Grid decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating the carbon emitted by the grid. The City estimates grid decarbonization will reduce energy demand by 23 percent. However, electricity demand will increase due to the transition to electric vehicles and buildings. If renewable sources are used, the increased demand will not add to the emissions level on the grid, while the emissions for transportation and the built environment will be sharply reduced.
OUR INTERPRETATION
Due dates for the solar sub-goals have passed and consequently are now assessed as Stalled. The Community Choice Aggregation project progressed but has been impacted by schedule issues at the Public Service Commission. It is important to note that Justice 50 must be approved before the CAP can be finalized due to budget implications. These factors led us to downgrade the overall Grid Decarbonization assessment to Stalled. Additionally, the City is buying renewable certs from out of state, which technically means that the City is currently operating on 100% renewable energy. In the longer term, the City has committed to implementing a self-sustaining decarbonization strategy rather than relying on credits.
