The mission of the division is to assess California’s energy systems and trends, providing information for decision-makers and the public that produce policies that balance the need for adequate resources with economic, public health, safety, and environmental goals. The division’s emphasis is to expand staff capabilities in the latest modeling and analytical techniques.
The division is organized into four branches.
Supply Analysis
The Supply Analysis Branch collects data, produces analyses, and provides policy expertise on a range of energy supply issues, focusing on markets and infrastructure that provide safe and reliable energy to California. The Supply Analysis team also assesses supply portfolios that will help California on its path to a 100 percent clean electricity future.
Demand Analysis
The Demand Analysis Branch produces electricity and natural gas demand forecasts used by other energy agencies and utilities for energy system planning. The Demand Analysis team collects and analyzes data on annual electricity and natural gas consumption, electricity hourly demand, and transportation fuel use. In developing these forecasts, the office uses projected economic and demographic growth, projected changes in rates and other cost factors, estimated impacts of energy efficiency and electrification efforts, and historical and projected weather and climate change data.
Data Integration
The Data Integration Branch collects, analyzes, and reports on energy industry data. The office provides essential statistics and facts used to assess and develop energy policy, including data on:
- Electric generation
- Electricity and natural gas consumption
- Refinery and petroleum supply
The branch administers surveys studying how Californians use energy and participates in state emergency planning and response. Engineers and other experienced professionals in the branch manage and analyze the large variety of energy data collected.
Advanced Electrification Analysis
The Advanced Electrification Analysis Branch forecasts and analyzes energy efficiency, building electrification, transportation electrification, and demand scenarios. Leading work involves analysis of the potential for California to reduce greenhouse gases from buildings by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and progress towards doubling statewide energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas end uses by 2030. The branch also assesses the potential for building electrification and other fuel substitution efforts, including the development of longer-term energy demand scenarios out to 2050 to assess impacts of strategies to meet the state’s GHG emission reduction targets. Transportation electrification is another key component of the branch’s work, including forecasting vehicle and electric grid load impacts and contributing to demand scenarios.