Currents

An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments

Governor On Energy: "More Power, Lower Prices"

On December 14^th, 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger issued an Executive Order setting aggressive energy conservation goals for state buildings and dedicated the Path 15 Upgrade, creating an energy transmission superhighway between Northern and Southern California.

At the California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) facility in Folsom, the Governor signed his Green Buildings Executive Order, setting the goal for state buildings to be 20 percent more energy efficient by 2015 and encouraging the private sector to do the same. The Green Buildings project will save taxpayers millions of dollars and preserve California's resources and the environment.

"New state buildings and building renovations will use construction materials and methods to lead the way in energy conservation," the Governor said. "With better transmission, more generation, a commitment to conservation, and a 15 percent energy reserve we will accomplish the common sense goals of my energy plan: More power and lower prices."

Following the Executive Order signing, Governor Schwarzenegger flipped a ceremonial switch to dedicate the upgrade to the Path 15 transmission line. The upgrade adds a new 500-kilovolt power line to the transmission corridor that links Northern and Southern California.

"We all know that better transmission improves our energy reliability," the Governor said. "It lets us access the most affordable power in the market and it helps us tap into renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power."

The expanded transmission capacity will prevent bottlenecks that caused outages and cost California consumers millions of dollars. Expanding transmission is a cornerstone of the Governor's energy plan whose goal is reliable energy and lower costs for Californians.

Describing the current approval process for building new power lines as too costly and time consuming, the Governor spoke of the need for providing incentives for increased energy generation and clearing the way for the construction of new power plants. He also spoke of his plan to ensure consumers pay the lowest prices possible. "This week, the Public Utilities Commission will approve my competitive purchasing plan to ensure utilities contract for power at the lowest price available," he said. "They have already approved my plan to speed up the 15 percent reserve requirement for energy suppliers from 2008 to 2006."

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