Rewiring California: Integrating Agendas for Energy Reform

Report #214, December 2012
Rewiring California: Integrating Agendas for Energy Reform

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Commission Calls for Answers on Renewable Energy Costs and Reliability

The Little Hoover Commission on Tuesday urged the Governor to bring greater clarity on the aggregated costs and consequences of the energy policies being implemented in California. The Commission recommended that the Governor task the appropriate parties to develop a comprehensive and prioritized action plan to attain its energy and environmental goals and minimize costs. The Commission also recommended the state begin the process of modernizing its energy governance structure and enhance consumers’ ability to better manage their own energy use and electricity bills.

California is in the midst of a massive transformation in the way electricity is produced and distributed, from a system predominantly powered by fossil fuels to one in which one third of all electricity will come from renewable energy sources. In its report, Rewiring California: Integrating Agendas for Energy Reform, the Commission’s recommendations focus on ensuring that California succeeds in this transformation. California cannot afford another energy policy failure: The state and California electricity customers still are paying for the billions of dollars lost because of its flawed electricity deregulation and the resulting crisis.

As California implements policies to achieve its ambitious renewable energy goal, the state also is implementing groundbreaking legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is encouraging the expansion of distributed renewable energy, such as rooftop solar, and is implementing water quality rules that require major retrofitting for 19 coastal power plants, including the state’s two nuclear plants.

The Commission raises concerns that, if unaddressed, increase the risk of policy failure:

  • In a short period, the state has adopted a series of transformative policy initiatives, any of which taken individually would take years of careful planning to implement. The policies were adopted one at a time without the benefit of a cohesive design. Now they are being implemented simultaneously without an overarching plan.
     
  • The state has not produced a comprehensive assessment of the total cost of implementing this group of policies, inhibiting consumers and businesses in their ability to plan for this new future.
     
  • The state lacks the ability to impose order on the multitude of proceedings that determine how these policies unfold, order which is essential to ensuring the state maximizes progress toward each of its policies goals.
     

The Commission specifically expresses concerns regarding reliability and the costs of integrating renewable energy onto the grid by the state’s self-imposed deadline of 2020.

The Commission was told that in the race to reach the deadline, the investor-owned utilities may have locked in long-term contracts at unnecessarily high prices.

These utilities also have relied heavily on new solar and wind farms – both of which require back-up power when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing. These back-up plants add to the overall cost and may detract from the state’s ability to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Many of these new plants will come online in the next several years and concerns have been expressed that electricity rates will rise as a result. This sets the stage for a potential ratepayer revolt that could dampen support for environmental stewardship policies.

In its report, the Commission commends improvements that have occurred in the past decade: Various state organizations with a role in energy are communicating and collaborating as never before. However, the Commission believes the current structure still lacks accountability.

“Ultimately, the Governor must take ownership and take the lead on bringing greater clarity on the costs and consequences of implementing California’s ambitious energy policies,” Little Hoover Commission Chairman Daniel Hancock said. “Without more careful calibration of these policies, Californians may wind up paying more than necessary for electricity and the state may unnecessarily degrade pristine habitat in its rush to implement its renewable energy goals.”

The unanticipated outage in January 2012 of both operating units at the San Onofre nuclear power plant in Southern California provides both an example of state organizations working together to devise a solution that kept the lights on, but also reveals how supply risks can escalate quickly because of constraints imposed by uncertainty, aging infrastructure and regulations issued by multiple agencies with different regulatory goals. These agencies already are planning for the summer of 2013, this time with fewer options. Any number of events – a prolonged heat wave, increased consumption as the economy improves, a wildfire disrupting transmission, an unexpected outage at another plant, alone or in combination could result in brownouts or blackouts in Southern California next year.

Lives and livelihoods are on the line. In this report, the Commission recommends that:

  • The Governor, through executive order, should direct the state’s energy organizations to address concerns raised by the Little Hoover Commission in a timely manner, specifically, to assess, how much, in the aggregate, recent major policies related to energy will affect electricity rates and reliability and whether these policies are achieving California’s goals.
     
