PG&E proposes the elimination of nuclear energy from California’s energy portfolio

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), in collaboration with several labor and environmental groups, proposed a new 2025 energy strategy on Thursday to eliminate nuclear energy in California and replace it with renewable energy.

“The members of this diverse coalition believe this joint proposal represents the most appropriate and responsible path forward,” PG&E Electric President Geisha Williams said. “It supports the state’s energy vision and ensures the orderly replacement of nuclear power with other greenhouse gas-free resources while supporting employees and the community.”

The proposal – announced on June 21 – was a joint effort between PG&E, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245, the Coalition of California Utility Employees, Friends of the Earth, Environment California, the Natural Resource Defense Council, and the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility.

The plan seeks to retire California’s Diablo Canyon nuclear facility when its Nuclear Regulatory Commission operating licenses expire in 2024 and 2025. During that transition, PG&E plans to strengthen its portfolio of renewable energy resources to support the state’s demand for energy with clean energy resources.

The proposal also includes anticipated energy costs and supply/demand reports to support its idea for a nuclear-free energy portfolio. PG&E does not anticipate an increase in energy costs for ratepayers, although it did not comment on how nuclear energy employees would be impacted.

The proposal now awaits approval by the California Public Utilities Commission.