Dodd’s Energy Resilience and Grid Reliability Bills Clear Committee
“We must prioritize development of clean energy sources, especially in low-income communities, so we minimize the environmental threat and keep the lights on for everyone,” Sen. Dodd said. “And by reducing demand from the largest energy users during peak times, my bill would make the grid more reliable, ensuring Californians have continued access to the energy they need.”
Senate Bill 833 calls for the creation of a technical assistance and grant program administered by the California Energy Commission to help local governments develop clean energy resilience plans, leveraging the substantial related investments that have already been made by the CEC. It would enable local governments to collaborate with utilities in planning community-scale energy infrastructure such as solar panels and battery storage so that communities are deciding what facilities remain energized during a crisis. Plans are a prerequisite for attracting private and public investments in community energy resilience projects, which are particularly important in light of the recently passed federal infrastructure package.
Sen. Dodd’s proposal is backed by a coalition of environmental, community and industry advocates including the California State Association of Counties.
“Support for clean energy resilience planning will make Californians safer in times of crisis and move the state closer to 100 percent renewable energy,” said Ellie Cohen, CEO of The Climate Center, which is sponsoring the bill. “We thank the members of the Senate Energy Committee for advancing the Community Energy Resilience Act. California is now one step closer to deploying common-sense, clean energy solutions that keep the lights on without compromising public health.”
SB 839 strengthens the California Public Utilities Commission’s mandate to call for energy use reductions during periods of peak demand and requires participation from the state’s three largest utilities. The bill would help prevent rolling blackouts such as those that left hundreds of thousands of residents without power during past heatwaves. It is supported by the California Large Energy Consumers Association.
“CLECA is pleased that the Senate Energy Committee recognizes the importance of emergency demand response,” said Christian Lenci, chair of the California Large Energy Consumers Association. “The Base Interruptible Program is an important tool the state can use to quickly reduce demand on the grid and keep the grid working when it is needed most.”
Both SB 833 and SB 839 were approved in the Senate’s Energy, Utilities and Communications committee.
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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.