  • The Governor, through a public process, should establish a comprehensive plan to prioritize current and future energy goals. The plan should identify what actions need to be taken and in what order to maximize progress toward the stated goals.
     
  • The Governor and the Legislature should develop a plan to modernize energy governance. Organizational reform ultimately is essential if the state is to realize its manifold energy and environmental goals and reduce the risk of another profoundly expensive policy failure.
     

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan and independent state agency charged with recommending ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs. The Commission’s recommendations are submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for their consideration and action. For a copy of the report, visit the Commission’s website: www.lhc.ca.gov.

Fact Sheet

Study Description

For this study, the Commission reviewed the state’s coordination of energy-related activities. This study included an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission examined previous consolidation efforts and assessed how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals, and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.


Previous Studies

Agenda

Overview

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor to bring greater clarity on the aggregated costs and consequences of the energy policies being implemented in California.

During its review, the Commission found that California has embarked on a massive transformation in the way electricity is produced and distributed, but lacks a comprehensive plan to ensure electricity remains affordable and reliable. 

The Commission's recommendations focus on ensuring that California succeeds in this transformation. The Commission recommends that the Governor task the appropriate parties to develop a comprehensive and prioritized action plan to attain its energy and environmental goals and minimize costs. The Commission also recommends the state begin the process of modernizing its energy governance structure and enhance consumers’ ability to better manage their own energy use and electricity bills.

Print Agenda
  • October 5
    2012
    Energy Governance
    10:00 a.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Business Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 25, 2012

    For additional information contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Friday, October 5, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to discuss draft recommendations on energy governance. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the business meeting will be:

    • 11400 W. Olympic Avenue, Suite 780, Los Angeles, CA
       
    • Junipero Serra Building, 320 West 4th Street, Pacific Ocean Room, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 27, 2012.

  • February 28
    2012
    Energy Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Energy Governance
    Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 2040
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Analysis and Cost Comparison of Renewable Power in California

    1. Tanya L. Bodell, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Electricity Consulting Group, FTI Consulting (Written Testimony)
       

    Tapping the Best Energy in the West

    1. Carl Zichella, Director of Western Transmission, Natural Resources Defense Council (Written Testimony)


    Achieving Statewide Energy Goals -- Are We on the Right Path?

    1. Bob Foster, Mayor, City of Long Beach and Chair, California Independent System Operator


    Improving Transparency in Energy Costs

    1. Jan Smutny-Jones, Executive Director, Independent Energy Producers Association (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Will We Achieve California's Energy Goals and What Will It Cost?

    1. Matt Freedman, Staff Attorney, The Utility Reform Network (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Joe Como, Acting Director, Division of Ratepayer Advocates, California Public Utilities Commission
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 14, 2012

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energy-related activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. In two prior hearings, the Commission examined previous consolidation efforts and assessed how the state’s energyrelated organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers. The February 28, 2012, hearing will focus on strategies the state can use to reach its renewable energy goals, and ensure that energy is reliable and affordable.

    At the February 28, 2012, hearing, the Commission will hear from the managing director and co-founder of the Electricity Consulting Group of FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm. Following her testimony, a director with the Natural Resources Defense Council will discuss transmission issues and opportunities to tap renewable energy throughout the West. Next, the Commission will hear about the state’s energy goals and whether California is on the right path from the mayor of Long Beach, who also is chair of the California Independent System Operator. Following his testimony, the executive director of the Independent Energy Producers Association will speak on improving transparency in energy costs. Finally, a panel will discuss the need for an assessment of the cumulative costs and benefits of multiple policy goals for reducing greenhouse gas, achieving the state’s renewable portfolio goals, expanding distributed generation and creating green jobs. The panel will consist of a staff attorney for The Utility Reform Network and the acting director of the Division of Ratepayer Advocates.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

  • February 27
    2012
    Energy Governance
    3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 13, 2012

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a public meeting with members of the California Energy Commission, on Monday, February 27, 2012. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. Participants will discuss the Little Hoover Commission’s energy governance study.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, February 20, 2012.

