Solar

Housing

A plan to change your utility rates is dividing California environmentalists. Here’s why

The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.

By Ben Christopher • April 19, 2024

Climate Change

What’s happened since California cut home solar payments? Demand has plunged 80% 

As rooftop solar projects have plummeted, about 17,000 workers could lose their jobs. Will this derail the state’s climate and clean energy goals?

By Julie Cart • January 26, 2024

Environment

California reduces payments for rooftop solar power — for second time in a year

The utilities commission reduced payments to apartments, schools and businesses selling solar power to the grid despite a barrage of criticism. Commissioners say it reverses unfair subsidies.

By Ben Christopher and Julie Cart • November 16, 2023

Housing

As rooftop solar debate flares, builders, landlords and renter advocates are taking sides

The California Public Utilities Commission is considering a rule that would gut the payments that solar panels on apartment buildings receive. Why are so many housing groups mad about it?

By Ben Christopher • October 6, 2023

WhatMatters

Dianne Feinstein remembered as political icon, but also with personal stories

A California political who’s who gathered Thursday to honor Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose unexpected death last week could reshape next year’s election. Members of Congress — including Reps. Barbara Lee and Adam Schiff, who are running to succeed Feinstein — flew from Washington, D.C., with Vice President Kamala Harris on Air Force Two to be […]

By Lynn La • October 6, 2023

Commentary

The stakes for Newsom’s big plan to streamline big California projects

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to decarbonize California's economy but the California Environmental Quality Act is an impediment. So, he wants to streamline the law's application for big public works projects.

By Dan Walters • May 28, 2023

Commentary

How community solar could revolutionize clean energy access in California

A new law, Assembly Bill 2316, requires utility regulators to emphasize lower-income households when it assesses new community solar proposals, making clean energy more accessible and providing savings on energy bills. But regulators need to craft the new rules soon to capitalize on the billions of federal dollars becoming available.

By Guest Commentary • April 3, 2023

WhatMatters

Major votes intensify California climate controversies

If there’s one thing Thursday made clear, it’s that climate policy and controversy go hand in hand in California. Depending on whom you ask, the two major actions state regulators took Thursday are either indicative of California “leading the world’s most significant economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution” (as Gov. Gavin Newsom put it) or […]

By Emily Hoeven • December 16, 2022

Environment

California approves far-reaching strategy for tackling climate change. So what’s next?

Here are six ways that Californians will be affected by the state’s new climate change blueprint.

By Nadia Lopez • December 15, 2022

Commentary

Why California’s revised proposal to reform rooftop solar program deserves support

On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission will vote on a controversial reform of the state's rooftop solar program. The revised proposal strikes a necessary balance that protects consumers and still encourages solar adoption.

By Guest Commentary • December 13, 2022