California

Advanced Energy United congratulates the designation of John Reynolds as President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the appointment of Christine Harada to the CPUC, and the appointment of Alice Reynolds to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Board of Governors and looks forward to collaborating to advance policies that keep costs low for ratepayers and meet growing energy demand.

In an episode of NewsData’s People in Power Podcast, United’s Brian Turner discusses the recent passage of California Assembly Bill (AB) 825, and the path forward for an independently governed energy market in the West.

The 2025 California Legislative Session marked a turning point for the state, proving that bold clean energy progress is still possible, even amid complexity. On our blog, United’s Edson Perez and Leah Rubin Shen cover key outcomes and missed opportunities from the 2025 Session, outlining the work ahead to ensure an affordable, resilient, and sustainable energy future for all Californians.

Canary Media reports that Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a series of virtual power plant bills, AB 44, AB 740, and SB 541, despite strong bipartisan support in the California legislature. The article quotes United’s Edson Perez, who said this was a huge missed opportunity to tap the value of rooftop solar, batteries, and EVs that could cut costs and boost grid reliability.

POLITICO reports on Governor Gavin Newsom vetoing AB 44, a bill that would have streamlined how utilities use distributed energy resources (DERs) and take advantage of existing VPP programs. The article quotes United’s Edson Perez, who said that this was a huge missed opportunity to advance common-sense policy that would have lowered costs, strengthened the grid, and unlocked the full potential of advanced energy.

In an opinion piece for Utility Dive, United’s Brian Turner explains what comes next after the passage of California’s AB 825, a bill allowing the state’s utilities to join electricity markets governed by a new, independent West-wide organization. The new organization will let states opt into services a la carte, with more to come. This uniquely Western model will lower costs, improve reliability, and respect each state’s policy goals.

On Friday, September 19, 2025, AB 825, also known as “Pathways” bill was signed into law. On our blog, United’s Leah Rubin Shen outlines how this bill paves the way for California to take part in an independently governed regional electricity market, marking a transformative moment for the entire Western grid.

Canary Media reports on the passage of AB 825, the Pathways bill, which was signed into law as part of a major climate-and-energy legislative package. AB 825 will allow California to join with the West in creating a regional day-ahead energy market. The article quotes United’s Brian Turner, who called the bill a “starting gun” for a Western energy market that will lower costs, strengthen the grid, and protect California’s authority.

California lawmakers passed two virtual power plant (VPP) bills—AB 44 and AB 740—that now await Governor Newsom’s signature. United’s Edson Perez spoke with PV Magazine about the benefits of VPPs in reducing grid strain, lowering energy costs, and increasing grid reliability, urging Governor Newsom to sign the bills into law.

As the California legislative session comes to a close, the legislature and Governor have failed to fund the state’s flagship clean grid reliability program, the Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program.

Bloomberg Government reports that California lawmakers are pushing for Assembly Bill (AB) 825, which would allow the state to join a regional energy market. United’s Leah Rubin Shen highlighted that the bill demonstrates California’s commitment to a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable Western energy market.

California Legislature Passes Common-Sense Surplus Interconnection Bill AB 1408