California utilities would have to consider how energy storage, efficiency and distributed resources can help meet peak electricity under a new bill passed by lawmakers last week. The California Senate voted 27 to 13 on Sept. 6 to approve S.B. 338, sending the bill to Gov. Jerry Brown (D) for approval. The Assembly passed the bill in late August. The bill would require utilities to develop carbon-free alternatives to gas generation for meeting peak demand in their integrated resource plans. The state is currently evaluating how to manage midday solar overgeneration and a steep ramp in evening power demand while meeting ambitious climate change goals.
Bill to California governor would direct utilities to plan storage, DERs for peak demand
