Tracking Progress
Sector-specific summaries of California's progress toward a cleaner energy future, with links to additional resources.
Information and metrics are updated regularly.
Energy Efficiency
Total energy savings from efficiency programs, codes and standards, and price and market effects have increased over time relative to conditions in 1975, before California implemented the first efficiency standards. Building Standards implemented by the Energy Commission are moving toward zero net energy new buildings. More about Energy Efficiency.
Statewide Energy Demand
After the mid-1970s, per capita consumption remains relatively constant in California but continues to grow in the U.S. overall. Californians consume 40 percent less electricity per person because of factors ranging from climate and household size to fuel and industry mixes and the state's aggressive energy policies. More about Statewide Energy Demand.
Renewable Energy
The California Energy Commission is tracking progress toward achieving the state's renewables portfolio standards (RPS) for each compliance period. Also, the Energy Commission is tracking progress toward the 12,000 MW goal for renewable distributed generation, and the status of permitting and construction of new renewable energy facilities in California. More about Renewable Energy.
Electric Vehicles
Governor Brown has signed an Executive Order laying the foundation to support 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2025 and published a ZEV Action Plan. As part of its work on electric vehicles, the Energy Commission forecasts ZEV sales and helps to set up a strategic electric vehicle charging network. More about Plug-in Electric Vehicles.
Installed Capacity
Natural gas provides the largest portion of the total in-state capacity and electricity generation in California. The installed (nameplate) capacity and generation amounts do not reflect contracted capacity and generational requirements as measured under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Installed capacity is the maximum possible output from a generation facility. More about Installed Capacity
Reliance on Coal
In 2010, 10 percent of California's electricity came from coal and petroleum coke, mostly from power plants in other states. By 2020, electricity used in California from coal and petroleum coke is expected to decline about 60 percent compared to the amount used in 2010. More about Current and Expected Energy from Coal for California.
Transmission Expansion
Transmission expansion plays a vital role in enabling the interconnection and deliverability of renewable energy to meet the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). The Energy Commission conducts strategic transmission planning and corridor designation in coordination with the California ISO, the CPUC, and federal agencies. More about Transmission Expansion Projects for Renewable.
