Diablo Canyon 2045: The Window for Action this Year Is Closing
California energy ratepayers will shoulder up to $1.7 billion in unnecessary energy costs unless lawmakers take action this session to extend Diablo Canyon Power Plant through 2045. That’s why the Bay Area Council is leading Diablo Canyon 2045, a coalition in support of extending operations at Diablo Canyon and are working furiously to keep open the window on legislation this year.
Without action, California utilities will be required by the California Public Utilities Commission to begin purchasing new electricity infrastructure for 2030 and beyond. These investment decisions must be made with the assumption that Diablo Canyon’s 2.2 gigawatt capacity will close in 2030. Extending the life of the plant this session will spare ratepayers from up to $1.7 billion in unnecessary costs.
Action this year to extend Diablo Canyon has other benefits as well. Procuring fuel is a long-lead process, and Diablo Canyon’s employees deserve clarity about the plant’s future. So far this year, the Diablo Canyon has cleared all federal and state safety and security tests needed to allow the plant to continue operating through 2045. All that’s left is legislative action.
The coalition remains fully committed to doing everything possible to pass an extension this year, despite recent comments from Governor Gavin Newsom indicating that the question of whether to extend the plant beyond 2030 should ultimately be resolved by the next governor. Newsom signed the earlier extension to get the plant to 2030, and we believe the Governor would sign a 2045 if the legislature put a bill on his desk.
The Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition will continue working with legislators, business leaders, labor, clean energy advocates and communities across California to make the case for action this year. The window may be closing, but California still has an opportunity to secure Diablo Canyon’s role in the state’s clean energy future—and avoid paying a much higher price for waiting. To engage in the Council’s energy policy work, please contact Senior Public Policy Director Julian Lake.
