News Roundup: Stebbins Sues CPUC, Senator Seeks to Advance Decarbonization

CA Current

• JUICE: Does Hawaii’s Decoupling of Utility Profit from Investments Offer Lessons for California? March 3, 2021
  Last week a joint legislative hearing was held on strategies to stem the tide of continually rising utility bills in California. A range of proposals were pitched, from new income-based taxes to covering rising ratepayer costs with the state’s general fund. The hearing was held because there is general agreement that escalating rates threaten both […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• SCE Seeks to Curb Shutoffs this Summer March 3, 2021
  Southern California Edison believes its latest summer grid hardening plan will avoid a repeat of last year’s 16 public safety shutoffs, utility representatives told the California Public Utilities Commission March 1. SCE was required to submit a corrective action plan last month to the CPUC after getting raked over the coals during a Jan. 26 […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Shorts March 2, 2021
  The Department of Water Resources’ March 2 snow survey found that California’s snowpack was below average. Overall it’s 61% of the average for this time of year, and 86% of the average at Phillips Station in South Lake Tahoe. At the latter station, a snow depth of 56 inches was measured with a snow water […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Offshore Wind Power Coming to California March 2, 2021
  Offshore wind power is heading the Golden State’s way, first to serve the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, a panel of energy experts at a California Community Choice Association webinar said Feb. 26. This renewable technology has already gained favor in Europe, Asia, and on the East Coast of the U.S. The Redwood Coast authority project […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Poor Carbon Accounting at CARB March 1, 2021
  The California Air Resources Board has failed to adequately measure whether its programs to reduce transportation emissions in disadvantaged communities are working, the State Auditor warned last week. The pollution agency overstated greenhouse gas emissions benefits from a program that gives people incentives to purchase clean cars. The Air Resources Board also has been slow […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• The Buzz February 26, 2021
  The 2020 and quarterly earnings of the parent corporations of the four investor-owned utilities are a mixed bag. Annual net income for Edison International and PG&E Corp. drops while fourth quarter earnings rise. Sempra Energy’s reported income goes the opposite direction. While utility leaders sing the praises of increased investments and revenue to analysts, economists, […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Utility Annual Earnings & 4th Quarter Go North and South February 26, 2021
  Edison International’s earnings for 2020 fell, but its fourth quarter net income was higher than in 2019. For Sempra Energy, the reverse was true. Edison International–Annual earnings for Southern California Edison’s parent company dropped to $700 million in 2020, or $1.98 per share. That compares to $1.3 billion in 2019, or $3.78 per share. Fourth […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• PG&E Reports Loss in 2020, Smaller than 2019 February 26, 2021
  Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. reported continued losses for last year, at $1.3 billion, or $1.05 per share. That is far smaller than the utility loss of $7.7 billion, or $14.50/share, in 2019. Fourth quarter earnings for the utility’s parent company were in the black at $200 million, or 9 cents/share, contrasted with a loss […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Rising Rates Drown Equity and Decarbonization February 26, 2021
  The burden of continually rising utility bills will derail California’s decarbonization work if left unaddressed, regulators, economists and ratepayer advocates warn. The rising costs are bearing down on struggling customers who’ve been hit hard by pandemic-driven job losses and sheltering at home. Higher bills undermine California’s equity policy goals and jeopardize the state’s clean energy […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Budget Committee Eyeing Governor’s EV Charging Spending February 24, 2021
  A Senate Budget Subcommittee is scrutinizing the governor’s nearly $1.5 billion proposal to fund largely electric and hydrogen vehicle charging stations. It includes $1 billion of continuous appropriations over many years, raising eyebrows. Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont), subcommittee chair, objected to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal of recurring annual appropriations for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle stations […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy