California Is Still Coming Up Short on Electricity

Book excerpt: Despite California¿s aggressive response to the 2000-2001 energy crisis & the ongoing work of regulators to reach policy consensus, there is still a meaningful risk that future power supplies will come up short. One of the key drivers of this risk is a highly uncertain investment climate. In addition, the State¿s power policy still has significant flaws that will challenge long-term reliability & will contribute to continued high retail electricity costs for consumers. This paper highlights the risks of a near- to medium-power-supply shortage & sets forth options policy makers have for alleviating these risks. It also identifies the key longer-term challenges that policy makers face in reforming the State¿s power sector. Illustrations.