(

a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Disadvantaged community” means a San Joaquin Valley community that meets all of the following criteria: (

A) At least percent of residential households with electrical service are enrolled in the CARE program pursuant to

Section 739.1. (

B) Has a population greater than persons within its geographic boundaries as identified by the most recent United States Census or a community survey. (

C) Has geographic boundaries no farther than seven miles from the nearest natural gas pipeline operated by a gas corporation. (2) “San Joaquin Valley” means the counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare. (

b) No later than March 31, 2015, the commission shall initiate a new proceeding to do all of the following:

(1) Identify disadvantaged communities based on the criteria specified in subdivision (a).

(2) Analyze the economic feasibility of the following options: (

A) Extending natural gas pipelines to those disadvantaged communities. (

B) Increasing subsidies for electricity for residential customers in those disadvantaged communities. (

C) Other alternatives that would increase access to affordable energy in those disadvantaged communities that the commission deems appropriate. (

c) The commission shall determine whether any of the options analyzed in the proceeding would increase access to affordable energy in a cost-effective manner. For these options, the commission shall take appropriate action and determine appropriate funding sources.