Power Plants

Supplying electricity to the homes, farms, and businesses in California requires reliable electrical generation that delivers power to the grid. The California Energy Commission licenses thermal power plants 50 megawatts or greater and ensures they operate in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

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Program Information

Power Plant Licensing

The Energy Commission licenses thermal power plants of 50 megawatts or greater in California.

Power Plant Construction, Compliance Monitoring, and Enforcement Program

The CEC ensures that licensed power plants are constructed, operated, and decommissioned in accordance with their permits and laws.

Small Power Plant Exemption Program

Applicants can file an exemption to the CEC's licensing process for proposed projects 100 MW or less and no environmental or reliability impacts.

Power Plant Listing

List of Power Plants Listed in alphabetical order.

Power Plant Compliance and Siting

List of Power Plants Listed by Compliance Status.

Proceedings

No active proceedings at this time.

Related Events

Oct 09 2026

Remote-Only Opt-In Certification Program Rulemaking Workshop

October 9, 2026 | 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Remote Access Only
The California Energy Commission (CEC) will conduct a public workshop to seek comments from interested parties regarding proposed emergency regulations for the Opt-In Certification Program that will be set forth in Title 20, California Code of Regulations, sections 1875-1882, and Appendix B.

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