During week of Earth Day, California wind sets record
California wind farms set a new record for instantaneous generation last week, churning out 2,432 megawatts (MW) to easily best the old record of 1,915 MW.
The new mark was announced by the California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO), the company that manages California's utility system. Cal-ISO said in an Earth Day news release that the record "symbolizes the beginning of an important shift in the state's power mix" as California moves steadily toward a new goal of obtaining 33% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020 (see "California joins Texas in major backing for renewable energy," March 31).
Cal-ISO Chief Operating Officer Steve Berberich and California Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert Weisenmiller held an Earth Day event at the new ISO control center to draw attention to the changing electricity landscape. The two said that California's electricity outlook for the coming year is promising, but urged continued efforts by the state's utility customers to use energy efficiently.
