Industry Insights
CAISO Symposium Provides Insight As To Concerns & Where the Utilities Are Going
More than 850 attended this year’s California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Symposium. While most of the conference focused on regional issues and day-ahead scheduling, the opening panel consisted of panelists representing western state utilities. Carolyn Winn, CEO of SDG&E, highlighted the need for more solar, wind, hydropower, and storage. She also added that SDG&E will […]
Read StoryCPUC Overhauls Rooftop Solar Proposal
The California Public Utilities Commission this week released a long-awaited overhaul of its proposal to regulate rooftop solar installations, removing an unpopular new fee but reducing how much utilities would pay homeowners for supplying power to the grid. Under the new proposal, the monthly fee for California rooftop solar customers — a sticking point in […]
Read StoryCalifornia Assembly to Elect New Speaker – Term to Begin in June
After caucusing for more than six hours Thursday, Assembly Democrats voted unanimously to make Assemblyman Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, the next Speaker. But first, they will re-elect current Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood to open the legislative session next month. In a negotiated outcome, Assemblymember Robert Rivas will succeed Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon in late June under […]
Read StoryNewsom is Re-Elected, Adds New Key Advisor
Following many months of campaigning and spending, the Golden State’s general election is now in the past. And as predicted, things don’t look very different. Governor Gavin Newsom was easily re-elected, and the Legislative Democratic supermajority is still in place – as are Democrats in every Constitutional office. Early returns predicted that all of […]
Read StoryPG&E Formally Files Diablo Canyon Operational Permit Extension
On Halloween, PG&E took the next step in continuing the operation of Diablo Canyon by submitting its renewal application to the federal Nuclear Regulatory Committee (NRC). Diablo Canyon’s two units are scheduled to retire in 2024 and 2025. “This request to renew our licenses is another step to help California reliably achieve its bold decarbonization […]
Read StoryCalifornia, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia Sign Statement of Cooperation on Climate Change
Facing four years of drought, record heat waves, and major wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom this week (10/6) signed an agreement with the leaders of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia to accelerate and expand efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and address the impacts of climate change. The Statement of Cooperation unveiled at a news conference in […]
Read StoryNewsom Considering a Special Legislative Session on Gasoline Pricing
Governor Gavin Newsom said late this week (10/7) that he would call a special session of the Legislature to consider a windfall profit tax on oil companies in response to the “outrageous and unconscionable” price of gas in California. Newsom told reporters the session would start December 5, far enough away for his Administration and […]
Read StoryCPUC Says Aliso Canyon is Still Needed
In a proposal quietly released by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) this week, the Commission said that natural gas supplies in SoCal Gas’s Aliso Canyon storage field are necessary to meet summer and winter peak demand and to keep natural gas prices reasonable. The proposal defers an assessment of what fossil-free resources could allow […]
Read StoryPG&E Files to Separate Non-Nuclear Generation Assets as New Unit
In an unexpected filing (9/28), PG&E asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for approval to sell off nearly 2,800 MW of its 5,600 MW of hydropower and other non-nuclear generating assets to one or more investors. PG&E also asked the CPUC’s permission to create a new state-regulated subsidiary to house all of its non-nuclear […]
Read StoryCalifornia’s Existing Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Needs Work
UC Berkeley studied the existing electric vehicle charging stations and found several problems. Of 657 public chargers in the Bay Area, 23% were out of order, and an additional 5% were fitted with a cable that couldn’t reach a car. The study did not look at Tesla charging stations since not all vehicles can charge […]
Read StorySACCWIS Recommends Extending Retirement Dates for OTC Facilities – Again
The Statewide Advisory Committee on Cooling Water Intake Structures (SACCWIS), which is composed of the CAISO, CCEC, and CPUC – filed a draft report to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) this week (9/20) recommending that the OTC facilities slated for retirement remain on-line for an additional 3 and 5 years. Specifically, the report […]
Read StoryNewsom Signs Climate Package
As we had previously reported and expected Governor Gavin Newsom this week signed his climate package of bills which he proposed late in the legislative session, and a number of other climate bills that had been part of our tracking list this session. The new laws will now require the state to become carbon-neutral by […]
Read StoryCalifornia Sets Power Usage Record as Historic Heatwave Wanes
California faced one of the most prolonged heatwaves in its history. All-time record temperatures up and down the state made it difficult for Californians to stay cool and the power to stay on. The result of the oppressive heat led to Governor Gavin Newsom calling for an emergency proclamation to address the ten-day power crisis. […]
Read StoryCalifornia Narrowly Avoids Blackouts as Record Heat Blisters Golden State
A record-breaking heat storm is hitting California and for seven (7) consecutive days, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has called a “Flex Alert.” The Alerts have been in effect daily since September 1, during the peak electricity consumption hours from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The hope is that Californians state-wide will reduce their energy […]
Read StoryCalifornia Heat Storm Could Trigger Blackouts Tuesday Afternoon and Evening (September 6)
A heat storm is hitting California and for five (6) consecutive days, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has called “Flex Alert.” The Alert’s have been in effect daily since September 1, during the peak electricity consumption hours, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The hope is that Californians state-wide will reduce their energy use while […]
Read StoryFlex Alerts Continue as Blistering Temperatures Burn California
A heat storm is hitting California and for five (5) consecutive days, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has called “Flex Alert.” The Alert is in effect today (9/4/2022) from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The hope is that Californians state-wide will reduce their energy use while the Flex Alert is in effect, so that power […]
Read StoryGovernor Newsom Enjoys Environmental Victories on Last Day of Session – Also Wins on Diablo
On the final day of the legislative session, Governor Gavin Newsom scored major victories on some of his “5 point climate plan,” including the “lithium valley,” and Diablo. As for what kind of “horse trading” or favors were afforded for the votes – those will eventually be revealed. Final Outcomes While Newsom will have until […]
Read StoryCAISO Declares Power Emergency
California Independent System Operator Control Room The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has issued two separate power deficiency warnings. The CAISO is asking for the conservation of power usage between 4pm and 9pm. CAISO has called a state-wide Flex Alert from 4 pm to 9 pm today due to extreme heat across the State. CAISO […]
Read StoryWill All of Newsom’s Climate Pillars and Diablo Survive the Last 3 Days of the Session?