  • January 23
    2012
    Energy Governance
    10:15 a.m., California ISO, 250 Outcropping Way, Folsom, CA
    Site Visit
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 10, 2012

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Tour and Meeting

    The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a tour and meeting at the California Independent System Operator headquarters in Folsom, California, on Monday, January 23, 2012. The tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the CAISO headquarters, 250 Outcropping Way in Folsom, California.

    Members of the public planning to attend should contact the Independent System Operator in advance of the event and are required to provide photo identification for admittance. You can contact Katie Layton at klayton@caiso.com or (916) 608-7003.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 16, 2012.

  • November 15
    2011
    Energy Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Energy Governance
    Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Maintaining the Grid

    1. Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy & Client Services, California Independent System Operator Corporation (Written Testimony)
       

    Collaborative Planning: 2020 and Beyond

    1. V. John White, Executive Director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies 
       

    Improving Coordination of State Policy and Permitting

    1. Paul Multari, Vice President, Major Projects Organization, Transmission and Distribution Business Unit, Southern California Edison (Written Testimony)
      Akbar Jazayeri, Vice President, Regulatory Operations, Southern California Edison
       
    2. Aaron Johnson, Director, Renewable Energy Policy and Strategy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Wayne P. Sakarias, Director – Regulatory Policy & Legislative Analysis, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Gas Company (Written Testimony)


    Identifying Challenges Unique to Public Power

    1. Richard M. Helgeson, General Counsel, Southern California Public Power Authority
       
    2. Arlen Orchard, General Counsel, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (Written Testimony)


    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • David L. Modisette, Executive Director, California Municipals Utilities Association (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 2, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

    At the November 15, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear about the operation and maintenance of the state’s electricity grid from a vice president with the California Independent System Operator Corporation. The Commission then will hear from the executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies followed by a panel of representatives of the state’s three major investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Edison. Finally, a panel representing public utilities who are members of the California Municipal Utilities Association will testify.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. A teleconference location which also will be accessible by the public during the business meeting will be at 3183 Airway Avenue #E in Costa Mesa, California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

  • September 27
    2011
    Energy Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Energy Governance
    Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Overview of Current Landscape and Authority

    1. Joseph Desmond, Former Chairman, California Energy Commission; Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications, BrightSource Energy
       

    Collaboration Efforts

    1. Paul Clanon, Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission (Written Testimony)
       

    Governance and Market Deregulation

    1. Frank Wolak, Professor and Director, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, Stanford University (Written Testimony)


    Case Study: Renewable Energy Action Team

    1. Michael Picker, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities, Governor’s Office (Written Testimony)


    Local Coordination

    1. Lorelei H. Oviatt, Director, Planning and Community Development Department, Kern County (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 12, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

    At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

  • September 26
    2011
    Energy Governance
    3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Subcommittee Meeting on Energy Governance
    Monday, September 26, 2011, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
    Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level 
    925 L Street, Sacramento, CA


    Meeting Goal: Learn the status of post-energy crisis litigation from the Attorney General’s Office.

    3:30 – 3:40 p.m.

    Welcome and Introductions
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

    3:40 – 4:25 p.m.

    Discussion
    Martin Goyette, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice (Presentation)

    4:25 – 4:30 p.m.

    Wrap up

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 12, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

    At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

October 5
2012
Energy Governance
10:00 a.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2012

For additional information contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Friday, October 5, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to discuss draft recommendations on energy governance. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the business meeting will be:

  • 11400 W. Olympic Avenue, Suite 780, Los Angeles, CA
     
  • Junipero Serra Building, 320 West 4th Street, Pacific Ocean Room, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 27, 2012.

