Interconnection & Energization Processes - California Climate and Energy Collaborative

Barrier 1: Interconnection & Energization Processes

Barrier Statement

Transitioning vehicles and buildings to clean electricity is challenging due to electrical capacity constraints, delayed load studies, long interconnection and energization queues, and process inconsistency managed by the utilities.

How this barrier is experienced across the state

Local and tribal governments are struggling to implement renewable projects due to outdated distribution and transmission systems operating at or near capacity. The core issues include insufficient “hosting capacity” for new distributed energy resources like solar and EV charging, utility interconnection backlogs creating 2-3 year delays for basic capacity studies, and opaque processes that leave communities frustrated with unclear timelines and requirements. While California’s grid operator estimates $30.5 billion in transmission investments are needed to meet 2045 clean energy targets, the transmission development process itself takes over a decade, creating a fundamental mismatch between clean energy ambitions and grid modernization timelines. Communities feel that everyone is on their own and that California lacks a clear plan, roadmap, or vision (enforced by an authorized agency) to drive a sustained clean energy transition while balancing interconnected factors like affordability, reliability, workforce development, and technology.

Filterable Database

How communities are experiencing this barrier

View the details on what communities have shared with SLECC from across the state.

Key challenge discussed in - Statewide

Disjointed and unreliable utility data, coupled with opaque and inconsistent regulatory processes, undermine local climate implementation. For example, Berkeley’s EV charging plans collapsed after PG&E reversed capacity assumptions, and Altadena churches faced major hurdles trying to install community solar due to unclear permitting rules. These breakdowns highlight how local and tribal governments lack authority or leverage to correct systemic utility and planning failures that derail state climate goals.

Local Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by local leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

Local Solution

Municipalize to operate a publicly owned utility and have authority to improve processes.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

Local Solution

IOUs suggest local planning staff take more active role in submitting planning application information to IOUs for proposed future projects.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

Local Solution

Participate in regulatory venues to raise awareness of the problems.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition working group The LGSEC working group is reviewing the Resiliency and Reliability proceeding, advocating for better data on reliability concerns. They highlight the need for transparency from utilities and state agencies on outage locations, causes, responses, cost analysis, and available safeguards.

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

State Solution Opportunities

SLECC stakeholders have brainstormed the following solution opportunities that can be taken by state leaders. Existing examples of progress or pathways to make further progress are highlighted if known.

State Solution

Require greater transparency from utilities on outages, costs, and responses

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

State Solution

Increase coordination between utilities and local governments for better distribution planning.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

State Solution

Explore ways to incentivize or provide incentives for customers to share their energy usage data to improve distribution system visibility.

Existing Examples of Progress:

Further Progress Pathways

Region(s): Statewide

Solution Spotlight

Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition has established a working group specifically focused on addressing interconnection and grid capacity issues affecting local governments.The working group is reviewing the Resiliency and Reliability proceeding, advocating for better data on reliability concerns. They highlight the need for transparency from utilities and state agencies on outage locations, causes, responses, cost analysis, and available safeguards.

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Additional Resources

Please share any additional resources you would like to include by emailing eecoordinator@civicwell.org.