For half a century, TEC has been guiding communities toward a cleaner energy future. Since our founding in 1975, we have seen the energy landscape shift dramatically: from the scarcity mindset of the 1970s energy crisis, to today’s technological innovations, to our vision of a future filled with community-driven energy abundance.
As we reflect on our 50th anniversary, we’re proud of our accomplishments, like creating the first energy cooperative in Los Angeles and launching California’s first energy education program. But we’re even more excited about looking ahead to the future. To understand where we are going, we sat down with some of TEC’s top energy experts to discuss the “unfinished business” of the clean energy transition and the challenges we’ll face to build a truly equitable energy system.
Putting People First
For decades, California’s energy system has followed a rigid “loading order.” But TEC is working towards a shift that will redefine California’s clean energy economy. We call it “loading lanes.”
“Solar, storage, demand flexibility, and energy efficiency are all needed simultaneously. We can pursue them in parallel ‘loading lanes,’ rather than slowly upgrading one-by-one” explains Marc Costa, Director of Policy & Planning. “By shifting our focus from rigid sequencing to people-first solutions, we can meet real human needs like affordability and improved air quality. With innovative projects like the Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community and Pomona ACTS, we are weaving communities into the very fabric of the power grid to create participatory, resilient systems.”
As we decarbonize and electrify our homes, we are blurring the line between the “demand side” (us) and the “grid side” (them). In this new decentralized future, people and communities become an integral part of the power system, opening up new revenue streams and creating a system that is participatory, equitable, and resilient. Our vision for the energy future prioritizes creating positive outcomes for communities most in need, rather than focusing on shareholder profits.
Read more about loading lanes in our ACEEE white paper →
Breaking Down Systemic Barriers
Building an equitable and affordable clean energy future will require addressing some challenges created by our current infrastructure and regulations.
This means working to eliminate the “drag of regulatory inertia” that slows down progress. It also involves tackling massive physical challenges, such as gas pipeline decommissioning. While this is an enormous effort that will impact every household, it presents a vital opportunity to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safety risks.
As Genaro Bugarin, Director of Energy Innovation, puts it, “To build the energy future we envision, we must be willing to dismantle the systems that no longer serve us. By retiring legacy gas infrastructure, we are unlocking extensive reductions in emissions and eliminating safety risks for households statewide. TEC brings the policy expertise and community roots needed to turn this complex systemic challenge into a shared victory for California.”
Future-Proofing Our Grid
As we look toward the next 50 years, new challenges are already appearing on the horizon. The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the growing need for data processing are driving up load demand at an unprecedented rate. The technological advances of efficient technology are currently being outpaced by this growing demand. This creates a complex puzzle: How do we achieve energy resilience while keeping things affordable and accessible?
There is no single answer yet, but we know that community-centered solutions will be the key.
Craig Perkins, Executive Director, reflects, “How do we turn the clean energy transition into an engine for economic equity? We believe the answer lies in a strategy that is diversified, decentralized, and undeniably customer-centric. By prioritizing positive outcomes for underserved communities over profit margins, we can create a future where clean energy isn’t a luxury, but a tool for lasting affordability and abundance.”
Whether it is navigating the complexities of AI, decommissioning outdated infrastructure, or ensuring that low-income communities receive the economic benefits of decarbonization, TEC is ready. Creating an affordable and equitable clean energy future won’t be easy, but TEC is excited to take on the challenge. Here’s to the next 50 years of turning big energy goals into action.