February 28
2012
Energy Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Energy Governance
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 2040
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Analysis and Cost Comparison of Renewable Power in California

  1. Tanya L. Bodell, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Electricity Consulting Group, FTI Consulting (Written Testimony)
     

Tapping the Best Energy in the West

  1. Carl Zichella, Director of Western Transmission, Natural Resources Defense Council (Written Testimony)


Achieving Statewide Energy Goals -- Are We on the Right Path?

  1. Bob Foster, Mayor, City of Long Beach and Chair, California Independent System Operator


Improving Transparency in Energy Costs

  1. Jan Smutny-Jones, Executive Director, Independent Energy Producers Association (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Will We Achieve California's Energy Goals and What Will It Cost?

  1. Matt Freedman, Staff Attorney, The Utility Reform Network (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Joe Como, Acting Director, Division of Ratepayer Advocates, California Public Utilities Commission
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energy-related activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. In two prior hearings, the Commission examined previous consolidation efforts and assessed how the state’s energyrelated organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers. The February 28, 2012, hearing will focus on strategies the state can use to reach its renewable energy goals, and ensure that energy is reliable and affordable.

At the February 28, 2012, hearing, the Commission will hear from the managing director and co-founder of the Electricity Consulting Group of FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm. Following her testimony, a director with the Natural Resources Defense Council will discuss transmission issues and opportunities to tap renewable energy throughout the West. Next, the Commission will hear about the state’s energy goals and whether California is on the right path from the mayor of Long Beach, who also is chair of the California Independent System Operator. Following his testimony, the executive director of the Independent Energy Producers Association will speak on improving transparency in energy costs. Finally, a panel will discuss the need for an assessment of the cumulative costs and benefits of multiple policy goals for reducing greenhouse gas, achieving the state’s renewable portfolio goals, expanding distributed generation and creating green jobs. The panel will consist of a staff attorney for The Utility Reform Network and the acting director of the Division of Ratepayer Advocates.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

February 27
2012
Energy Governance
3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a public meeting with members of the California Energy Commission, on Monday, February 27, 2012. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. Participants will discuss the Little Hoover Commission’s energy governance study.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, February 20, 2012.

January 23
2012
Energy Governance
10:15 a.m., California ISO, 250 Outcropping Way, Folsom, CA
Site Visit
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Tour and Meeting

The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a tour and meeting at the California Independent System Operator headquarters in Folsom, California, on Monday, January 23, 2012. The tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the CAISO headquarters, 250 Outcropping Way in Folsom, California.

Members of the public planning to attend should contact the Independent System Operator in advance of the event and are required to provide photo identification for admittance. You can contact Katie Layton at klayton@caiso.com or (916) 608-7003.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 16, 2012.

November 15
2011
Energy Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Energy Governance
Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Maintaining the Grid

  1. Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy & Client Services, California Independent System Operator Corporation (Written Testimony)
     

Collaborative Planning: 2020 and Beyond

  1. V. John White, Executive Director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies 
     

Improving Coordination of State Policy and Permitting

  1. Paul Multari, Vice President, Major Projects Organization, Transmission and Distribution Business Unit, Southern California Edison (Written Testimony)
    Akbar Jazayeri, Vice President, Regulatory Operations, Southern California Edison
     
  2. Aaron Johnson, Director, Renewable Energy Policy and Strategy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Wayne P. Sakarias, Director – Regulatory Policy & Legislative Analysis, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Gas Company (Written Testimony)


Identifying Challenges Unique to Public Power

  1. Richard M. Helgeson, General Counsel, Southern California Public Power Authority
     
  2. Arlen Orchard, General Counsel, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (Written Testimony)


Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • David L. Modisette, Executive Director, California Municipals Utilities Association (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

At the November 15, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear about the operation and maintenance of the state’s electricity grid from a vice president with the California Independent System Operator Corporation. The Commission then will hear from the executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies followed by a panel of representatives of the state’s three major investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Edison. Finally, a panel representing public utilities who are members of the California Municipal Utilities Association will testify.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. A teleconference location which also will be accessible by the public during the business meeting will be at 3183 Airway Avenue #E in Costa Mesa, California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

