Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to conduct biennial assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The commission is required to use these assessments and forecasts to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state’s economy, and protect public health and safety. The commission is required to adopt a biennial integrated energy policy by November 1 that contains an overview of major energy trends and issues facing the state.
This bill would require the commission to adopt a strategic plan for the state’s electric transmission grid using existing resources. The bill would require that the plan identify and recommend actions required to implement investments needed to ensure reliability, relieve congestion, and to meet future growth in load and generation, including, but not limited to, renewable resources, energy efficiency, and other demand reduction measures. This bill would require the strategic plan to be included in the integrated energy policy report adopted on November 1, 2005.