CA Current

CA Current

• The Buzz June 11, 2021
  The road to essential carbon neutrality is laden with challenges, requiring more than electrification of vehicles and buildings. Renewable fuels, rates that get EV drivers to charge when the grid is flush, and flexible demand also are key, agency staff say during the first cut of the Air Resources Board’s scoping plan update. It also […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Latest Carbon-Cutting Blueprint Hashed Out at Public Workshop June 11, 2021
  Electrifying buildings and transportation won’t get the state to carbon neutrality by 2045, staff from energy and air pollution control agencies said over two days of California Air Resources Board workshops this week. The focus was ARB’s significant update to its long-term plan to avert worsening climate change. There also was general consensus that the […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Energy Commission: Standard EV Plugs and Charger Communications are Crucial June 10, 2021
  Electric vehicle chargers need a standard connector and common communication protocols to advance installations, according to a new report on how to get eight million electric vehicles on California roads to meet state climate goals. The California Energy Commission’s AB 2127 Report, approved unanimously June 9, also urges a lot more funding for public and […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Latest Infusion of Energy Commission Cash for New Clean Tech June 10, 2021
  The California Energy Commission continued its streak of clean tech funding this week with more than a dozen new grants totaling $93 million.  Two of the largest grants went to a venture fund: CalCEF Ventures was awarded $43 million. Of that amount, $33 million is to continue its work to fund clean energy entrepreneurs and […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Shorts June 10, 2021
  A community choice aggregator serving six small cities in Riverside County went into bankruptcy at the end of May. Western Community said that mounting unpaid utility bills during the pandemic and a prohibition on discontinuing service caused it to go belly up. It “owed creditors as much as $100 million, but had less than $50 […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Microgrid Near Yosemite Provides Power 24/7, Eliminates Line-Sparked Fire Risks June 9, 2021
  Pacific Gas & Electric has launched a new microgrid system powered by a solar array paired with batteries to provide continuous power to a tiny community in a high fire threat area close to Yosemite National Park. The standalone system, which also includes backup propane tanks, is in place of new power lines across mountainous […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• DOE Follows Los Angeles with Launch of Clean Hydrogen Plan June 8, 2021
  The Department of Energy proposed June 7 to drive down the cost of “clean hydrogen” by 80% over the coming decade. DOE’s Energy Earthshots Initiative aims to cut the cost of zero- and low-carbon hydrogen to as low as $1 per kilogram. The fuel’s current cost is between $4-$7 per kg. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• Remote Meeting on Diablo Canyon Limits Public Comment June 7, 2021
  In place of the usual annual public meeting in San Luis Obispo for updates on the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducted a remote meeting May 14. But the agency opted to discuss it along with 9 other nuclear power plants in region 10, limiting public input on the Central Coast […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• The Buzz June 4, 2021
  The California Public Utilities Commission tightens utility safety protocols to limit the number and reach of shutoffs this year. Regulators hope to avoid a repeat of the widespread problematic shutoffs in 2019. The commissioners also direct the three private utilities to submit annual shutoff reports. The CPUC proposes an additional fine on Pacific Gas & […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy
• CPUC Okays $11 Billion for Rate Assistance June 4, 2021
  The California Public Utilities Commission this week approved the four private utilities spending $11 billion over the next five years to support low-income energy assistance programs. There are three programs, which provide rate discounts, weatherization assistance and workforce training in disadvantaged communities. Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma said that for the first time the equity of all […]
  Elizabeth Mc Carthy