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Unlocking Community Solar in California - AB 2316

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: ACC, Second Level, 207A

Moderator(s)

Derek Chernow

Western Regional Director
Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)

PDF

Speaker(s)

Joseph Wiedman

Founder
Law Office of Joseph F. Wiedman
Alexis Sutterman

Energy Equity Program Manager
California Environmental Justice Alliance
Brandon Smithwood

Senior Director, Policy
Dimension Renewable Energy
Steve Campbell

Senior Policy Manager
GRID Alternatives

Long recognized worldwide for its leadership in renewable energy, California looks to once again demonstrate that mantle by unlocking the potential of community solar with AB 2316 (Ward). AB 2316 directs the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to create a community renewable energy program that prioritizes access for renters and other low-income households, and those who cannot install on-site solar and storage for technical or cost-related reasons. This program addresses issues of reliability and resilience by pairing community-scale renewables with storage to address net-peak loads and provide grid benefits to all customers when the system is most strained and dirtiest. Further, this landmark legislation aligns California with the Inflation Reduction Act recently signed by President Biden, strengthening the commitment to energy equity and independence by extending tax credits and funding for community solar and storage with additional benefits for projects that serve low-income communities.