On September 10, APGA submitted comments to the California Energy Commission (CEC) responding to a public meeting they had on August 27. The feedback, which was based on input from the Direct Use Task Group (DUTG), detailed APGA members’ desire to be environmental stewards, but not to do so sacrificing affordability and reliability of California’s energy system. By forcing consumers to fuel-switch to a single end-use technology—that is, electricity—rather than focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, policymakers threaten energy affordability and grid reliability.
The comments iterated that natural gas, renewable natural gas, and the existing pipeline infrastructure can play a significant role in California achieving its environmental goals. Also highlighted were the efficiencies of natural gas appliances for residential applications that can achieve GHG emissions reductions and utility bill savings. Specifically, the direct use of natural gas in America’s homes and businesses achieves 91 percent energy efficiency. Comparatively, converting natural gas into electricity and then transporting it to the consumer provides only 36 percent of usable energy. Given the precedential nature of what is happening in California, APGA believes it is important to remain engaged in the Building Decarbonization proceeding. The DUTG and other pertinent committees will continue to direct these efforts.
An important note regarding commenting to this August 27 workshop is APGA was able to get the Consumer Energy Alliance to submit feedback to CEC, too. The comments from this group, especially given their membership, should resonate with the California regulators on the harmful impact of these policies. To see the comments,
click here.
For questions on this article, please contact Stuart Saulters of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at
ssaulters@apga.org.