Senator Introduces Bill to Expedite Clean Energy Permitting SAN FRANCISCO – State Senator Scott Wiener has introduced legislation, SB 1097, aimed at streamlining the permitting process for clean energy projects and upgrades to transmission infrastructure, as California confronts a significant energy crisis and works to meet climate goals. The bill seeks to accelerate the deployment

California's electricity generation landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with utility-scale solar power surpassing natural gas as the primary energy source for most days this year. Data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that solar generation exceeded natural gas output on 82% of the days during the first five months of 2026.

Study Finds Potential for Front-of-Meter Solar and Storage to Meet Significant California Energy Demand An analysis commissioned by the Coalition for Community Solar Access has revealed a substantial opportunity to utilize front-of-meter solar and storage installations to meet California’s peak energy demand. Conducted by Kevala, a grid analytics firm, the August 2026 study found that

California Solar Power Surpasses Natural Gas Output in First Five Months of 2026 Solar generation exceeded that of natural gas plants on 82% of days from January through May. Battery storage is extending solar’s availability into evening hours. Natural gas has long been the primary electricity source in California, a pattern reflected nationally where it

California’s energy needs are being reliably met by renewable sources, rendering proposals to extend the operation of the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant unnecessary and financially detrimental, experts say. A 1972 Rand Corporation report initially predicted a need for 72,000 megawatts of power on California’s grid by 1991, potentially requiring 40 additional nuclear reactors. However, legislators

California Endures Hottest August on Record Without Power Disruptions California successfully navigated its hottest August ever documented without implementing power conservation requests or experiencing service interruptions, largely due to a substantial increase in battery storage capacity. The state’s battery storage has risen from fewer than 700 megawatts in 2019 to over 21,000 megawatts currently. This

**Floating Offshore Wind Project Faces Scrutiny Amid Rising Costs and Withdrawals** Recent developments surrounding offshore wind projects in Morro Bay are raising concerns about the economic viability of floating offshore wind initiatives, particularly when reliant on substantial public funding. Two out of three developers have terminated their lease agreements, prompting questions whether these ventures can

Floating Offshore Wind Faces Economic Challenges Several developers have terminated lease agreements for offshore wind projects in Morro Bay, raising questions about the financial viability of these ventures. A critical assessment involves examining not just promotional materials but also fundamental construction and operational costs—expenses ultimately borne by society. To procure and install 25 gigawatts of

California’s Path to Affordable Energy Bills Begins in Homes and Driveways BERKELEY, Calif., August 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – A new report suggests that modernizing California's demand flexibility programs can stabilize the power grid and lower electricity costs. The analysis comes from GridLab, Kevala, and E3 as the state faces rising energy expenses, a shift to

Gridmatic Report Details Performance Disparities Among California Battery Storage Systems A new report released by power optimization firm Gridmatic in June 2026 highlights a significant disparity in the financial performance of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) within California. The CAISO Storage Report, covering 2024 and 2025, analyzed publicly available market data, regulatory filings, and

High electricity costs in California have slowed industrial decarbonization in the state. New industrial rates and other fixes could change that, experts…

California Approves Legislation to Lower Electricity Costs The California Assembly Appropriations Committee has endorsed two bills designed to reduce electricity costs for residents. Senate Bill 905 (SB 905) and SB 913 were introduced by State Senator Josh Becker and received committee approval on August 13. SB 913 establishes a framework for the California Public Utilities

California’s Battery Storage Capacity Surpasses 21,000 Megawatts California now possesses over 21,000 megawatts of battery energy storage capacity, establishing the state as a leader in global battery deployment. The amount of battery storage actively supporting the grid has dramatically increased since 2019 when Governor Gavin Newsom took office; at that time, less than 700 MW

California’s incoming governor will confront a substantial political and economic challenge related to rising electricity costs as the state pursues decarbonization and expands electrification. Over the past decade, average residential rates for large investor-owned utilities have increased by 8% to 10% annually, outpacing the 3.5% inflation rate. These escalating costs are fundamentally linked to climate

California Celebrates Clean Energy Milestones Amid Ongoing Grid Challenges California officials and environmental groups are acknowledging significant strides toward a clean energy future, supported by recent data indicating progress toward ambitious renewable energy goals. California’s primary power grid operated entirely on renewable energy sources—including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and other renewables—for a total of 102.6 hours

California regulators have issued a proposed decision regarding a new community renewable energy program, drawing sharp criticism from industry advocates who say it will likely prevent the development of new community solar projects within the state. The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) decision, released April 9, 2026, rejects a solar industry-backed rate model known as

A recent report has raised concerns about Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s billing practices related to the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, which has been authorized to operate until 2045. The University of California, Santa Barbara study indicates that California ratepayers may be overcharged for the plant’s operations, potentially saving $1.84 billion by eliminating four

California Renewable Energy Curtailment Reaches Record High in April California experienced a record level of renewable energy curtailment in April 2026, with 1.46 million megawatt-hours of energy generation being unused. This figure represents 18% of all grid-scale wind and solar generation for the month. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has tracked this data for

California’s electricity sector has undergone a significant shift, with solar energy now surpassing natural gas as the primary power source on the state’s main electric grid. Data from the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) reveals that utility-scale solar generation exceeded that of natural gas during the first five months of 2026, representing a key milestone

California has experienced a dramatic surge in battery power capacity, increasing from 500 megawatts in 2018 to almost 16,000 megawatts by 2025. Bloomberg reports that California now holds close to a quarter of the total battery storage capacity in the United States. During peak evening demand, typically around 8 pm, batteries can supply as much as 30% of the state’s electricity needs. These batteries typically recharge during the afternoon, utilizing inexpensive solar power, and then discharge energy during the evening hours to meet consumer demand, often coinciding with increased air conditioning usage. Solar energy can account for as much as 75% of California’s electricity generation during the sun’s peak hours. Regulatory measures have been instrumental in driving this impressive growth. In 2013, the California Public Utilities Commission mandated that the state's major utility companies acquire 1,325 megawatts of energy storage by 2020, aiming to support renewable energy goals and grid stability – a target that was quickly surpassed. According to Stanford University engineering professor Mark Jacobson, many days this year have seen solar, hydropower, and wind power, complemented by battery storage, satisfy 100% of California’s electricity demand, despite renewables representing 54% of the state’s total electricity generation.