A lifeline for Central Valley communities facing extreme heat and high utility costs

OPINION – As California faces yet another intense heat wave, the Central Valley continues to endure some of the hottest temperatures in the state, often surpassing 100 degrees. This extreme heat puts immense pressure on the power grid as residents rely heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Unfortunately, the existing electrical infrastructure is outdated and strained, leading to life-threatening power outages. For many low-income families, access to air conditioning or cooling systems is limited, and even when available, the cost of running them can be prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, there are efforts in the California Legislature, advanced by the Unlock the Grid coalition, seeking to address this challenge by integrating new technologies into our electrical grid that enhance the reliability of the electricity system.

Two bills, SB 1006 and AB 2779, would require electrical transmission planning to take a modern approach by also looking at the cost-effective use of Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and advanced reconductoring. These technologies bolster the existing grid, paving the way for increased amounts of more affordable, renewable energy to be delivered to customers like those in the Central Valley. By adopting these grid-enhancing technologies, the delivery of electricity to homes will be more efficient.

The Central Valley is not only an agricultural hub, it is currently being prospected for its vast renewable resources and is home to numerous disadvantaged and unincorporated communities. These communities, predominantly Latino, face a triple burden of economic uncertainty, exposure to extreme heat, and one of the most polluted air basins in the nation. Community benefit agreements are an essential tool to ensure that local environmental, public health, education, and workforce needs are fully taken into consideration when county governments site and permit these facilities.

Environmental justice groups in the Central Valley have been vocal about the need for energy solutions that prioritize the economic, environmental, and public well-being of local neighborhoods. SB 1006 and AB 2779 are important first steps in creating smart and sustainable upgrades to the state’s energy infrastructure and improving electricity grid reliability.

The Central Valley cannot afford to wait. With each passing year, the impacts of climate change become more severe, and the need for reliable, affordable energy becomes more urgent. The “Unlock the Grid” package of bills offers a practical and forward-thinking solution that addresses both the immediate needs of our communities and the long-term sustainability of our energy system.

Now that these bills have made their way through the California Legislature, we urge the Governor to consider the voices of those most affected by extreme heat. The food chain keepers of the country, environmental justice groups, community leaders, and residents alike are calling for change. In addition, we implore our lawmakers to carve into statute economic justice opportunities via community benefits as renewable energy projects continue to unfold, displacing prime agricultural land and threatening thousands of farmworker jobs.

Let’s ensure that our energy infrastructure is resilient, reliable, and ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Legislature wisely passed both SB 1006 and AB 2779 as important vehicles to bring reliability to our state’s grid infrastructure. Governor Newsom should sign both bills. Solutions must include workforce training for high-road jobs, quality education and STEM for grade schoolers, internships, fellowships, and careers for the children of farmworkers. As we work towards that goal, we must ensure that every community is included in our state’s efforts.

Rey Leon is Executive Director for the Latino Equity Advocacy and Policy (LEAP) Institute.