the provisions of this article shall remain in full force and effect concurrently with the right of any city or city and county to grant franchises for public utilities upon the terms and conditions and in the manner prescribed by law. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

public utilitiesfranchisegranteeState’s reserved power

Related Statutes

  • § 1004 Certificate Application Requirements
  • § 1007.5 Vessel Carrier Regulation Authority
  • § 1009 Vessel Operation Rights Transfer
  • § 16801 Public Utility Acquisition Definition
  • § 1001 Utility Construction Approval

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 1011.
View Official Source