Posts

All the Rain and Snow in California May Result in a Big Year for Hydro — and That’s Good News for the Grid

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Rob Nikolewski

Torrential rain across California in recent weeks has caused plenty of misery, but it could also generate some good news on the energy front: If rain and snow totals hold up, all the precipitation will boost hydroelectric production — and that would help the Golden State’s electric grid, especially in the summertime when the system comes under strain.

“Based on the reservoir levels and what we’re seeing this year, we expect to have more hydroelectricity generated this year than we have for the last several years,” said Lindsay Buckley, director of communications at the California Energy Commission.

Full Story

Opinion: State’s Leaders Must Change Water Agreements to Reflect Climate Realities

/in , , /by /CalMattersby Tom Stokely

California’s once-abundant salmon runs are on the verge of collapse. That’s a tragedy, but this story is bigger than the extinction of an iconic fish that once fed millions of people and was the basis of thriving commercial, tribal and sport fisheries. Salmon (to mix zoological metaphors) are the canary in the coal mine for California’s water and power ratepayers.

Full Story