This article will help you compare the cost of California's electric vehicles to other energy sources. It covers issues such as the cost of supporting electric vehicles (EVs) and the reliability of the grid. It also discusses state goals in clean energy. Additionally, the article will discuss the pros and cons of EVs, and how to improve the grid.
California's Clean Energy Goals
California's Clean Energy Goals are intended to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Despite having clean energy goals California still relies heavily on fossil fuels to provide its energy needs. That's because our state ranks seventh in oil production and fourteenth in natural gas production. The state's clean energie goals would allow us to achieve our goal of 100 percent clean energy in 2045.
California has a long way to go in meeting these goals, but a few steps are already helping us along the way. One of these steps is to make greater use of distributed, sustainable energy sources. California has made large investments in solar energy, and other clean energy resources in recent times. California plans to produce half its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. While lawmakers work on legislation to speed up the transition to cleaner energy, they are also drafting legislation. Currently, there are more than 25 bills pending in the state legislature.
Increasing reliance on renewable resources
California is making great strides in increasing the use of renewable energy. Last year, California's total electric energy production was 19.8%. This number is expected rise to 35% in 2030. This growth will mainly be from solar or wind energy. But non-hydro resources have grown from 1 percent in 2005, to 12.5 % by 2020. Despite this, demand for electricity has remained relatively stable. In recent years, however, renewable fuels have seen a significant increase in use in transport, rising from just 1% in 2005 to almost double the rate last year.
California passed the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) to encourage more renewable energy. This act requires electricity providers to purchase renewable energy to meet their renewable electricity needs. This law requires utilities to purchase renewable energy for at least 20% of their electricity needs by 2022. They also have to increase their renewable share each year by 1%.
Supporting EVs: Costs
California's air resources board plans to spend $95 million by the end of 2019 on various EV programs. The money comes from a share of registration fees as well as proceeds from cap and trade programs. The program is expected will provide rebates to EV owners. If you are considering buying an EV, it is important to consider the cost.
California's largest utilities offer two types EV charging rates. The first rate only applies to electricity consumed by EVs. The second rate is applicable to all electricity used by a home.
Grid reliability
California's reliability of its grid has been a matter of concern since long. The state's electricity is dependent on outside power, which makes it vulnerable to weather events and political changes. In recent months, the electricity grid has been subject to unprecedented demand from electric cars and increased energy consumption.
The state is taking steps to improve grid reliability. California Independent System Operator Board of Governors recently approved four power plant reliability must run contracts. These contracts will ensure that power plants will continue to run throughout the duration of the agreements, which extend to calendar year 2023.