The transition to clean and renewable power is a key strategy for achieving carbon neutrality. Renewable electric power sources in California include solar, wind, nuclear, large hydropower, biomass, and geothermal. The State of California further defines qualified clean (carbon free) and renewable electricity sources as those that have minimal environmental or ecosystem impacts, eliminating nuclear and large hydropower as qualified renewables under state law.
In accordance with state climate action goals and standards, energy utility providers are required to increase the amount of clean, renewable energy in their portfolios over time. Fremont residents and businesses are served by two energy providers: Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and East Bay Community Energy (EBCE).
CA Renewables Portfolio Standard
In 2002, California established the
Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) with the goal of increasing the percentage of renewable energy in the state's electricity mix. In 2017, C
alifornia's three large investor-owned utilities (IOUs) collectively served 36% of their 2017 retail electricity sales with renewable power, significantly exceeding the 27% target for that year. In 2018, California passed
SB100, mandating the state achieve a 50% clean power mix by 2025, 60% by 2030, and 100% clean, renewable, and carbon-free energy mix by 2045.