Energy

Environment

Audit: California utilities aren’t doing enough to reduce wildfire threats

Regulators approved “seriously deficient” fire prevention plans, including from PG&E, which sparked California's deadliest wildfire, state auditor says.

By Julie Cart • March 24, 2022

Commentary

Restricting natural gas in California is a recipe for blackouts

Electric-only advocates assume that renewable energy alone can power California; instead, we may pay the price with blackouts.

By Guest Commentary • March 11, 2022

Reader Reactions

California is planning for clean energy transmission upgrades

California’s existing transmission system can accommodate new resources with six relatively small planned transmission upgrades.

By Guest Commentary • February 2, 2022

Commentary

A solution for rooftop solar needs to reflect California values

Here’s a four-part vision on roof-top solar that looks beyond the arguments, is consistent with our values and gets us where we need to go.

By Guest Commentary • February 1, 2022

WhatMatters

Oil transition puts California Democrats in a bind

As California transitions from fossil fuels, what happens to oil and gas workers? It's a challenge for Gov. Newsom and Democratic lawmakers.

By Emily Hoeven • January 26, 2022

Commentary

Don’t let the CPUC reverse its deal with solar customers

The CPUC wants to slap a new “solar tax” on rooftop solar consumers and slash compensation for power they supply to the grid.

By Guest Commentary • January 21, 2022

Reader Reactions

Where will electricity come from for new EV charging stations?

California needs to be having a discussion about new electricity generation for all the new electric vehicles and EV chargers.

By Guest Commentary • December 16, 2021

Commentary

Clean fuels and electrification both needed to meet California’s climate goals

An important first step for California to transform its energy system will be to establish a procurement standard for fuels such as hydrogen and renewable natural gas.

By Guest Commentary • October 26, 2021

Commentary

How California can prepare our communities and homes for heat waves

California urgently needs to prepare for heat waves by expanding access to cooling. The California Energy Commission has an opportunity to help do so when it votes Wednesday on our statewide building code.

By Guest Commentary • August 10, 2021

Commentary

Temporary use of phased-out power plants could help keep the lights on

The state water board is considering a two-year extension for ocean-cooled power plants that are due to be shut down. Given the effects of the climate crisis, legislators should support it.

By Guest Commentary • July 27, 2021