September 27
2011
Energy Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Energy Governance
Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Overview of Current Landscape and Authority

  1. Joseph Desmond, Former Chairman, California Energy Commission; Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications, BrightSource Energy
     

Collaboration Efforts

  1. Paul Clanon, Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission (Written Testimony)
     

Governance and Market Deregulation

  1. Frank Wolak, Professor and Director, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, Stanford University (Written Testimony)


Case Study: Renewable Energy Action Team

  1. Michael Picker, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities, Governor’s Office (Written Testimony)


Local Coordination

  1. Lorelei H. Oviatt, Director, Planning and Community Development Department, Kern County (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

September 26
2011
Energy Governance
3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Subcommittee Meeting on Energy Governance
Monday, September 26, 2011, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level 
925 L Street, Sacramento, CA


Meeting Goal: Learn the status of post-energy crisis litigation from the Attorney General’s Office.

3:30 – 3:40 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions
Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

3:40 – 4:25 p.m.

Discussion
Martin Goyette, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice (Presentation)

4:25 – 4:30 p.m.

Wrap up

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

Print Agenda
  • October 5
    2012
    Energy Governance
    10:00 a.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Business Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 25, 2012

    For additional information contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Friday, October 5, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to discuss draft recommendations on energy governance. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the business meeting will be:

    • 11400 W. Olympic Avenue, Suite 780, Los Angeles, CA
       
    • Junipero Serra Building, 320 West 4th Street, Pacific Ocean Room, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 27, 2012.

  • February 28
    2012
    Energy Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Energy Governance
    Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 2040
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Analysis and Cost Comparison of Renewable Power in California

    1. Tanya L. Bodell, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Electricity Consulting Group, FTI Consulting (Written Testimony)
       

    Tapping the Best Energy in the West

    1. Carl Zichella, Director of Western Transmission, Natural Resources Defense Council (Written Testimony)


    Achieving Statewide Energy Goals -- Are We on the Right Path?

    1. Bob Foster, Mayor, City of Long Beach and Chair, California Independent System Operator


    Improving Transparency in Energy Costs

    1. Jan Smutny-Jones, Executive Director, Independent Energy Producers Association (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Will We Achieve California's Energy Goals and What Will It Cost?

    1. Matt Freedman, Staff Attorney, The Utility Reform Network (Written Testimony)
       
    2. Joe Como, Acting Director, Division of Ratepayer Advocates, California Public Utilities Commission
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 14, 2012

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energy-related activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. In two prior hearings, the Commission examined previous consolidation efforts and assessed how the state’s energyrelated organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers. The February 28, 2012, hearing will focus on strategies the state can use to reach its renewable energy goals, and ensure that energy is reliable and affordable.

    At the February 28, 2012, hearing, the Commission will hear from the managing director and co-founder of the Electricity Consulting Group of FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm. Following her testimony, a director with the Natural Resources Defense Council will discuss transmission issues and opportunities to tap renewable energy throughout the West. Next, the Commission will hear about the state’s energy goals and whether California is on the right path from the mayor of Long Beach, who also is chair of the California Independent System Operator. Following his testimony, the executive director of the Independent Energy Producers Association will speak on improving transparency in energy costs. Finally, a panel will discuss the need for an assessment of the cumulative costs and benefits of multiple policy goals for reducing greenhouse gas, achieving the state’s renewable portfolio goals, expanding distributed generation and creating green jobs. The panel will consist of a staff attorney for The Utility Reform Network and the acting director of the Division of Ratepayer Advocates.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

  • February 27
    2012
    Energy Governance
    3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 13, 2012

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meeting

    The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a public meeting with members of the California Energy Commission, on Monday, February 27, 2012. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. Participants will discuss the Little Hoover Commission’s energy governance study.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, February 20, 2012.

