Critics challenge the governor’s revised budget plan that would provide $5 billion for 5 GW more of fossil generation. Lawmakers, analysts and environmentalists question the underlying assumptions, noting the power undermines the state’s decarbonization and much of it won’t be online for a few years.

The surge of grid-connected electric cars, small solar, and various electric appliances is forcing regulators and policy makers to shift their strategies and planning. There are calls for new thinking during the California Public Utilities Commission’s first workshop on how best to manage a very different electric system with higher flows of distributed energy resources.

Following in the CPUC’s footsteps is the California Energy Commission which also plans to shape the future of DER. Its first steps focus on maximizing the benefits of the various characteristics of the clean energy resources hooked to the distribution system. Automakers tout the role of electric vehicles to serve power demand but highlight the need for supportive state policies and funding.

The Senate passes a slew of bills seeking to reduce climate pollution. Measures in the legislative package now before the Assembly range from ones setting interim targets for the state’s 100% clean energy target to speeding up transmission siting.

Columnist Fereidoon Sioshansi highlights flaws in the California Air Resource Board’s dream plan for full transportation electrification, including allowing the imports of gas-fueled cars when sales are banned in the state.