Building Energy Resiliency Through Climate Action Planning

02/13/24

Throughout California, increases in heat waves, drought, wildfires, and more intense precipitation patterns can greatly impact the reliability and resiliency of existing power grids. These hazards, which are exacerbated by climate change, have direct impacts on our daily lives from losing power to keep household appliances running to impacting critical services (e.g., hospitals, cool zones) that can save lives.

The County is committed to being a regional leader in addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and furthering goals to reach net zero emissions by 2045. These goals are established through the Draft 2024 Climate Action Plan (Draft CAP), which identifies actions the County can take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from activities in the unincorporated area and from government operations. The Draft CAP includes multiple measures and actions associated with energy (i.e., the use of electricity, natural gas, propane) used in buildings. A key component of these actions is to increase energy efficiency and promote the use and generation of renewable energy in new and existing buildings. These actions have supportive efforts that can help build energy resiliency in unincorporated communities by increasing access to electricity during hazards and power shutoffs. However, these activities must also be supported through regionwide programs that support safe and secure energy infrastructure.

Collaboration is Key

Many agencies in the San Diego region play a key role in planning for and maintaining the regional need and supply for electricity, including San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), San Diego Community Power (SDCP), and Clean Energy Alliance (CSE). Agencies planning for grid improvements account for current and anticipated conditions and status of the electric transmission and distribution systems that serve the San Diego region.  SDG&E and the California Independent Service Operator (CalISO) prepare plans and guidance to ensure existing and forecasted future power needs are met, including the 2021 Grid Needs Assessment and Pathway to Net Zero. The County will continue collaborating with these key agencies to ensure unincorporated communities have reliable access to electricity through robust infrastructure and local energy sources.

Solar Panels

Ensuring Equitable Access

The impacts of climate change are felt ‘first and worst’ by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities. Unequal access to energy generation, battery storage, and reliable infrastructure in these communities makes them increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Through efforts like the Draft CAP, the County will partner with other local and regional agencies to plan for energy programs that can increase reliability and resilience for BIPOC and low-income communities. Programs such as SDCP’s Regional Energy Network, for which the County supports through oversight and administration, will help fund and empower residents and stakeholders to improve regional energy systems, increase resiliency in BIPOC and low-income communities, and contribute to local and state energy efficiency and climate goals. 

What We’re Doing Next

The Draft CAP presents the greatest opportunity to achieve emissions reductions from energy consumption. Increasing the use of clean electricity in buildings, improving energy efficiency, and building more local renewable energy generation not only helps us achieve our climate goals, but also helps improve the health of our residents by bringing clean and reliable energy to our local communities. As the County develops programs to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy generation on homes, particular focus will be given to programs that help those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and hazards caused by electricity outages.