Advanced energy CEOs believe that California's energy policies have put the state on the cutting edge of advanced energy development and innovation, but a variety of obstacles are preventing the state from fully reaping the economic and environmental benefits of advanced energy, according to a new report released by Advanced Energy Economy (AEE).
Based on a series of interviews with 30 CEOs and other senior executives of advanced energy companies located in California or doing significant business in the state, the report presents corporate leaders' perceptions of the state's energy policies and recommendations for actions to accelerate the growth of an advanced energy economy in California. AEE estimates that there are over 1,800 advanced energy companies located in the state.
“California is widely recognized as a global leader in encouraging advanced energy growth,” said Graham Richard, CEO of AEE. “But the sheer number of policies, agencies and programs designed to support advanced energy development make it difficult for companies to navigate. This report offers a series of recommendations from California’s business leaders that can accelerate advanced energy success. This will unleash great economic and environmental benefits for California.”
The business leaders interviewed in the report commend the state for creating markets for renewable energy resources; promoting energy efficiency, through advanced building codes, appliance efficiency standards and utility programs; supporting investment in smart grid, transmission, and on-site generation technologies; and funding advanced energy research and development.
These strengths are offset, however, by a complexity of agencies, policies and programs that make it challenging for companies to navigate their way to business opportunities, the report says. In addition, these companies run into obstacles that make it difficult to establish manufacturing operations in the state and develop large advanced energy projects. These CEOs also say it is essential that California’s policies and the programs that flow from them be managed in a way that avoids waste and inefficiency that could result in a backlash against California’s advanced energy leadership.
