The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) last week issued a proposed decision outlining two new pilots that would set the state on the path toward decarbonizing its buildings — which currently contribute a quarter of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. The CPUC’s proposed decision would allocate 40% of the total $200 million budget for the BUILD program, and 60% for the TECH initiative. As per the CPUC’s proposal, the California Energy Commission would administer the BUILD program, providing incentives to “newly constructed projects that are, at a minimum, all-electric.” Incentives would not be provided to projects that will ultimately require natural gas infrastructure extensions. The American Biogas Council supports building decarbonization, but only allowing buildings that use electricity is “short-sighted,” Patrick Serfass, executive director, told Utility Dive. More >>
