California prepares for energy shortfalls in hot, dry summer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California likely will have an energy shortfall equivalent to what it takes to power about 1.3 million homes when use is at its peak during the hot and dry summer months, state officials said Friday.

One megawatt powers about 750 to 1,000 homes in California, according to the energy commission. Under the most extreme circumstances, the shortfall could be far worse: 5,000 megawatts, or enough to power 3.75 million homes. Large hydropower projects generated nearly 14% of the state's electricity in 2020, according to the independent system operator. Renewable energy sources, chiefly solar, accounted for 34.5% and nuclear power made up 10%.

Mark Rothleder, senior vice president for the system operator, said the state would be more likely to experience blackouts again this year if the entire West has a heat wave at the same time. That would hinder California's ability to buy excess power from other states. Wildfires could also hinder the state's ability to keep the power on, he said.

Meanwhile, supply chain issues caused by the pandemic are slowing down the availability of equipment needed to stand up more solar power systems with batteries that can store the energy for use when the sun isn't shining. Recently the system operator said it hit a record of getting more than 99% of energy from non-carbon sources around 3 p.m., though that only lasted for a few minutes.

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California prepares for energy shortfalls in hot, dry summerCalifornia likely will have an energy shortfall equivalent to what it takes to power about 1.3 million homes when use is at its peak during the hot and dry summer months, state officials said Friday. I’m imagining all the smug EV owners right now worried about being able to charge their cars in the summer. Unbelievable. Buy electric cars. I can’t use my power from 4 pm to 9 pm unless I want to sell my belongings to pay for it. What an f-ed up state- or is it the current elected officials that are f-ed up? Energy companies skyrocketed in earnings.
Source: KTVU - 🏆 465. / 53 Read more »

California prepares for energy shortfalls in hot, dry summerSUMMER BLACKOUTS? CA power officials warning about an electricity shortfall that could leave the state without enough power for 1.3 million homes. The blackout risk as temps rise. Tonight at 11 from ABC7. People with half a brain have been trying to tell this to the state policy makers. California's energy policy is stupid. Fake news! Newsom wouldn’t be trying to eliminate the sale of gas vehicles knowing the current infrastructure can’t handle the energy needed to charge all of those cars. Run your AC at full blast while drying your hair. Everything’s fine. cryptoggus now they going to tell you when you can turn on your ac
Source: ABC7 - 🏆 67. / 68 Read more »