Statewide Partnership Aims to Deliver More Clean Energy Faster to Californians and Support State Climate Goals

Key Facts

• In a joint effort to deliver more clean energy at a lower cost to customers, the California Energy Commission (CEC), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and the University of California, Berkeley Energy Institute at Haas submitted a grant application for $2 billion to the U.S.
• The project, called California Harnessing Advanced Reliable Grid Enhancing Technologies for Transmission (CHARGE 2T), would deliver these customer benefits: Increase statewide electric transmission capacity, which will boost supply, reducing renewable curtailment and reducing costs incurred when there is not sufficient capacity, known as congestion, which would lower costs to customers; Improve technologies and coordination to streamline the process for renewable energy projects to interconnect to the grid; Support workforce development through programs that facilitate access to union jobs with family-sustaining compensation; and Improve energy education beginning in middle school through high school, community college, four-year degree programs and graduate research, unlocking the potential of local students.
• "As the clean energy transition accelerates, we must maintain a reliable, resilient and ready electric grid for what's ahead – especially the state's transmission system, which is challenging due to lengthy siting and permitting processes," said Steve Powell, President and CEO of Southern California Edison.
• The grant also would fund technology and process improvements to enhance renewable energy interconnection, adding more clean energy to serve customers and help meet the state's bold clean energy goals.

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