This information is shared courtesy of the CA Local Government Commission

On August 21st a partial solar eclipse will occur over the Pacific Northwest that will impact energy production from solar resources in California. California Public Utilities Commission President, Michael Picker, would like all Californians to come together to reduce the impact of this event as we continue to move forward building a cleaner and more reliable electricity grid.

The eclipse will affect solar generation from approximately 9:00am to 12:00pm. During these hours all Californians can make efforts to reduce their energy usage in their homes and businesses. California maintains more than 10,000 MW of solar resources, not including rooftop solar. During the peak of the event more than 6,000 MW of solar generation will need to be replaced by other generation resources.

Although the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) is prepared to maintain system reliability, fossil fuel burning generation resources will be used to cover the shortfall due to the rapid reduction in solar energy production from the eclipse. Unlike a typical weather event such as cloud cover, we can predict with greater accuracy the impact of this event, therefore all Californians can work together to lessen their energy consumption during the eclipse and reduce the need for fossil fuel electricity generation.

Click here to find an FAQ on the impact of the solar eclipse from the California ISO.

You can find more strategies to reduce energy usage for residential and commercial consumers at Energy Upgrade California

“Take the Pledge” to reduce energy usage during the Solar Eclipse on Monday, August 21: www.CalEclipse.org