(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage local agencies to expeditiously review permit applications to site energy projects, and to encourage energy project developers to consider all cost-effective and environmentally superior alternatives that achieve their project objectives.
(b) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated therefor, the commission shall provide technical assistance and grants-in-aid to assist local agencies to do either or both of the following:
(1) Site energy production or transmission projects which are not otherwise subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 25500).
(2) Integrate into their planning processes, and incorporate into their general plans, methods to achieve cost-effective energy efficiency.
(c) The commission shall provide assistance at the request of local agencies.
(d) As used in this section, an energy project is any project designed to produce, convert, or transmit energy as one of its primary functions.