News Flash: CAISO Issues State 3 Emergency – Rolling Outages Ordered
From the California ISO: Stage 3 Emergency Declared; rotating power outages have been initiated to maintain grid stability The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is declaring a Stage 3 Electrical Emergency due to high heat and increased electricity demand. The emergency initiates rotating outages throughout the state. A Stage 3 Emergency is declared when demand outpaces available supply. Rotating power interruptions have been initiated to maintain stability of the electric grid. The Stage 3 Emergency declaration was called after extreme heat drove up electricity demand across California, causing the ISO to dip into its operating reserves for supply to cover [...]
Statewide Flex Alert called for Friday, August 14
Due to hot weather forecasts, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is calling for a voluntary reduction in energy consumption on Friday, August 14 from 3pm to 10pm. Californians are urged to turn off unnecessary lights, avoid using major appliances, and set their thermostats to 78 degrees.
Closing the Digital Divide Task Force Hearing
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will hold a hearing today of his task force to close the digital divide for California students who lack access to internet connectivity and devices.
Report: Clean Energy Jobs Impacted by COVID-19
According to a recent study by BW Research, more than a half-million clean energy jobs have been lost nationwide with nearly 90,000 of those jobs in California. The overall job loss equates to a 16.3 % reduction in clean energy jobs.
California grid connected to nation’s largest battery storage
n June, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) connected to the nation's largest battery storage in the country, kicking off a project that aims to drastically increase the grid's storage capacity by the end of 2020.
Western EIM Governing Body elects John Prescott and Anita Decker as chair and vice chair
The Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) Governing Body this week elected John Prescott and Anita Decker to serve as its chair and vice-chair, the California ISO announced on Wednesday. The elections took place at EIM's governing body meeting on June 30.
Governor signs legislation to create nonprofit takeover of PG&E if utility fails
Gov. Newsom on Tuesday signed SB350 by Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) that authorizes the creation of a new non-profit public benefit corporation, Golden State Energy (GSE), to acquire the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) if the utility does not emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy or has its license revoked by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Air Resources Board Approves Electric Truck Mandates
On June 25, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved a first-in-the-nation regulation mandating truck manufacturers to increase their sale of electric trucks in California through 2035.
California Releases Open Source Tech, Data to Track COVID-19
California has new technology tools and data to help government agencies and the public better understand the spread and impact of COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on June 25.
Fire Season Update – June 22
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), there have been 2,721 fires in California, consuming 16,692 acres, since January 1, 2020.
Weekly Energy Digest for June 19, 2020
Some energy-related news stories we've been reading this week ... California Preparing for peak wildfire season in San Diego amid the pandemic COVID-19 adds complications for Cal Fire and SDG&E as weather heats up. (San Diego Union-Tribune, June 19) Federal Approval of Oil Well at Carrizo Plain National Monument Sparks Outrage The Federal Bureau of Land Management has approved oil drilling in Carrizo Plain National Monument, sparking outrage among conservationists. (Los Angeles Times, June 18) PG&E Ordered to Pay $4 Million for Camp Fire that Killed 84 PG&E Corp. was ordered to pay $4 million for its role in causing [...]
PG&E Names 11 New Board Members as Part of Bankruptcy Agreements
As a condition of the Chapter 11 process, PG&E announced the selection of a new board of directors to who will be officially appointed once the utility emerges from bankruptcy.
NASCIO Report Outlines ‘Four Forces’ CIOs Should Consider for Legacy Modernization
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) this week issued a new report titled The State CIO Operating Model: Leveraging the Power of the Four Forces, a guide for states to consider when working on legacy modernization projects. The advice is underscored by added pressure on government programs, such as unemployment systems, during the COVID-19 lockdown. “The Four Forces in the Government Change Framework are Political Forces, Market Forces, Customer Forces and Inertial Forces. The Four Forces drive and influence the ability of a leader to effect change in government,” says the report. “As an enterprise leader, the [...]
Legislation to Regulate Facial Recognition Technology Stalls
Assembly Bill 2261 by Assemblymember Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park), which would regulate the way government agencies use facial recognition technology (FRT), was stalled in committee this week.
Weekly Energy Digest for June 5, 2020
Some energy-related news stories we've been reading this week ... California How Stay-at-Home Orders Derailed Energy Savings for Solana Beach Last month, the Solana Beach community choice energy program reduced the discount it offers customers compared to San Diego Gas & Electric from 3 percent to 1 percent to shore up its bottom line. Now, board members are on the verge of eliminating the discount altogether because of the financial effects the COVID-19 pandemic are projected to have on the standalone community choice aggregation, or CCA, program that serves about 7,000 Solana Beach customers. (San Diego Union-Tribune, June 5) Fire [...]
Weekly Energy Digest for May 29, 2020
A few energy-related news stories we've been reading this week ...
Weekly Energy Digest for May 22, 2020
A few energy-related news stories we've been reading this week ...
Udaya Patnaik Appointed First Director of California’s Office of Digital Innovation
California has its first director for the Office of Digital Innovation, the Governor's Office announced on Wednesday: Udaya Patnaik, 46, of San Mateo, has been appointed director of the Office of Digital Innovation at the Government Operations Agency. Patnaik has been co-founder, senior partner and chief financial officer at Jump Associates since 1998. He was rural development specialist at the Rural Community Assistance Corporation from 1995 to 1998. Patnaik is an editorial advisory board member of TEDMED, an international advisory board member of Fundación Chile, and a member of the boards of KABOOM! and Just Human Productions. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $197,700. Patnaik is a Democrat.
Weekly Energy Digest for May 8, 2020
A few energy-related news stories and commentaries we've been reading this week ...
California Seeks COVID-19 Technology Solutions, Launches Portal to Gather Ideas
The California Department of Technology is seeking technology solutions in response to COVID-19, launching a portal (https://tech.covid19.ca.gov) to gather ideas from the vendor community.