The California Public Utilities Commission approved a plan Thursday allowing providers of high-speed Internet services to test electricity lines to deliver online access throughout the state.

CPUC commissioner Rachelle Chong, who drafted the plan, said broadband over power lines, or BPL, could become a new competitor to Internet services delivered via telephone, cable and satellites and help reduce prices for consumers.

BPL uses existing utility lines delivering power to neighborhoods to carry broadband signals into homes.