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California Scrambles to Find Electricity This Summer as Blackout Risks Grow

Allen Putnam's picture
Allen Putnam 317
Director, Beaches Energy Services Beaches Energy

Director at Beaches Energy services which serves over 35,353 electric and 307 natural gas customers (mostly commercial - system throughput 206,000 DTh) in the cities of Jacksonville Beach...

  • Member since 2006
  • 15 items added with 2,041 views
  • Jul 27, 2021
  • 488 views

 

 

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Allen Putnam's picture
Allen Putnam on Jul 27, 2021

This is what occurs when your State's Pubic Utilities Commission and Legislators produce very poor energy policy. This was easily avoided with the construction of one generation plant. #energy #utilities #poorpolicy

Matt Chester's picture
Matt Chester on Jul 27, 2021

Given that this policy is already on the books, what do you think would be the most efficient/effective path forward-- is it building a new generation plant? Reversing existing policies? Embracing SMRs in the coming years? 

Allen Putnam's picture
Allen Putnam on Jul 27, 2021

Based on the current path California will need to build traditional generation or import supply from neighboring states.  Nuclear would be the way to go since it is net zero carbon but California's politicians (in the large cities who dominate the vote) will never approve it in my opinion.  The existing policies will prove a failure and will be highly costly to all Californians.  Reversing them would be the wise choice...but again, same politicians who won't have to answer for their failures.  SMRs can help but I imagine that they won't be build in the state but will be built in neighboring states which greatly adds to the cost in network connects.  I would suggest refueling Diablo Canyon and other nuclear sites and continue operations until a smarter, more affordable energy policy can be implemented.

Allen Putnam's picture
Thank Allen for the Post!
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