Achieving Beneficial Electrification: Lessons Learned from the CPUC’s Clean Energy Programs

Abstract:  Meeting California’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions–especially in the transportation, building, and industrial sectors. Electrification is emerging as a primary pathway for these sectors to decarbonize. High levels of electrification will require more renewables, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and grid integration technologies such as energy storage. Commissioner Peterman will discuss CPUC activities and trends in these resource areas and what they portend for the future of electrification.

Bio:  Carla J. Peterman is the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) assigned Commissioner for a number of proceedings including energy efficiency, alternative transportation, energy storage, and several rate cases. She was previously a Commissioner with the California Energy Commission where she was lead Commissioner for renewables, transportation, and natural gas. Commissioner Peterman holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Energy and Resources from The University of California Berkeley.  She also earned a Master of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. Commissioner Peterman holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Howard University.