California’s new $7.3 billion grid modernization plan is a crucial step in furthering its ambitious climate goals.
The board of governors for the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the state’s grid operator, recently approved a strategy to build thousands of miles of new high-voltage transmission lines. This step addresses a key challenge towards decarbonizing energy consumption: providing enough transmission to connect a massive amount of new clean energy sources to the grid.
Beefing up transmission capability is essential to meeting California’s goal of a carbon-free energy sector by 2045. What’s more, expanded grid capacity could result in lower electric bills for customers if the cost of clean energy generation technology continues to drop.
As more jurisdictions adopt building codes that ban natural gas hookups, and encourage adoption of heat pumps and EV chargers, the environmental benefits of such regulations depend on sourcing clean energy. A more robust grid that can assimilate new solar and wind farms makes this possible.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2018
On-site staff key to energy benchmarking project for property management company
Manager training, data sharing are critical to meeting 20% utility cost reduction goal.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2018
Interactive heat maps track temperature ranges in U.S. cities
Urban heat island effect can vary by as much as 37°F in the same city.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2018
Power systems will become more decentralized for better disaster resiliency
Businesses, homeowners will control more power-generation capacity.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2018
Getting commitments from key subs critical on government contracts
Withdrawn subcontractor bids can be costly.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2018
Internal watchdog says EPA falling short to protect school children from asbestos
Agency not conducting enough inspections, report says.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2018
Climate change impacts could prompt realignment of assets for commercial property developers
Strategies include reducing exposure to properties in flood-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2018
Political will, tougher standards needed to reach carbon neutral goal
Stretch codes, more stringent credentials for designers, contractors, and inspectors may be needed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2018
Natural light is the most prized office perk
Employees crave sunshine and views of the outdoors more than cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2018
Industry consensus needed for multifamily energy efficiency retrofit approach
Choice of insulating materials can impact indoor air quality, resident health.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2018
New market forces disrupting global real estate development industry
Executives concerned about trade policy, labor shortages, approval processes.
