Advocacy at the California Energy Commission (CEC)

CEERT is actively taking part in the CEC’s Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR), which is focusing on transportation issues and on transmission, the impacts of land-use planning efforts, the use of environmental screens in energy procurement, and the expansion of renewable energy. We are also participating in the CEC-based interagency group working to implement SB 100’s goals of 100% zero-carbon energy for the state.

Recent Developments:

CEERT has been actively participating with CEC Chair Siva Gunda and his advisor, Dr. Liz Gill, who are leading the effort to develop the next version of the SB 100 report to the Legislature. The key variables are the anticipated growth in demand for electricity, which many forecasters now believe will be much greater than previously forecast, given the explosive growth of electrification in buildings and transporta¬tion and the surging demand from data centers and artificial intelligence facilities.

In addition, CEERT has advocated for new strategies for expanding transmission in existing rights of way, such as dynamic line rating, reconductoring, and replacement of AC lines with High Voltage DC lines. We plan to strongly encourage the CEC to closely examine the ongoing failures of the CPUC and the utilities to value and successfully implement customer incentives and workable programs for demand flexibility and demand response, which must be a key part of the resource plan for meeting SB 100 goals.