Solar Energy for Renters Has Taken Off in 10 States. Not in California
Community solar, a proven tool for renters and low‑income households, has flourished in ten states but remains marginal in California, which has launched only about 34 projects totaling roughly 235 MW since 2015. In West Goshen, a pilot project delivered a 20% bill discount and saved residents about $300 per month during summer. Legislative attempts to expand the model have stalled as the California Public Utilities Commission adopted lower compensation rates and funding uncertainties persist. State officials warn that without mid‑scale community solar, California will struggle to meet its 6 GW clean‑energy target by 2032.
Head of L.A.'s Department of Water and Power Resigns
Janisse Quiñones, who has led Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power since 2024, announced her resignation to become chief executive of Luma, a private electric‑utility operator in Puerto Rico. During her tenure she bolstered grid and water reliability, guided...
How a California Desalination Plant Could Ease Water Shortages on the Colorado River
San Diego County Water Authority approved a memorandum to sell up to 10,000 acre‑feet of its Colorado River allocation to Arizona and Nevada, generating revenue to expand the Carlsbad desalination plant. The deal would mark the first interstate transfer of...
California Wants Millions of Heat Pumps. High Power Bills Might Get in the Way
California aims to install six million heat pumps in homes by 2030 as part of its aggressive decarbonization agenda. While heat pumps offer higher efficiency and can replace gas furnaces, the state’s soaring residential electricity rates often erode expected bill...
Long-Awaited Reports Outline Problems with Palisades Infrastructure
Los Angeles hired AECOM for three $5 million reports that map a $1 billion, 2024‑2033 recovery strategy for Pacific Palisades after the deadly 2025 fire. The studies expose pervasive fire‑code violations, narrow streets and evacuation bottlenecks, and call for aggressive brush‑clearance, water‑system...