In March 2020, California’s PUC set a new emissions target for its electric sector to guide integrated resource planning processes that would double the state’s clean energy capacity by 2030 and prohibit the development of new natural gas plants. The emissions target was set at 46 million metric tons by 2030, 56% below 1990 levels. California electricity providers will need to develop nearly 25 gigawatts of renewable energy and battery storage to achieve the goal, nearly double the amount the state has currently. The CPUC closed a loophole that would allowed development of new natural gas plants if paired with energy storage. However, expansion of existing natural gas plants is allowed if paired with energy storage, and new gas plants are allowed if they use biomethane.
In its Order, the PUC directed utilities to submit plans for meeting a backup goal of 38 MMT, in order to achieve even deeper emissions cuts. Once it receives those plans, the agency will decide whether it favors the deeper target.