State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: distributed energy resources: study.
AB 2789 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to ascertain various data points related to distributed energy resources. The assessments will include evaluating the cost-effectiveness of relying on these resources as opposed to traditional upgrades to energy infrastructure, particularly to mitigate wildfire risks while ensuring reliable service. Moreover, the findings will contribute to significant regulatory proceedings, particularly aiming for transformations that foster local energy capacity. The bill also allows for an appropriation of $1.5 million from the General Fund to support the study mandated.
Assembly Bill 2789 aims to enhance the reliability of California's electrical grid by mandating a detailed study on the impacts of electrical outages and the potential benefits of distributed energy resources. The bill entrusts the California Council on Science and Technology with the responsibility to analyze the economic implications of both planned and unplanned electrical grid outages. It emphasizes the need for rigorous and objective data to inform critical decisions regarding electrical infrastructure investments, particularly in light of increasing instances of blackouts and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. The study is expected to help determine the viability of decentralized energy systems in maintaining electrical service during emergencies.
The sentiment regarding AB 2789 is predominantly supportive among state legislators who view the bill as a necessary step towards ensuring energy resiliency in California. Supporters advocate for its potential to create a more robust energy system that can withstand challenges from climate-induced disasters. However, there are concerns from some stakeholders regarding the costs associated with transitioning to a decentralized electrical grid, which may create opposition among utility companies worried about economic impacts during the study period.
One key point of contention surrounding AB 2789 involves the balance between state-regulated infrastructure and localized energy solutions. While proponents highlight the potential benefits of embracing distributed energy resources, opponents urge caution given the complexities and costs of such transitions. Additionally, the efficacy of the study and the recommendations that arise from it will dictate the future trajectory of California's electrical grid management, raising questions about long-term commitments to various energy sources and their related infrastructures.