Ceres applauds California governor for signing legislation to advance clean affordable energy

SACRAMENTO, CA — Ceres commends Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing into law three bills that modernize how California uses its electric grid, accelerate clean energy deployment, and unlock greater value from distributed energy resources. Together, this suite of legislation will help build the reliable, affordable energy system that California businesses and consumers need to thrive.  

The three bills — SB 905, SB 913, and AB 2493 — were priorities for Ceres and companies across the economic spectrum this year. They were the focus of an advocacy day Ceres held this summer to advance practical solutions to California’s high electricity costs while meeting growing demand for reliable, affordable, and clean power. 

“California cannot afford to choose between better grid utilization and building more clean infrastructure — we need both.” said Maggie Field, senior manager, state policy, west, at Ceres. “Thanks to this work, California will get more out of its current energy system — with a more predictable process to bring new clean energy online and more flexibility to make better use of rooftop solar, batteries, and other local energy resources already connected to the grid.” 

California’s commercial electricity prices are nearly double the national average, creating growing cost pressure for businesses of all sizes. In an open letter released in July, dozens of companies — including CommonSpirit Health, Patagonia, IKEA U.S., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Trane Technologies—called on policymakers to address rising energy costs, highlighting grid optimization, accelerating interconnection, and demand flexibility as key tools to reduce peak demand, make better use of existing infrastructure, and make smarter investments in the energy system.  

About Ceres  

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.