California Utilities Unveil Plans to Pave the Way for Clean, Distributed Energy

(SAN FRANCISCO – July 1, 2015) California’s three investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison, submitted their first-ever distribution resource plans to the California Public Utilities Commission today. These plans resulted from a 2013 California law, AB 327 (Perea), directing utilities to lay out how they plan to integrate and utilize increasing amounts of clean, distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar, storage, electric vehicles, and demand response. The plans also state how these resources will affect the utilities’ future infrastructure investments.

“The submission of these plans signifies a new utility approach to system planning that incorporates increasing levels of clean, distributed energy. The plans set up frameworks to help prove the increased use of clean energy can cut costs, increase efficiency, and reduce air pollution. While only the first step, Environmental Defense Fund is optimistic utilities will see this bold, new approach as core to their business strategy.”

       
     ·         Gavin Purchas, Director, California Clean Energy