California Leads on Smarter, More Flexible Electric Grid Connections

(SAN FRANCISCO) As California works to electrify transportation, buildings, and industry, getting new customers connected to the electric grid quickly and affordably is more important than ever. The California Public Utilities Commission’s decision on flexible service connections meets this moment by expanding practical options to manage grid constraints without driving up costs.  

The new rules on flexible service connections let electric utilities manage grid constraints by briefly limiting power during peak or emergency conditions, while allowing customers – like EV charging sites or electric bus fleets – to connect faster and operate reliably. By deferring or avoiding costly grid upgrades and making these solutions easier to standardize and deploy, California regulators are lowering costs for consumers, accelerating electrification, enabling smarter grid planning, and reinforcing the state’s leadership in clean energy innovation. 

“Regulators are advancing practical, cost-effective approaches that modernize the grid and save money for everyone. California is once again setting the pace – and other states should take note.” 

• Cole Jermyn, Attorney, Energy Transition, Environmental Defense Fund