Electricity: transmission facility planning.
This legislation seeks to tackle two primary issues: first, the ongoing constraints on energy delivery from generation pockets where output exceeds transmission capacity, and second, load pockets where there is insufficient transmission to import available renewable energy resources. By addressing these issues, SB 887 is aimed at ensuring a smoother transition to a greener energy landscape while increasing overall system reliability and safety, particularly in wildfire-prone areas. It also has implications for local governance concerning state-level mandates on energy projects.
Senate Bill 887, known as the Accelerating Renewable Energy Delivery Act, aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of California's electricity transmission system. The bill requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to mandate the Independent System Operator (ISO) to identify critical transmission projects that will enhance the capacity for renewable and zero-carbon resources by 2035. Specifically, it emphasizes the need for planning new transmission facilities to meet increasing demands for electricity from these renewable sources and to address existing constraints in the system.
General sentiment around SB 887 appears supportive, especially among environmental advocates who view the bill as a crucial step towards more comprehensive adoption of renewable energy sources in California. However, there can be concerns regarding the adequacy of existing infrastructure to support the ambitious goals outlined in the bill, particularly given the long timelines associated with planning and constructing new transmission lines.
While the bill has strong support for its intention to boost renewable energy integration, some critics raise concerns about the potential for overreach regarding local control and the implications of creating new criminal offenses associated with non-compliance with the PUC’s guidelines under the bill. Additionally, although there is an emphasis on advancing renewable energy, critics from disadvantaged communities have noted the importance of ensuring equitable access to the electric supply generated from these new resources.