Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies
Programs
Program 1 [2020]
In 2020, CEERT: Saw our many years of frustrated advocacy finally begin to pay off when the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorized an 11,500 megawatt (MW) clean-resources procurement, including 1,000 MW of both geothermal and long-duration storage. Urged the CPUC and California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to authorize large procurements of hybrid clean resources, notably solar-plus-storage, that will be crucial in meeting the states energy challenges. Hybrids totaling some 60,000 MW make up most of the utility-scale resources now waiting in the CAISO interconnection queue, yet the CPUCs current Resource Adequacy rules are hindering them from moving to actual construction. Learned of a significant backlog in constructing transmission upgrades that had been approved by CAISO but delayed by CPUC inaction. We initiated talks with CAISO, renewable developers, utilities, and others to get these stalled upgrades under construction and online. Campaigned to relieve the CPUC of its central role in transmission planning and replace it with a joint agency process based at the California Energy Commission (CEC). CAISO, CEC, and CPUC officials are now working together in the SB 100 interagency working group. Argued in the CPUC gas reliability proceeding that staff recommendations to expand the gas system should be soundly rejected, and the CPUC should authorize the substitution of clean, more dependable alternatives to gas for generating power and maintaining reliability. Highlighted how the economic impact of the August heatwaves rolling blackouts and capacity shortfalls was trivial compared to the price spikes and costs of inefficient gas plants and pipelines, which approached $1 billion in increased electric rates over the summer. Strongly supported microgrid commercialization as superior to diesel or gas power for community resilience during wildfires and power shutoffs. We detailed the benefits microgrids bring to the grid, despite the barriers the CPUCs Resource Adequacy rules put in their way. Worked to get backing for long-duration storage (LDS) projects from environmental-justice groups and organized labor and advocated for the CEC to include a portfolio of LDS projects in its plans for implementing SB 100s 100% clean-energy goal. Continued our efforts to realize the State Water Projects potential to supply substantial levels of pumped-hydro energy storage and demand response to the CAISO grid. Worked with other members of the Advanced Clean Cars II Coalition to ensure the state is on track to meet its goal of 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. Protested the CPUC adopting a power sector greenhouse-gas reduction target of 46 million metric tons (MMT) by 2030, and strongly advocated for a 30 MMT target, which is the level thats required to achieve the states decarbonization goals.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$2.1MClean Energy Advocacy and Planning
In 2022, CEERT: Helped pave the way for a proposed decision in the California Public Utilities Commissions (CPUCs) Integrated Resource Planning proceeding that recommends an unprecedentedly low greenhouse-gas emissions target for the power sector, a level that would allow the state to reach its energy and climate goals and underscore the necessity of accelerated cleanenergy deployment. Successfully pushed for critical changes in the final version of the California Air Resources Boards 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan: the elimination of new gas-fired power plants, the adoption of an ambitious offshore-wind target, and a recognition of potential adverse impacts resulting from carbon capture and storage technology in fossil-fuel facilities such as oil refineries. Influenced the inclusion of essential new transmission lines and upgrades in the California Independent System Operators 20-Year Outlook, its 2022-2023 Transmission Planning Process, and its Transmission Planning Forum. Advocated for transmission expansions in the Central Valley to tap new solar farms; a line from the Imperial Valley to carry geothermal energy; lines from Wyoming and New Mexico to bring in low-cost wind power; an expansion of an intertie from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles; and an undersea cable to bring offshore wind power to the California grid. Continued working with our allies in nearby states on regional grid integration issues and the establishment of an Extended Day-Ahead Market, which will result in improved transmission planning, renewables trading, and cost savings throughout the West. Partnered with our affiliates in the Central Valley to realize the buildout of utility-scale solar farms, to help bring the benefits of those projects to local communities, and to secure residents full access to workforce training and employment programs. Championed policies to further co-production of renewable energy and lithium from geothermal plants at the Salton Sea and ensure community benefits and workforce training opportunities for Imperial Valley residents. Kept pushing for new CPUC Resource Adequacy counting rules for hybrid resources like solar-plus-storage, which could result in 60,000-80,000 MW of new generation. Convened periodic meetings on renewable hydrogen with environmental NGOs andacademic and industry experts to discuss green electrolyzers vs. fossil gas feedstocks; production, transport, and distribution of hydrogen; and best/least appropriate end uses. Strongly supported the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations for passenger vehicles and light trucks, which aim to ensure that by 2035 all new cars and light trucks sold in California will be either zero-emission vehicles or a limited number of plug-in hybrids.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$652.3K
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