Climate change is a significant global issue, and California has taken a nationwide leadership role in leading change. As the timeframe for significant change narrows before irreparable damage is done, California passed SB100 which envisions a California with a greenhouse gas-free energy supply by 2045.

Many California cities have taken unprecedented action to continue to address climate change. Pasadena and Burbank have already taken actions similar to what the City of Santa Clara is considering from a policy standpoint.

The City’s electric utility, Silicon Valley Power, is well on its way to meeting the State’s goals for renewable energy.

SVP commits to only procure new energy sources that are renewable and/or greenhouse gas-free (GHG) to the city:

• 50% renewable energy by 2026
• 60% renewable energy by 2030
• GHG free energy supply by 2045

A Commitment to Fighting Climate Change

SVP has made a commitment to environmental responsibility and reversing the effects of climate change.

• The City now buys only renewable or GHG free power. SVP continues to acquire resources to reduce GHG-emitting energy.
• View our Integrated Resources Plan that identifies actions we are planning to take to prepare for:
  • Adding battery storage on a local and large scale capacity
  • Preparing for transportation electrification
  • Increasing renewables and carbon free energy in our power mix

Renewable Energy Policies

At the May 7, 2019 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a policy that requires all new private energy generation in Santa Clara to be renewable. Per the adopted policy, all private generation must make the same commitment the City has made and advance the goals of SB100. 

• The policy applies to all customers without a complete application by June 1, 2019 to interconnect to a new self-generation resource; also applies for requests to increase the capacity rating of existing generation facilities.
• The policy does not apply to self-generation resource with existing interconnection agreements.
• The policy does not apply to backup generation (such backup generation typically runs on a limited, as-needed basis)

The Council's policy action grandfathers all existing non-renewable facilities.

View Council Agenda Item.