The California Energy Commission created in 1974 is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. It is located in Sacramento.
The Commission’s responsibilities include:
- forecast future energy needs and keeping historical energy data;
- license thermal power plants of 50 megawatts or larger;
- promote energy efficiency by setting the state’s appliance and building efficiency standards and working with local government to enforce those standards;
- support public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs;
- support renewable energy by providing market support to existing, new, and emerging renewable technologies; providing incentives for small wind and fuel cell electricity systems;
- provide incentives for solar electricity systems in new home construction;
- developing and implementing the state Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to reduce the state’s petroleum dependency and help attain the state climate change policies;
- administer more than $300 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding through the state energy program, the energy efficiency conservation and block grant program, the energy efficiency appliance rebate program, and the energy assurance and emergency program; and
- plan for and direct state response to energy emergencies.
In California, the Division of Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), is a division of the California Department of Conservation. The division oversees the drilling, operation, maintenance, and plugging and abandonment of oil, natural gas, and geothermal wells. The DOGGR regulatory program emphasizes the development of oil, natural gas, and geothermal resources in the state through sound engineering practices. The regulatory program protects the environment, prevent pollution, and ensure public safety.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is a state Public Utilities Commission which regulates privately-owned utilities in the state of California. The CPUC’s headquarters are located in the Civic Center district of San Francisco, and the agency has field offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento. The CPUC regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies. The CPUC serves the public interest by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of safe, reliable utility service and infrastructure at reasonable rates, with a commitment to environmental enhancement and a healthy California economy. The CPUC regulates utility services, stimulates innovation, and promotes competitive markets. The CPUC regulates common carriers including household goods movers, passenger transportation companies and rail crossing safety.
The California Energy Commission
