Energy: reliability planning assessment: integrated energy policy report.
The bill aims to bolster the reliability of California's energy supply by mandating regular updates on the electrical demand and supply balance over the next 5 to 10 years under various risk scenarios. Additionally, it includes the expectation for public utilities to address and report on the capacity and current status of their transmission infrastructure, effectively integrating improvements and expansions required for a stable energy supply. This comprehensive approach is designed to inform future legislative actions and investments in the energy sector.
Senate Bill 1311, introduced by Senator Stern, seeks to amend the Public Resources Code regarding the California Energy Commission's (CEC) obligations for energy reliability assessments. The bill calls for the CEC and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to submit a joint Reliability Planning Assessment that includes comprehensive data on existing and expected energy resources, including updates on renewable project interconnections and utility transmission upgrades. This assessment aims to enhance the planning of California's electrical grid infrastructure, ensuring it remains responsive to demand fluctuations and resource availability.
Notably, the legislation places a significant emphasis on adapting to the challenges posed by climate change. It mandates that demand forecasts and energy generation profiles consider increased weather variability and the likelihood of heat events. This focus speaks to concerns among stakeholders regarding the capacity of current energy systems to cope with rising temperatures and the associated energy demands during peak periods, potentially generating discussions about the readiness of existing infrastructure versus the urgency of governmental and private sector responses.