News and Insights

Follow our News and Insights page for relevant industry updates including what's happening in sustainable utility technology and practical advice for California public agencies manging the transition to sustainable technology.

3 Factors Causing Price Increases for Solar PPA Deals in 2023

According to LevelTen, the current cost of solar PPA deals has increased 8.2% in Q4 2022, up from Q3, climbing to an average of US$45.66/MWh. In the first quarter of 2023, PPA costs climbed higher– a 6.6% increase.  A recent report by LevelTen sought to...
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California Makes Waves in Green Energy with Passage of Senate Bill 605 – Wave and Tidal Energy

California Senate Bill 605 – Wave and Tidal Energy (SB 605) has been unanimously approved across policy committees and intends to introduce a new and sustainable source of energy into California’s expansive green energy playing field. Wave and Tidal energy utilizes the natural push-and-pull of...
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CPUC hearing re high natural gas prices during winter 2022/23

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold an online hearing to discuss high natural gas prices this winter. According to the CPUC’s published notice, the hearing will examine the causes and impacts of recent high natural gas prices in California, including: The hearing will...
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The Unexpected Costs of Fossil Fuel Opposition

According to a recent article published by UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at the Haas Business School, opposition to fossil fuel projects creates many costs that may suprise activists in favor of renewables. As noted in the article – “Many policies leave us with hidden high...
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School district finds eliminating natural gas from new buildings is complicated

An Oregon school district promised to eliminate natural gas from new buildings. No more gas stoves or boilers. But making good on that commitment is proving complicated. Read the interview by NPR’s Katia Riddle here.
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Biden grants PG&E $1.1 billion to keep Diablo Canyon nuclear plant open

The Biden administration on Monday said it’s providing Pacific Gas & Electric Co. with a $1.1 billion grant to help the company prevent the closure of Diablo Canyon, California’s last nuclear power plant. Diablo Canyon was originally scheduled to be decommissioned in two phases in...
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What is the SPURR Telecom & Networking program and how can it benefit you?

SPURR T&N Program Helps  Schools and Districts Save on Technology  Districts across California rely on SPURR to procure cost-effective, competitively-sourced technology and networking items. We deliver through combined buying power and expertise in the technologies that you need to serve your students and staff. This...
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LA School District Cyberattack

Joining other high-profile educational institutions hit by cyberattacks this year is the Los Angeles Unified School District. The district fell victim to an unprecedented cyberattack, which prompted major alarm across the country, “from urgent talks with the White House and the National Security Council after...
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Limits and Costs of Full Electrification

In October 2022, UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at Haas published a paper on the limits and costs of “full” electrification, which means converting all energy services to electricity. The paper’s conclusion reads, in part: “Policies that move to target 100 percent electrification through rigid mandates...
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