The California Energy Commission's Geothermal Activities

Abstract

Thank you for the invitation to participate in this distinguished gathering. relate the interests of the California Energy Commission in geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is a basic component of many of our primary activities, and is expressly cited in our statutory authority, the Warren-Alquist Act (1974). Our mandates affect the geothermal industry both directly and indirectly. The Commission is responsible for 5-, 12-, and 20-year forecasts of California electricity supply and demand. These forecasts are reported in our biennial Electricity Report. These forecasts are used in various official regulatory proceedings. The primary use is in the Commission's power plant siting authority. The forecasts establish the base used to determine the need for new capacity and energy in the current planning period. The forecasts are also used in other Commission activities as well as in proceedings at the Public Utilities Commission.