The California Public Utilities Commission’s ban yesterday on future purchases of electricity produced by coal-fired plants will not stop utilities from making spot purchases of out-of-state "dirty" power to meet peak demand. As part of California’s efforts to fight global warming, the commission on Thursday implemented an interim emissions standard that effectively prohibits utilities from investing in new coal-fired power plants or signing long-term contracts with plants whose emissions exceed those of lower-polluting natural gas plants. Commission spokesperson Terrie Prosper confirmed today that the standard does not apply to spot power purchases. During the summer months, as Californians crank up their air conditioners, California utilities like PG&E (PCG), Southern California Edison (EIX) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SRE) turn coal plants in Utah and other bordering states for electricity to stave off brownouts. However, it is expected such spot purchases will go by the wayside once California regulators impose statewide caps on greenhouse gas emissions to implement the state’s landmark global warming law enacted last September. According to a California Energy Commission report, out-of-state electricity imports produced about 61 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2004.
More on California’s Dirty Power Ban
January 26, 2007 by Todd Woody
Green Wombat 
It makes sense to keep the electricity running for a few months in the summer. As the alternative fuels become the regular fuels of the state, there will no need to buy more dirty energy produced from coal.
I am curious, how does this ban affect the power that comes to LA for the Intermountain Power Project in Delta Utah? I understand that there are plans to build Unit 3. If you know the answer to this please send it to me. Thanks
I am curious, how does this ban affect the power that comes to LA for the Intermountain Power Project in Delta Utah? I understand that there are plans to build Unit 3. If you know the answer to this please send it to me. Thanks
I am curious, how does this ban affect the power that comes to LA for the Intermountain Power Project in Delta Utah? I understand that there are plans to build Unit 3. If you know the answer to this please send it to me. Thanks
I am curious, how does this ban affect the power that comes to LA for the Intermountain Power Project in Delta Utah? I understand that there are plans to build Unit 3. If you know the answer to this please send it to me. Thanks
I am curious, how does this ban affect the power that comes to LA for the Intermountain Power Project in Delta Utah? I understand that there are plans to build Unit 3. If you know the answer to this please send it to me. Thanks