Foundation for Economic Education
"Reducing greenhouse gases is important but so is energy reliability. . . . Allowing contracts with these generators to expire based on optimistic projections increases the risks of rolling blackouts."
"California’s energy policies risk blackouts.
"This state is so determined to fulfill its dream of a zero-emissions power grid that it’s willing to risk future blackouts. On paper, California will have sufficient energy resources even with the decision to shutter three aging natural gas generating units. But only if the weather cooperates.
"By the end of 2045, “renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources” must “supply 100% of retail sales of electricity to California end-use customers and 100% of electricity procured to serve all state agencies” under Senate bill 100 (2018).
"To reach this target and maintain reliability, the state has been pairing solar power plants with battery backup systems. If all works as planned, the solar plants will provide electricity during the day, and the battery backup systems keep the lights on in the high-use evening hours when solar generators go dark.
"As this strategy has been unfolding, policymakers realized more backup reserves were needed to avoid rolling blackouts. Three legacy generating units that were scheduled to be closed in Ormond Beach, Alamitos and Huntington Beach facilities were temporarily extended.
"Now believing California’s battery backup system provides a sufficient buffer, the California Energy Commission has chosen not to renew the contracts for these older units, which will expire at the end of December.
"The retiring gas plants were undoubtedly old and inefficient. Still, Californians may soon miss the lost dispatchable power sources. California Energy Commission Vice Chair Siva Gunda might believe “we’re looking good,” but such optimism requires a sideways look at the facts.
"The state endured the heat of 2026, challenged on Sept. 9 by the largest daily power demand since 2022, without resorting to emergency measures. The governor’s office called it “a major milestone in California’s nation-leading clean energy buildout.”
"Maybe officials have known what they’re doing all along. That’s one way to look at it." . . .
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