SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, Senate Chair of Energy, Utilities and Communication Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) and Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) introduced SB 540, legislation aimed at optimizing California’s energy markets, increasing grid reliability, reducing costs for ratepayers, and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.
“SB 540 lays out a forward-thinking strategy for regional energy collaboration that will help contain costs for California ratepayers while keeping the lights on. The Pathways Launch Committee has worked hard to ensure that all stakeholders have a seat at the table, state interests are preserved, and the reliability and cost-saving benefits of sharing resources across the West can be fully leveraged,” said Leah Rubin Shen, Managing Director for the West at Advanced Energy United.
Passage of SB 540 is a critical step toward building a modern and efficient energy delivery system across the West. The bill is a result of over a year of collaborative work with Western partners working to find a solution that would strengthen system reliability, address affordability, and meet state goals.
“California doesn’t have to go at it alone when it comes to clean energy,” said Edson Perez, California lead advocate at Advanced Energy United. “SB 540 sets the stage for an efficient and collaborative regional market that delivers cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power—without sacrificing California’s leadership and autonomy.”