California Public Utilities Commission
Critical Federal Analysis of Klamath Dam Removal Due Beginning of the Year
It looks as though the long-awaited environmental impact analysis for a historic removal of four large dams on the Klamath River will come in January. That will be a milestone. After more than two decades of struggle, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s draft impact assessment will be the final hurdle to their removal, […]
Rooftop Solar Costs vs. Benefits Remain in Dispute
The longstanding question over rooftop solar systems’ costs versus its benefits remained unanswered at the conclusion of testimony given during the California Public Utilities Commission Net Energy Metering 3.0 proceeding.
Whether it is behind-the-meter solar or system infrastructure, there is a potential cost shift, but there is also value, power system consultant Karl Rabago, […]
CEC Waives Air Pollution Rules in a Rush for New Diesel and Natural Gas Power
Reversing years of clean power priorities, the California Energy Commission is waiving air quality protections and rushing permits for new diesel-burning generators and gas-fired power plants in a desperate push to get more generation online by the end of October. The vote came on Aug. 17 and was unanimous.
The expedited process applies to new […]
PG&E Shuts Off Power to 51,000 in Northern California and Mountains
Updated Aug. 19
Powerful dry winds that started blowing the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug 17, caused Pacific Gas & Electric to cut off power to 51,000 customers in 18 counties to prevent power equipment from igniting fires. It was the utility’s first preventative power outage this summer.
The utility blacked out 23,000 customers in Shasta and […]
Groundbreaking building code, Summer 2022 grid, Diablo decommissioning deal
Two days after dire climate warnings by the International Panel on Climate Change, the California Energy Commission adopts a long-awaited building energy efficiency code update. It is a big step towards slashing 25% of the state’s carbon emissions produced largely by heating and cooling in buildings. Building decarbonization advocates continue to […]
CPUC Advances $4B Settlement to Close Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant
A $3.9 billion settlement between Pacific Gas & Electric, ratepayer advocates, nuclear watchdogs, and others to decommission the utility’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant gets a green light under a California Public Utilities Commission proposed decision.
It is nearly $1 billion below what PG&E […]