California's Assembly Bill 2514

Definition

California's Assembly Bill 2514 is a landmark piece of legislation passed in 2010 aimed at promoting the development of energy storage systems across the state. It specifically requires the California Public Utilities Commission to establish targets for energy storage procurement by investor-owned utilities, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable energy practices and technologies. This bill marks a significant step in the historical development of energy policies in California, reflecting current trends focused on renewable energy integration and grid reliability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Assembly Bill 2514 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown as part of California's broader strategy to enhance energy resilience and sustainability.
2. The bill specifically set targets for the procurement of energy storage systems by investor-owned utilities, which helps integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid.
3. It recognizes various types of energy storage technologies, including batteries, pumped hydroelectric storage, and thermal storage, promoting diverse solutions to meet energy demands.
4. This legislation has spurred significant investments in research, development, and deployment of energy storage systems throughout California, positioning the state as a leader in this technology.
5. AB 2514 aligns with California’s ambitious climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

Review Questions

• How does Assembly Bill 2514 influence the development of energy storage technologies in California?
  • Assembly Bill 2514 plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of energy storage technologies in California by mandating specific procurement targets for investor-owned utilities. This legislative requirement encourages these utilities to invest in and adopt various energy storage solutions, fostering innovation and competition within the industry. By setting clear objectives, AB 2514 not only stimulates technological advancement but also helps ensure that renewable energy sources can be efficiently integrated into the state's power grid.
• Discuss the impact of Assembly Bill 2514 on the state's renewable energy goals and grid reliability.
  • Assembly Bill 2514 significantly bolsters California's renewable energy goals by ensuring that sufficient energy storage capacity is available to manage intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. By facilitating energy storage development, the bill enhances grid reliability, allowing utilities to store excess renewable energy generated during peak production times for use during high-demand periods. This capability is critical for maintaining a stable and reliable electricity supply while also supporting California's commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Evaluate how Assembly Bill 2514 reflects current trends in energy policy and its implications for future legislation.
  • Assembly Bill 2514 exemplifies the growing trend toward integrating advanced technologies within energy policy frameworks to address climate change and enhance sustainability. By mandating energy storage procurement, it not only sets a precedent for other states considering similar measures but also highlights the importance of adaptive legislation in response to evolving energy landscapes. As California continues to lead in clean energy initiatives, AB 2514 paves the way for future legislation aimed at innovative solutions for grid challenges, possibly influencing national policy directions in renewable energy and sustainability.

Related terms

Energy Storage: The capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time, which is essential for balancing supply and demand in energy systems.

Public Utilities Commission (PUC): A regulatory agency that oversees the services and rates of public utilities, including electricity, water, and telecommunications, ensuring that they operate fairly and efficiently.

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): A regulatory mandate that requires increased production of energy from renewable sources, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.