  • January 23
    2012
    Energy Governance
    10:15 a.m., California ISO, 250 Outcropping Way, Folsom, CA
    Site Visit
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    January 10, 2012

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Tour and Meeting

    The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a tour and meeting at the California Independent System Operator headquarters in Folsom, California, on Monday, January 23, 2012. The tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the CAISO headquarters, 250 Outcropping Way in Folsom, California.

    Members of the public planning to attend should contact the Independent System Operator in advance of the event and are required to provide photo identification for admittance. You can contact Katie Layton at klayton@caiso.com or (916) 608-7003.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 16, 2012.

  • November 15
    2011
    Energy Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Energy Governance
    Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Maintaining the Grid

    1. Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy & Client Services, California Independent System Operator Corporation (Written Testimony)
       

    Collaborative Planning: 2020 and Beyond

    1. V. John White, Executive Director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies 
       

    Improving Coordination of State Policy and Permitting

    1. Paul Multari, Vice President, Major Projects Organization, Transmission and Distribution Business Unit, Southern California Edison (Written Testimony)
      Akbar Jazayeri, Vice President, Regulatory Operations, Southern California Edison
       
    2. Aaron Johnson, Director, Renewable Energy Policy and Strategy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (Written Testimony)
       
    3. Wayne P. Sakarias, Director – Regulatory Policy & Legislative Analysis, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Gas Company (Written Testimony)


    Identifying Challenges Unique to Public Power

    1. Richard M. Helgeson, General Counsel, Southern California Public Power Authority
       
    2. Arlen Orchard, General Counsel, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (Written Testimony)


    Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

    • David L. Modisette, Executive Director, California Municipals Utilities Association (Written Comments)
    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    November 2, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

    At the November 15, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear about the operation and maintenance of the state’s electricity grid from a vice president with the California Independent System Operator Corporation. The Commission then will hear from the executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies followed by a panel of representatives of the state’s three major investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Edison. Finally, a panel representing public utilities who are members of the California Municipal Utilities Association will testify.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. A teleconference location which also will be accessible by the public during the business meeting will be at 3183 Airway Avenue #E in Costa Mesa, California.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

  • September 27
    2011
    Energy Governance
    9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Public Hearing on Energy Governance
    Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
    State Capitol, Room 437
    Sacramento, CA


    Opening Remarks

    Overview of Current Landscape and Authority

    1. Joseph Desmond, Former Chairman, California Energy Commission; Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications, BrightSource Energy
       

    Collaboration Efforts

    1. Paul Clanon, Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission (Written Testimony)
       

    Governance and Market Deregulation

    1. Frank Wolak, Professor and Director, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, Stanford University (Written Testimony)


    Case Study: Renewable Energy Action Team

    1. Michael Picker, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities, Governor’s Office (Written Testimony)


    Local Coordination

    1. Lorelei H. Oviatt, Director, Planning and Community Development Department, Kern County (Written Testimony)
      ​​​​​​​

    Public Comments

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 12, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

    At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

  • September 26
    2011
    Energy Governance
    3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L
    Subcommittee Meeting
    Agenda

    AGENDA

    Subcommittee Meeting on Energy Governance
    Monday, September 26, 2011, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
    Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level 
    925 L Street, Sacramento, CA


    Meeting Goal: Learn the status of post-energy crisis litigation from the Attorney General’s Office.

    3:30 – 3:40 p.m.

    Welcome and Introductions
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

    3:40 – 4:25 p.m.

    Discussion
    Martin Goyette, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice (Presentation)

    4:25 – 4:30 p.m.

    Wrap up

    Public Notice

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    September 12, 2011

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Stuart Drown, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

    The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

    At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

    There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

    On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

    All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

October 5
2012
Energy Governance
10:00 a.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Business Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2012

For additional information contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Friday, October 5, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a business meeting to discuss draft recommendations on energy governance. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

Additional teleconference locations accessible to the public during the business meeting will be:

  • 11400 W. Olympic Avenue, Suite 780, Los Angeles, CA
     
  • Junipero Serra Building, 320 West 4th Street, Pacific Ocean Room, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA

If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, September 27, 2012.

