[CEM 1033 / June 26, 2009]

CEC Ponders Fate of Natural Gas Power Plants in California

With hydroelectricity expected to dwindle and a rule against new nuclear power in California, the state will have to rely on renewables and natural gas-fired power plants to meet future load growth. Natural gas units, however, produce greenhouse-gas emissions targeted for reduction by state law. A consultant's report prepared for the California Energy Commission stated that new natural gas plants will decrease emissions if they help the state achieve a higher penetration of renewable energy or displace inefficient, more carbon-intensive power plants. Critics, however, say adding natural gas power is a no-brainer.

TURN Urges New Review of Options for Those Unable to Pay Utility Bills

As the number of power shutoffs and unpaid utility bills rises, The Utility Reform Network has proposed setting up plans that would help residents make payments they could afford and forgive some debt that they can likely never repay. TURN called for the California Public Utilities Commission to consider changes to existing rules and programs, along with new efforts to lighten the burden of rising utility rates during a time of rising unemployment, home foreclosures and budget cuts.

Energy Commission Contracts in Limbo With State Budget Crisis

With California $24 billion in the red, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has put the kibosh on hiring, overtime, travel and contracts for consulting and professional services at state agencies. The California Energy Commission at its business meeting this week held back on voting for six new contracts until the next fiscal year. The commissioners nonetheless moved forward eight grants, which they say fall under exemptions to the governor's order.

Aggressive Timeline for Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan

Planning for solar, wind and other renewable resources in the Mojave and Colorado deserts will mean reconciling players that don't have a history of always agreeing. That job is falling to four state and federal agencies, who must work well together to make the giant effort successful. Another challenge is time, given the rush to use federal stimulus funds. Planners hope to make the big decisions about siting projects and conservation areas before the end of next year.

Also In California Energy Markets This Week . . .

• Cal-ISO's Wolak Touts DR; Wright Blasts Renewables
• San Joaquin Suspends Community Power Bid
• PUCN Takes Sting Out of Rate Increase
• U.S. House Passes Historic Climate, Energy Bill

...And Much More!

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