1

Quick Take: A coalition of business leaders representing "advanced energy companies" is calling on the state of California to reduce the complexity of its energy programs. Known as Advanced Energy Economy, the group lauds the many incentives and pro-energy policies.

But the group seems to think that California's overlapping and interwoven policies are too hard to navigate. They want the state to create an integrated energy vision and action plan. They also seek programs with long-term stability, in place of programs that change year-to-year or incentives that expire after a short time.

Surprisingly, the group did not mention the morass of renewables mandates that seems to be driving California towards a grid crisis. Nor did it complain about the high, high California taxes, which have recently caused notable businesses and individuals to leave the state.

This issue is worth watching. So many of our smart grid and cleantech innovations have come from California that it is important to know whether it will continue to lead the way. - Jesse Berst

Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), an energy industry advocacy group, surveyed 30 CEOs from advanced energy companies in California and others that have a strong presence there. The outcome is a report that offers their opinions of state energy policies and recommendations to stimulate advanced energy growth.

California is widely recognized as a global leader in encouraging advanced energy growth," said Graham Richard, CEO of AEE. "But the sheer number of policies, agencies and programs designed to support advanced energy development make it difficult for companies to navigate. This report offers a series of recommendations from California's business leaders that can accelerate advanced energy success."

Among the recommendations are:

·         California should articulate an integrated vision and action plan in support of an advanced energy economy.

·         The state should work toward establishing the stability and predictability businesses and investors need to pursue innovation.

·         The governor should appoint an advanced energy business ombudsman.

·         California should reform the California Environmental Quality Act to streamline the state's environmental review process and prevent abuse (in part this recommendation is intended to make it more difficult for opponents to use the law to derail worthwhile projects).

A summary and complete copy of the report are available at AEE's Web site.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com, the industry's oldest and largest smart grid site. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the U.S. and abroad, he also serves on advisory committees for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Institute for Electric Efficiency. He often provides strategic consulting to large corporations and venture-backed startups. He is a member of the advisory boards of GridGlo and Calico Energy Services.