Seventeen percent of California’s power comes from cogeneration – a highly efficient process that converts one fuel source into two energy products. It’s one of the state’s most efficient, local, reliable, and environmentally-sound sources of power. But at a time when we need it most, we’re at risk of losing it.

The California Energy Commission sums up cogeneration’s benefits to California as: “reduced energy costs, more efficient fuel use, fewer environmental impacts, improved reliability and power quality...” They released a blueprint outlining the policy changes necessary to renew vital cogeneration contracts with the state's utilities and to keep cogeneration facilities up and running and a vital part of our energy mix.

After a thorough review process, the California Public Utilities Commission enacted policy changes that recognize the importance of this valuable resource and provide the framework in which cogeneration can help meet the state’s growing electricity demands. We commend them and urge them to continue to stand up for cogeneration as the important details of these new policies are ironed out. 

Unfortunately, significant implementation issues for this long needed policy remain and there is continuing utility opposition to key components of the CPUC policy.  At stake is the reliability and security of our energy supply and industrial infrastructure. Without cogeneration, Californians could face higher energy bills, and more power outages, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.