Solar electrical output out west was in surplus this winter.

[applegrove]

We have the solutions to reduce power plant pollution and keep the lights on, and we're pioneering it in California.

While the east coast faced a deadly winter storm, California had plentiful solar power. [1/2]

— Rep. Doris Matsui (@dorismatsui.bsky.social) 2026-03-17T22:46:01.013Z

[Deuxcents]

1. This makes too much sense for some of our leadership to grasp.

[CoopersDad]

2. In fact, California can't even use all the solar we generate....

And this is why storage is so important.
Batteries, Pumped Hydropower, and other systems can store excess solar and wind energy that can't currently be used.

https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/images/2025.05.28/main.svg

?w=1170&ssl=1

Source: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65364

[hunter]

3. In the last ninety days California only 30% of the electricity has been solar.

Adding additional storage will only make our electricity cost more.

We're already competing with Hawaii for the highest electric rates.

Sunlight may be free but incorporating solar power into a reliable electric grid is not.