May 8, 2003

Media Contact: PUC Press Office, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

PUC APPROVES ENERGY ACTION PLAN AIMED AT ENSURING ADEQUATE, RELIABLE, REASONABLY PRICED POWER

The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) today approved a first-of-its-kind Energy Action Plan for California that was proposed by a subcommittee of the PUC, the Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority (CPA), and the Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (CEC).

The plan establishes shared goals and proposes specific actions to ensure that adequate, reliable, and reasonably priced electrical power and natural gas supplies are achieved and provided through policies, strategies, and actions that are cost-effective and environmentally sound for California's consumers and taxpayers.

"The Energy Action Plan is a very progressive program for California. It recognizes the severe threat global warming presents and adopts an environmentally sensitive, green agenda," said PUC President Michael R. Peevey. "The agenda emphasizes reducing per capita electrical use and relying on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, along with greater emphasis on energy efficiency programs to meet California's future energy needs."

The Energy Action Plan, already approved by the CPA and CEC, proposes six sets of actions of critical importance that require immediate action. These are:

1. Optimize energy conservation and resource efficiency.

2. Accelerate the State's goal for renewable generation.

3. Ensure reliable, affordable electricity generation.

4. Upgrade and expand the electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.

5. Promote customer and utility owned distributed generation.

6. Ensure reliable supply of reasonably priced natural gas.

For more information on the Energy Action Plan, please visit the PUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.

###