In With The Good Energy, Out With The Bad 

Good things are happening on Planet Earth! California breaks a renewables record and New York will make polluters foot the bill. California Cleans Up Its GridCalifornia’s state electricity grid ran on 100 percent renewables with no electricity blackouts or cost increases for a record 98 days last year. A recent study found that the state avoided blackouts while relying on a fully renewable electricity supply using wind, water, and solar power for one out of every four days in 2024. Blackouts can be a problem for renewable energy because renewable sources often rely on the variability of weather conditions like sunlight and wind speed. The power generated by renewable sources exceeded 100 percent of demand on the state’s main grid for a total of 98 days during winter, spring, and early summer. Compared to the same period last year, solar power output in California is up 31 percent, wind power generation is up eight percent, and battery infrastructure is up by over 100 percent, supplying up to 12 percent of nighttime demand by distributing excess solar energy. Sign up for a paid subscription to The Lever now to gain access to this story and more.Select Your Paid SubscriptionAlready have an account? Sign in