CEC Adopts Big Policy Guideline Report

After months of committee meetings and workshops, the California Energy Commission December 5 formally adopted its annual 2007 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR). It outlines methods to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously meeting California’s energy needs. The report is supposed to be the basis for legislators and the state administration on energy-related decisions. The 2007 IEPR, which was approved unanimously by the commission, concludes that California should be able to meet AB 32’s goal of cutting California’s greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent in 2020 as long as it takes certain measures to achieve that goal. Those measures include: -Increasing efforts in energy efficiency and conservation via building and appliance standards and demand response; -Producing 33 percent of all power from renewable sources by 2020; -Reducing the state’s petroleum use; and -Developing alternative, clean-burning fuels. The 2007 IEPR also recommends transmission system expansion, including infrastructure investments; new natural gas sources; and bringing renewable sources to the energy grid. “California must be a leader in reducing greenhouse gases and a major participant in slowing global warming,” the report reads. “If history is predictor of a state’s ability to make a difference on the world stage, California’s actions on climate change will drive global progress.” Also during the meeting, the commission unanimously voted to begin the licensing process for a proposed 565 MW power plant in Fresno County. The proposal, which has been dubbed the Community Power Plant, is by Kings River Conservation District. Kings River would develop the plant on a 32-acre vineyard near the Fresno County city of Parlier. Energy Commission chair Jackie Pfannenstiel will head the committee that reviews the project over the next year to ensure it complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Commissioner John Geesman is slated to be the committee’s associate member. Among the other items approved during the meeting were: -The beginning of the licensing process for the Carrizo Energy Solar Farm Project, a planned 177 MW net solar thermal power plant in San Luis Obispo County; -A contract with the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission in Maharashtra, India, to explore possible future collaborations on energy efficiency, procurement planning, and electricity markets and regulation; and -A loan of $1.89 million to the County of Alameda to upgrade lighting systems at various county facilities. The project will save an estimated 2.77 million kWh and $353,000 annually. The loan has a simple payback of 5.3 years.

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CEC Adopts Big Policy Guideline Report

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