There are a number of key policy documents that shape energy efficiency and renewable energy activities in California, including:
- Caliornia Energy Action Plan (2003)
- California Energy Action Plan II (2005)
- California Energy Action Plan Update (2008)
The California EAP establishes shared goals and 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. It sets the "loading order" of priorities, establishing energy efficiency as the number one strategy for meeting California's energy needs.
- California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32)
California's landmark legislation to address climate change proposes that California reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.
- California Energy Commission Integrated Energy Policy Report (2007)
Senate Bill 1389 requires the California Energy Commission to conduct assessments and forecasts of all aspects of energy industry supply, production, transportation, delivery and distribution, demand, and prices. The CEC uses these assessments and forecasts to develop energy policies that conserve resources, protect the environment, ensure energy reliability, enhance the state's economy, and protect public health and safety. The California Energy Commission adopts an Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) approximately every two years and an update every other year.- California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan (2008)
CEESP is a single roadmap to achieve maximum energy savings across all major groups and sectors in California. This comprehensive Plan for 2009 to 2020 is the state’s first integrated framework of goals and strategies for saving energy, covering government, utility, and private sector actions, and holds energy efficiency to its role as the highest priority resource in meeting California’s energy needs.
- CPUC Decision Approving 2010 to 2012 Energy Efficiency Portfolios and Budgets (2009)
Energy efficiency is the first priority in California's loading order for energy resources. This decision authorizes the next three years of ratepayer-supported energy efficiency programs in step with California's energy policies and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. Specifically, this decision approves the 2010-2012 energy efficiency programs to be managed by California's investor-owned utilities and supported with approximately $3.1 billion of ratepayer funding. This amount is about 42% higher than the prior three-year program cycle and supports programs designed to produce deeper and more comprehensive savings.