With three days to go in the session, Governor Gavin Newsom’s “5 point climate plan,” Diablo Canyon’s re-licensing, and the “lithium valley,” now have bill numbers. Will they all be approved? What kind of “horse trading” is happening behind the scenes to have at least some of these or all of these survive? Newsom’s climate […]
Read StoryNewsom’s Diablo Proposal Becomes a Bill on Final Day – Can the Governor Get this Approved?
As we have previously reported, Governor Gavin Newsom called on the Legislature to help keep the PG&E-owned Diablo Canyon nuclear power facility online for 10 more years. With a few hours to go until the deadline on Sunday, SB 846 finally materialized. But can he get the votes needed to pass both houses of the […]
Read StoryCalifornia Bans the Sale of New Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles Beginning in 2035
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted this week to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks by 2035, a first-in-the-nation mandate the state’s leaders hope will jolt the automotive industry and truly make electric vehicles mainstream. In a statement, Governor Gavin Newsom said, “It’s ambitious, it’s innovative, it’s the action we must […]
Read StoryEnd of the Legislative Session Fun – An Alternative to Diablo
Strange things tend to happen at the end of the Legislative session – and it seems that 2022 will be one of those years in Energy. As we have reported, Governor Gavin Newsom’s idea to have PG&E relicense the Diablo Canyon nuclear generating station has received a hard reaction from some well-prepared groups. In a […]
Read StoryNewsom Administration Makes Case for Diablo
The CEC, Governor’s Office, and CAISO presented an update this evening (8/12/2022) on the state of the current electric reliability needs in the face of climate change, supply chain delays, and other factors affecting the online dates of new generation, and energy storage projects, as a means to articulate the role that the Diablo Canyon […]
Read StoryCalifornia Adopts 25 GW Offshore Wind Goal by 2045
On Wednesday, the California Energy Commission approved a report establishing a 2 to 5 GW goal for offshore wind power by 2030 and a 25 GW goal by 2045. CEC Chair David Hochschild said, “These ambitious yet achievable goals are an important signal of how committed California is to bringing the offshore wind industry to […]
Read StoryCommission Issues Study on Hydrogen Use in California
Following many delays, the CPUC has finally issued an assessment of the feasibility and safety implications of injecting hydrogen into the natural gas system, and in order to advance its deployment. The study by UC Riverside represents a critical step in considering renewable hydrogen as a component in California’s statewide decarbonization strategy. The UC Riverside […]
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2019 Legislative Session Concludes
While the Legislature successfully passed and the Governor signed legislation aimed at guarding against financial harm from wildfires (AB 1054, Holden), some work on this matter may remain in the coming year.
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PG&E and Insurance Companies Announce $11 Billion Deal to Settle Wildfire Claims
Four days after filing their bankruptcy reorganization plan, PG&E said Friday (9/13) that the company had reached an agreement to settle wildfire claims against the utility for $11 billion, far below the $20 billion the insurers had originally sought in bankruptcy court.
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$18 Billion Bankruptcy Reorganization Plan Filed
As the Legislature was deciding to put AB 235 on ice, PG&E filed an $18 billion formal reorganization plan in U.S. Bankruptcy Court this week (9/9) that proposes to pay for all wildfire claims.
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PG&E’s Role in Napa Fires for a Jury to Decide
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali agreed this week (8/16) to allow a State jury to decide whether PG&E’s equipment ignited the devastating wildfire in California wine country nearly two years ago.
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PG&E to Keep Control of Bankruptcy Plan
PG&E scored a big victory this week (8/16) as U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis Montali ruled that the utility should hold on to sole rights to develop a Chapter 11 bankruptcy exit plan.
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PG&E Warns of Week-Long Power Shut-offs
PG&E warned its nearly 16 million customers this week (8/14) that it could shut off electricity in entire cities for up to a week as part of its new fire-prevention safety measures.
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California Emissions Fall Nearly 10%
In a report released by CARB this week (8/12), the agency said that GHG emissions from California’s electricity sector in 2017 dropped 9% below 2016 levels, but overall emissions in the state fell only 1%.
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Governor Newsom Defends State’s Wildfire Efforts
Governor Newsom defended California’s wildfire prevention efforts this week (7/31) while criticizing the federal government for not doing enough to help protect the State as it enters the height of fire season after two disastrous years.
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President Picker Departs
This week, CPUC President Mike Picker presided over his last Commission meeting.
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De-Energization of Powerlines During Dangerous Weather Conditions Approved
With the support from Governor Newsom and the Legislature, the CPUC this month (5/30/2019) approved allowing utilities to cut off electricity to possibly hundreds of thousands of customers to avoid catastrophic wildfires like the one sparked by power lines last year that killed 85 people and largely destroyed the city of Paradise.
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New Governor, but Old Problems Shape 2019
Three days after being inaugurated as the 40th Governor of the State of California, Gavin Newsom offered his first budget, which at $209 billion, is $8 billion more than former Governor Brown’s last budget.
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