February 28
2012
Energy Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 2040, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Energy Governance
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 2040
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Analysis and Cost Comparison of Renewable Power in California

  1. Tanya L. Bodell, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Electricity Consulting Group, FTI Consulting (Written Testimony)
     

Tapping the Best Energy in the West

  1. Carl Zichella, Director of Western Transmission, Natural Resources Defense Council (Written Testimony)


Achieving Statewide Energy Goals -- Are We on the Right Path?

  1. Bob Foster, Mayor, City of Long Beach and Chair, California Independent System Operator


Improving Transparency in Energy Costs

  1. Jan Smutny-Jones, Executive Director, Independent Energy Producers Association (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Will We Achieve California's Energy Goals and What Will It Cost?

  1. Matt Freedman, Staff Attorney, The Utility Reform Network (Written Testimony)
     
  2. Joe Como, Acting Director, Division of Ratepayer Advocates, California Public Utilities Commission
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 2040 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energy-related activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. In two prior hearings, the Commission examined previous consolidation efforts and assessed how the state’s energyrelated organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers. The February 28, 2012, hearing will focus on strategies the state can use to reach its renewable energy goals, and ensure that energy is reliable and affordable.

At the February 28, 2012, hearing, the Commission will hear from the managing director and co-founder of the Electricity Consulting Group of FTI Consulting, a global business advisory firm. Following her testimony, a director with the Natural Resources Defense Council will discuss transmission issues and opportunities to tap renewable energy throughout the West. Next, the Commission will hear about the state’s energy goals and whether California is on the right path from the mayor of Long Beach, who also is chair of the California Independent System Operator. Following his testimony, the executive director of the Independent Energy Producers Association will speak on improving transparency in energy costs. Finally, a panel will discuss the need for an assessment of the cumulative costs and benefits of multiple policy goals for reducing greenhouse gas, achieving the state’s renewable portfolio goals, expanding distributed generation and creating green jobs. The panel will consist of a staff attorney for The Utility Reform Network and the acting director of the Division of Ratepayer Advocates.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

February 27
2012
Energy Governance
3:00 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meeting

The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a public meeting with members of the California Energy Commission, on Monday, February 27, 2012. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. Participants will discuss the Little Hoover Commission’s energy governance study.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, February 20, 2012.

January 23
2012
Energy Governance
10:15 a.m., California ISO, 250 Outcropping Way, Folsom, CA
Site Visit
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2012

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Tour and Meeting

The Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a tour and meeting at the California Independent System Operator headquarters in Folsom, California, on Monday, January 23, 2012. The tour will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the CAISO headquarters, 250 Outcropping Way in Folsom, California.

Members of the public planning to attend should contact the Independent System Operator in advance of the event and are required to provide photo identification for admittance. You can contact Katie Layton at klayton@caiso.com or (916) 608-7003.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown, executive director, at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, January 16, 2012.

November 15
2011
Energy Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Energy Governance
Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Maintaining the Grid

  1. Karen Edson, Vice President, Policy & Client Services, California Independent System Operator Corporation (Written Testimony)
     

Collaborative Planning: 2020 and Beyond

  1. V. John White, Executive Director, Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies 
     

Improving Coordination of State Policy and Permitting

  1. Paul Multari, Vice President, Major Projects Organization, Transmission and Distribution Business Unit, Southern California Edison (Written Testimony)
    Akbar Jazayeri, Vice President, Regulatory Operations, Southern California Edison
     
  2. Aaron Johnson, Director, Renewable Energy Policy and Strategy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (Written Testimony)
     
  3. Wayne P. Sakarias, Director – Regulatory Policy & Legislative Analysis, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Gas Company (Written Testimony)


