Renewable energy is energy generated from naturally replenishing resources, such as sunlight, wind, tides, geothermal heat, and biomass. The use of renewable energy sources in place of fossil fuels substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and tidal energy are all potential renewable energy sources for Benicia. Increasing Benicia’s renewable energy generation requires coordination with PG&E and other third party entities, development of a variety of funding mechanisms, and collaboration with State and regional agencies.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Executive Order to Advance State’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard to 33 Percent by 2020

On September 15, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an Executive Order (EO) directing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt regulations increasing California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33 percent by 2020. The new standard will help Benicia exceed Objective E-1 of the Climate Action Plan to “Increase Power Plant Efficiency 10% by 2020.” Achieving this objective will reduce Community emissions by 18,000 carbon dioxide equivalent metric tonnes (CO2EMT) and City emissions by 600 CO2EMT.

Visit the Office of the Governor for the official press release on the executive order.

What the City is Doing

In 2008 and 2009, the City conducted feasibility studies on potential wind and solar power sources for the water and wastewater facilities and solar potential at the future Benicia Community Center. In 2009, the City received $75,000 via the Valero Improvement Project settlement funds to provide additional staff resources for sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy development. In May 2009, the City issued a comprehensive Renewable Energy Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit ideas on transitioning the City from non-renewable to renewable energy sources, including potential development of a renewable energy microutility north of Lake Herman Road.