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AB 2464

Energy: firm zero-carbon resources.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Buffy Wicks

The bill directs a statewide assessment of how clean, firm zero-carbon resources can reliably complement renewables to meet reliability and decarbonization goals.

Referred to Com. on E., U & C.
#energy #firmzero-carbonresources
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Bill Summary · AB 2464

Summary of AB 2464 (Energy: firm zero-carbon resources)

Purpose and intent

AB 2464 seeks to clarify and advance the role of clean, firm zero-carbon resources in California’s electricity system. Building on existing goals that eligible renewable and zero-carbon resources supply 100% of retail electricity sales to end-use customers and to state agencies by 2045, the bill directs the state to assess the role, necessity, and integration of firm zero-carbon resources to meet reliability and clean-energy objectives. The overall aim is to understand how these resources can support a reliable grid while maintaining California’s decarbonization goals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Assessment timeline and responsibilities
    • The Public Utilities Commission (PUC), in collaboration with the Energy Commission, is tasked with preparing and submitting a statewide assessment.
    • The assessment must cover:
    • The role and necessity of clean, firm zero-carbon resources in achieving clean energy and reliability objectives.
    • Potential technologies and strategies for integrating firm zero-carbon resources into California’s energy mix.
    • Recommendations on procurement, policy, and planning actions to deploy and support these resources.
    • Consideration of current and projected renewable and clean, firm zero-carbon generation capacity.
    • Reliability requirements under varying system conditions.
    • Cost and emission implications of firm zero-carbon resources.
  • Timeline
    • Initial coordination between agencies: on or before June 30, 2027.
    • Statewide assessment due to the Legislature: on or before January 1, 2028.
  • Collaboration framework
    • The bill requires ongoing collaboration between the PUC and the Energy Commission, aligning the assessment with broader state energy planning efforts.
  • Scope of “firm zero-carbon resources”
    • The bill focuses on what constitutes clean, firm zero-carbon resources and how they can reliably complement intermittent renewables to meet policy goals.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and regulators
    • Public Utilities Commission (PUC): lead in coordinating and delivering the assessment; to consult with the Energy Commission and other stakeholders.
    • California Energy Commission: co-lead and technical contributor.
  • Electricity system stakeholders
    • Utilities, Independent System Operator (CAISO), and other market participants involved in procurement, planning, and reliability.
  • Policy and planning bodies
    • State agencies involved in energy planning, decarbonization, and reliability analysis.
  • Broad public impact
    • The assessment could influence procurement strategies, investment in technologies (e.g., long-duration storage, green fuels, and other firm low-carbon resources), and reliability planning, potentially affecting rates and energy mix over time.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status and progression
    • As of May 14, 2026: Passed committee with a do-pass recommendation (Ayes 15, Noes 0) and moved to the Appropriations process for suspense file, then back to floor proceedings.
  • Legislative workflow
    • The bill is part of the 2025-2026 session, with amendments and re-referrals in March 2026, and continued committee consideration through spring 2026.
  • Next steps
    • If enacted, agencies would develop and submit the required statewide assessment by January 1, 2028, enabling legislative review and potential subsequent policy or procurement actions.

Additional context

  • The bill aligns with California’s broader clean-energy mandates, including the target that eligible renewables and zero-carbon resources supply 100% of retail electricity sales and state agency procurement by 2045. It emphasizes evaluating the feasibility, cost, and reliability implications of incorporating firm zero-carbon resources as part of a resilient, zero-emission grid.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to related laws or provide a glossary of terms like “firm zero-carbon resources” and “CAISO” to help readers unfamiliar with energy policy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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