According to Pacific Gas and Electric, the California Public Utilities Commission has approved a plan that will produce an additional 500 megawatts of electricity for state residents, which is enough to power about 150,000 average homes.
"We applaud the CPUC's decision to approve this important renewable energy initiative and look forward to beginning its implementation," said Steve Malnight of PG&E, "This program will provide our customers with timely access to solar power and create local benefits including green jobs for the communities we serve."
The project is expected to take about five years to complete and will feature up to 250 megawatts of utility-owned photovoltaic sites, combined with another 250 megawatts of power from independent developers - who are expected to further benefit from what is described as a streamlined regulatory process.
Completing the project may be made easier by the fact that many of the photovoltaic arrays will be smaller and medium in size, which should make for a smoother regulatory process.
