Mmastodon EnvironmentEnergy first seen 5 h ago, last 1 h ago, peak #1
California's solar surplus sparks call for free afternoon power
Original: California has so much solar power installed that it has excess power during the midafternoon that goes unused, even whe
California now produces so much solar power that large amounts go unused in the mid-afternoon, even as the grid can face shortages in the evening when the sun sets. A proposed fix is to give low-income consumers free electricity from 1 pm to 3 pm, soaking up the surplus and lowering bills. The debate highlights the mismatch between solar production peaks and evening demand, and the growing need for storage or demand-shifting policies.
Why now: The surplus-and-shortage paradox in California's grid has renewed attention on demand-shifting ideas like free midday power for low-income households.
Evidence
- California has so much solar power installed that it has excess power during the midafternoon that goes unused, even when there are potential shortages later in the evening. Solution: Give low income consumers free power from 1 pm to 3 pm https://www.… · HollyCo26588808@universeodon.com · 8
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