As part of the 2024 “Power Chat” series, TerraVerde Energy spoke with Nancy Chaires Espinoza about renewable energy challenges and opportunities for California schools.  She touched on several issues including legislative and policy concerns, the energy challenges smaller districts face, and the overall energy transition, along with valuable suggestions that should be considered by all California school districts.

 

Nancy’s unique position has given her a clear picture of the energy challenges and opportunities faced by California school districts.  When commenting about the general state of energy issues within California schools, Nancy states, “The clean energy transition is in progress, but California is still in the messy middle, and school districts often get caught in the crossfire. Planning and designing school energy systems can be challenging due to constantly changing state mandates. Maintenance and staff retraining take a lot of effort, and financing becomes tricky with shifting legislation around government incentives. We’re having to redo our calculations because of CPUC decisions – it’s a big hurdle”.

 

Nancy states, “The clean energy transition is in progress, but California is still in the messy middle, and school districts often get caught in the crossfire.”

Loss of Net Energy Metering Takes Money Out of Classrooms For Years to Come

The CPUC decision that Nancy speaks of is the decision last year to close the Net Energy Metering tariff for new solar projects and implement the new Net Billing Tariff.  This action is estimated to result in cuts of over 75% of the original projected savings from school districts’ solar projects. Nancy explains, “The CPUC is taking money out of the classroom for years to come.” But Nancy reminds us that advocates are not giving up and hope remains in the form of SB 1374.  With this bill, legislators and industry activists are fighting to maintain for schools the solar tariff structures that were in place when solar infrastructure decisions were made, and costs were incurred.

 

SB 1374 is “The Little Engine That Could”

SB 1374, which Nancy calls “the little engine that could,” faces formidable opposition from utilities and labor. “The odds are against us, but we’re fighting for the right thing, so we’re giving it all we’ve got,” she says. Since our conversation with Nancy, SB 1374 has passed the California Senate and the California State Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. It goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee in August.

Nancy advises school districts to incorporate energy-related decisions into their master planning and she encourages schools to do their best in anticipating new technologies and maintenance protocols as this is the new normal.

Smaller districts, particularly those with fewer than 2,500 students, face additional challenges. State laws cap the number of administrators they can hire, making it hard to appoint an energy expert. “Our biggest struggle is raising awareness about new mandates coming down the pipeline,” Nancy says. Smaller districts often lack the resources to prepare for these changes.

“Our biggest struggle is raising awareness about new mandates coming down the pipeline,” Nancy says. Smaller districts often lack the resources to prepare for these changes.

Consolidating smaller districts to create economies of scale is an idea that comes up periodically but is complicated by issues like bond repayments. However, Joint Power Authorities have been helpful in pooling resources for things like pupil transportation, especially in rural areas.

Nancy emphasizes the importance of using energy resources efficiently before focusing on generation. She remains pragmatic about electrification, understanding the risks of grid reliability issues. “We encourage folks to explore micro-grids, particularly in areas with grid reliability issues,” she says.

Reflecting on her time studying in Cuba during California’s rolling blackouts, Nancy notes that while the state is moving aggressively toward electrification, the risk of blackouts is a real concern. Schools must ensure they can keep the lights on and continue to operate safely.

When asked what she would say to the Governor if given the opportunity, Nancy replies, “Sign AB 247 and get that school bond placed on the ballot. We need time to educate voters.” Since our conversation with Nancy, the bill was signed and placed on the November 2024 Ballot as Proposition 2. To get involved, check out CASH’s fundraiser for Prop 2.

For now, Nancy Chaires Espinoza is hard at work advocating for California schools, determined to keep the lights on.  Here are some of Nancy’s key suggestions for school districts as they manage their energy systems in an ever-changing world.

Key Renewable Energy Solutions for California Schools:

  • Diverse Solutions: Focus on making solar generation more accessible and cost-effective while being open to other technologies like geothermal.
  • Planning and Design: Anticipate changes in state mandates and design energy systems accordingly.
  • Maintenance and Training: Retrain staff to maintain new energy systems and meet new regulations.
  • Financing: Advocate for policies that support the economic feasibility of renewable energy projects, such as SB 1374.
  • Community College Involvement: Encourage technical training programs for students interested in energy careers.

Challenges for School Energy Systems:

  • Constantly Changing Mandates: Plan and design energy systems that can adapt to new state requirements.
  • Maintenance: Ensure staff are well-trained to keep systems in optimal shape.
  • Financing: Advocate for legislative relief from unfavorable decisions like the CPUC’s Net Billing Tariff.

Utility Tariff Structures:

  • Advocacy for Fair Policies: Support bills like SB 1374 that help maintain the economic feasibility of renewable energy projects for schools.

Improving Energy Efficiency:

  • Efficient Use of Resources: Focus on using energy efficiently before generating more.
  • Microgrids: Explore microgrids in areas with unreliable grid power to ensure continuous operation.

Master Planning:

  • Incorporate Energy Decisions: Include energy considerations in long-range facility master planning.
  • Anticipate Changes: Stay ahead of new technologies and maintenance requirements to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy.

Nancy Chaires Espinoza’s work highlights the critical role of advocacy in navigating the clean energy transition for California schools. By staying informed and proactive, schools can improve their energy efficiency, support renewable projects, and ensure a sustainable future.  Nancy’s calm demeanor and deep legislative knowledge show that she is a true hero in the field of clean energy advocacy. Her commitment to finding renewable energy solutions for schools is evident, even when facing opposition from powerful groups.

Nancy Chaires Espinoza is a Legislative Advocate at Murdoch, Walrath & Holmes. She is also the Legislative Advocate for the Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the Executive Director of School Energy Coalition, fighting for sustainable funding for school facilities in California.