About the California Energy Commission
Promoting Efficiency and Conservation, Supporting Cutting-Edge Research, and Developing Our Renewable Energy Resources
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The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, six basic responsibilities guide the Energy Commission as it sets state energy policy:
- Forecasting future energy needs;
- Promoting energy efficiency and conservation by setting the state's appliance and building efficiency standards;
- Supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development and demonstration programs;
- Developing renewable energy resources and alternative renewable energy technologies for buildings, industry and transportation;
- Licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger;
- Planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.
You can learn more about the Commission's activities and accomplishments by navigating our websites, as well as through our news releases and reports.
Commissioners
The Governor appoints the commissioners to staggered five-year terms and selects a chair and vice chair from among the members every two years. The appointments require Senate approval. By law, one commission member must be selected from the public at large. The remaining commissioners represent the fields of engineering / physical science, economics, environmental protection, and law.
More About the Commission
Additional Information
Divisions and Key Units
- Efficiency Division
- Electricity Supply Analysis Division
- Fuels and Transportation Division
- Energy Research and Development Division
- Renewable Energy Division
- Siting, Transmission, and Environmental Protection Division
- Administrative Services Branches
- Chief Counsel's Office
- Docket Unit
- Executive Office
- Hearing Office
- Library
- Media and Public Communications Office
- Office of Governmental Affairs
- Public Adviser's Office