Identifying Challenges Unique to Public Power

  1. Richard M. Helgeson, General Counsel, Southern California Public Power Authority
     
  2. Arlen Orchard, General Counsel, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (Written Testimony)


Comments Submitted by Members of the Public

  • David L. Modisette, Executive Director, California Municipals Utilities Association (Written Comments)
Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

At the November 15, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear about the operation and maintenance of the state’s electricity grid from a vice president with the California Independent System Operator Corporation. The Commission then will hear from the executive director of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies followed by a panel of representatives of the state’s three major investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Edison. Finally, a panel representing public utilities who are members of the California Municipal Utilities Association will testify.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento. A teleconference location which also will be accessible by the public during the business meeting will be at 3183 Airway Avenue #E in Costa Mesa, California.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

September 27
2011
Energy Governance
9:00 a.m., State Capitol, Room 437, Sacramento, CA
Public Hearing
Agenda

AGENDA

Public Hearing on Energy Governance
Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 9:00 a.m.
State Capitol, Room 437
Sacramento, CA


Opening Remarks

Overview of Current Landscape and Authority

  1. Joseph Desmond, Former Chairman, California Energy Commission; Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications, BrightSource Energy
     

Collaboration Efforts

  1. Paul Clanon, Executive Director, California Public Utilities Commission (Written Testimony)
     

Governance and Market Deregulation

  1. Frank Wolak, Professor and Director, Program on Energy and Sustainable Development, Stanford University (Written Testimony)


Case Study: Renewable Energy Action Team

  1. Michael Picker, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities, Governor’s Office (Written Testimony)


Local Coordination

  1. Lorelei H. Oviatt, Director, Planning and Community Development Department, Kern County (Written Testimony)
    ​​​​​​​

Public Comments

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

September 26
2011
Energy Governance
3:30 p.m., Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level, 925 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda

AGENDA

Subcommittee Meeting on Energy Governance
Monday, September 26, 2011, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Counsel Conference Room, Lower Level 
925 L Street, Sacramento, CA


Meeting Goal: Learn the status of post-energy crisis litigation from the Attorney General’s Office.

3:30 – 3:40 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions
Stuart Drown, Executive Director, Little Hoover Commission

3:40 – 4:25 p.m.

Discussion
Martin Goyette, Supervising Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice (Presentation)

4:25 – 4:30 p.m.

Wrap up

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2011

For Additional Information Contact:
Stuart Drown, Executive Director
(916) 445-2125

Notice of Meetings

On Tuesday, September 27, 2011, the Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing on energy governance in California. The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 437 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The Little Hoover Commission is reviewing the state’s coordination of energyrelated activities. This study will include an organizational evaluation of entities that share authority over energy policy, permitting and regulation. The Commission will examine previous consolidation efforts and assess how the state’s energy-related organizations are working together to achieve state goals and facilitate local efforts to improve the generation and delivery of power to consumers.

At the September 27, 2011 hearing, the Commission will hear an overview of the current governance landscape from a former chairman of the California Energy Commission who today is senior vice president, government affairs and communications, for BrightSource Energy. Next, the Commission will hear about collaboration efforts from the executive director of the California Public Utilities Commission. Following that witness, a Stanford University professor will update the Commission on market deregulation, then the senior advisor to the Governor for renewable energy facilities will discuss the Renewable Energy Action Team. Finally, the director of planning and community development for Kern County will testify about state-local coordination.

There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the hearing. The Commission also encourages written comments. Immediately following the hearing, the Commission will hold a business meeting in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room in the lower level of 925 L Street in Sacramento.

On Monday, September 26, 2011, the Energy Governance Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission will hold a briefing by the Attorney General’s Office on the status of post-energy crisis litigation. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Legislative Counsel Conference Room.

All public notices for meetings are on the Commission’s Web site, www.lhc.ca.gov. If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Stuart Drown at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Tuesday, September 20, 2011.