Overview

California's massive electricity in-state generation system generates more than 200,000 gigawatt-hours each year and is transported over the state's 32,000 miles of transmission lines. In 2011, California produced 70% of the electricity it uses; the rest was imported from the Pacific Northwest (10%) and the U.S. Southwest (20%). Natural gas is the main source for electricity generation at 45% of the total in-state electric generation system power.

The state's main challenge is to ensure adequate electricity supplies while reducing greenhouse gas emissions as directed by AB 32 (33% reduction by 2020). Since 2003, California's energy policy has recognized an electricity "loading order" as the preferred sequence for meeting electricity demands. The loading order lists energy efficiency and demand response first, renewable resources second, and clean and efficient natural gas-fired power plants third.

In addition, under the Renewables Portfolio Standard, California's goal was to increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable energy resources to 20% by 2010 and in 2011 legislation passed that pushes that goal to 33% by 2020. Currently, California's in-state renewable generation is comprised of biomass, geothermal, small hydro, wind, and solar generation sites that make up approximately 17% of the total in-state generational output.

This section provides facts, data, and statistics about electricity in California. Information about power plants producing electricity can be found under the Power Plants tab near the top of the page. Similarly, information about renewable resources can be found under the Renewable Energy tab near the top of the page.

DATA, FACTS, & STATS...