SMUD Archives - California Globe

California’s Perfect Storm: Hot Weather, Low Reservoirs, Diminished Hydro Power, Unreliable Renewable Energy

July 22, 2021 2:15 amJuly 22, 2021 8:12 am

Last week, Californians learned that Pacific Gas and Electric told state utility regulators that a damaged fuse box from a one of their power lines could be responsible for starting the large Dixie Fire currently burning in the Sierra Nevada...

California’s Electric Grid Is Near Collapse

August 19, 2020 1:13 pmAugust 20, 2020 2:26 pm

California is rich in natural resources which once powered the state: natural gas deposits in the Monterey Shale formation; geothermal energy, abundant rivers and waterways such as the San Joaquin River Delta and hydroelectric dams; the Pacific coastline; 85 million...

‘Get Used to It:’ California’s Rolling Blackouts, Power Outages

August 17, 2020 3:47 pmAugust 19, 2020 2:10 pm

At Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press conference Monday, he discussed the state’s heatwave, record temperatures throughout the state, and the rolling blackouts millions have to deal with over the very hot weekend. The California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) began the...

California Energy Prices Continue to Rise Higher Than Other States

August 6, 2020 4:57 pmAugust 7, 2020 6:20 am

The Center for Jobs and the Economy at the California Business Roundtable reports that California gas and energy prices continued to rise higher in July than nearly all other states. “These outcomes mean that even as many households struggle under...

California’s 2020 Solar Home Mandate to Come into Effect in Two Weeks

December 17, 2019 6:19 amDecember 16, 2019 9:22 pm

The new building standards in California that will require solar panels for all new single-family houses and low-rise multifamily complexes will come into effect starting January 1st. Passed in 2018 by the California Energy Commission (CEC), the mandate is designed...

California State of Emergency: Millions in the Dark, Wildfires Spread, Gas Prices Soar

October 27, 2019 6:28 pmOctober 28, 2019 9:30 am

More than 2.5 million Californians are without power in 36 counties, while parts of the state burn. Utilities warn the power outages could go on for up to five days. Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency due to...

California Power Outages: Extreme Weather, Extreme Energy Shortages, or Extreme Litigation?

October 1, 2019 12:18 pmOctober 29, 2019 6:32 am

San Francisco based Pacific Gas & Electric recently warned customers on that it could turn off power in six Northern California counties as a public safety precaution to help reduce the risk of wildfire. The shutdown could have impacted as...