How much of San Diego Countys future energy needs can realistically be supplied from renewable sources?
Anderson: Right now, we do not have a limit on the amount of energy that can be from renewable sources. The state’s current requirement is for the utilities to get to 20 percent by 2010, and there is talk of potentially increasing that to 33 percent by 2020. However, the challenge in the future will be balancing these resources with demand on the system. Since renewable power plants generate power whenever the renewable resources are available, such as only on sunny days or when the wind is blowing, these resources cannot be turned on or off as the demand for power changes. We will still need a mix of traditional power sources that can be adjusted to match changes in the output from the renewable resources and match the demand from customers. A number of studies will take place over the next year or two to determine the implications to the state’s electric system as we move to higher levels of renewable power. FB: What is the future of electricity generation within San Diego County wit
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