Sempra’s Port Arthur LNG facility gets final permit from federal government By Rob Nikolewski May 29, 2025 at 4:31 p.m. After a pause from the Biden istration, the second phase of construction of the liquified...
San Diego Community Power finalizes 2 solar+battery projects By Rob Nikolewski May 28, 2025 at 5:30 a.m. One facility in Kern County expects to open next year; another in Nevada eyes a...
Will California’s high gas prices go even higher? By Rob Nikolewski May 27, 2025 at 6:36 a.m. Two big refineries plan to close, with analysts saying the shutdowns will lead to tighter...
California Supreme Court mulls decision on new solar rules By Rob Nikolewski June 4, 2025 at 3:59 p.m. The high court's seven justices hear arguments defending and opposing recent changes to net energy...
Groups head to CA Supreme Court, seeking to upend solar rules By Rob Nikolewski June 3, 2025 at 9:48 a.m. A decision by the California Public Utilities Commission that went into effect in 2023 changed...
Sales of zero-emission vehicles in California slow down By Rob Nikolewski May 21, 2025 at 11:55 a.m. California policymakers still optimistic aggressive targets can still be met
One year after a big battery fire in Otay Mesa, questions remain By Rob Nikolewski May 19, 2025 at 4:57 p.m. The Gateway Energy Storage facility fire smoldered for almost 17 days; the site is now...
San Diego City Council updates part of its franchise deal with SDG&E By Rob Nikolewski May 15, 2025 at 3:35 p.m. But the revision does not include the power company kicking in more money for a...
Sempra sued after accident at LNG construction site kills 3 By Rob Nikolewski May 29, 2025 at 3:41 p.m. Sempra and one of its subsidiaries named as defendants in lawsuits after scaffolding collapse at...
California and other states sue Trump istration over wind energy By Rob Nikolewski May 7, 2025 at 1:03 p.m. The lawsuit seeks to overturn an executive order aimed at blocking the development of wind...
California’s power grid looks steady heading into summer but risks remain By Rob Nikolewski May 7, 2025 at 12:55 p.m. Hot weather and potential wildfires could cause problems, but additional resources provide some cushion.
Controversial solar bill advances in Sacramento — but with a big change By Rob Nikolewski May 1, 2025 at 3:45 p.m. A major portion of Assembly Bill 942 gets deleted in committee.
SDG&E looks to nix energy efficiency programs, saying it will save ratepayers money By Rob Nikolewski April 30, 2025 at 4:31 p.m. The proposal needs approval from the California Public Utilities Commission; SDG&E estimates it would save...
State money for zero-emission school buses heads to 12 districts in San Diego County By Rob Nikolewski April 30, 2025 at 4:47 a.m. $500 million in awards will be distributed across the state; San Diego Unified School District...
Is Gavin Newsom changing his tune with the oil industry? By Rob Nikolewski May 21, 2025 at 10:18 a.m. With a pair of refineries closing, Newsom sends a letter to the state's energy commission...
An unobstructed view: Project replacing utility poles in Bay Park wraps up By Rob Nikolewski April 25, 2025 at 3:59 p.m. The city of San Diego and SDG&E spend $54 million a year to put neighborhood...
Tesla deliveries in San Diego tumble By Rob Nikolewski April 24, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. Tesla's Model Y is still the county's best-selling vehicle but overall registrations are down 26.6%
Should California drivers get charged by the mile? A pilot program is looking into it By Rob Nikolewski April 21, 2025 at 12:54 p.m. Revenue from the gasoline excise tax that drivers currently pay at the gas pump is...
A refinery in Northern California may shut down: What does that mean for drivers? By Rob Nikolewski April 17, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. Executives at Valero consider idling their refinery in Benicia.
Trump istration takes aim at California’s cap and trade program By Rob Nikolewski April 11, 2025 at 4:04 p.m. Newsom and other Golden State officials vow to keep the greenhouse reduction tool in place.
Trump tariffs: Is it too late to buy a car? By Rob Nikolewski April 5, 2025 at 7:56 a.m. One National City dealership reports an uptick in business, but uncertainty hangs over the industry
How this solar initiative helped one San Diego family. See if you qualify. By Rob Nikolewski April 3, 2025 at 11:20 a.m. The San Diego Solar Equity Program distributes $1 million per year and covers most or...
Ouch! San Diego gas prices up 21 cents in little more than a week By Rob Nikolewski April 1, 2025 at 7:14 p.m. Fuel analysts blame tight supplies due to refinery outages and the switch to more expensive...
The Helix Water District dives into the zero-emission vehicle transition By Rob Nikolewski March 28, 2025 at 3:59 p.m. The public water utility serving 278,000 customers has broken ground on an $11 million project
Eye in the sky: California spending $100M to track methane emissions with satellites By Rob Nikolewski March 28, 2025 at 10:22 a.m. The project's money comes from the state's cap and trade revenue.
SDG&E customers to get credit up to $135 on electric and gas bills next month By Rob Nikolewski March 25, 2025 at 4:58 p.m. California's Climate Credit from the state's cap and trade program kicks in next month.
Tesla sales in San Diego decline amid anti-Musk protests and vandalism By Rob Nikolewski March 23, 2025 at 5:25 a.m. Tesla registrations fall 35% through February across San Diego County
The Chick-fil-A in Oceanside gets energized By Rob Nikolewski March 19, 2025 at 4:27 p.m. A pilot program uses solar, battery storage and a microgrid to reduce costs
Our annual look at San Diego customers behind on their utility bills By Rob Nikolewski March 14, 2025 at 1:52 p.m. About 40,000 fewer SDG&E customers are behind on their bills compared to last year, but...
What can I do if I’m falling behind on my power bill? By Rob Nikolewski March 14, 2025 at 1:54 p.m. A resource guide of who to call at SDG&E and other helpful numbers.
Boston-based energy company donates electric vehicles to San Diego nonprofits By Rob Nikolewski March 11, 2025 at 4:05 p.m. Four all-electric trucks will help San Diego Canyonlands clear brush, while eight EVs will go...
Will a Supreme Court case lead to the removal of nuclear waste from San Onofre? By Rob Nikolewski March 9, 2025 at 4:33 p.m. The high court wrestles with a case that granted a license for a storage facility...
Batten down the batteries: Energy storage project coming to Naval Base San Diego By Rob Nikolewski March 4, 2025 at 3:31 p.m. The $8 million project will use zinc-based batteries that the manufacturer touts as non-flammable.
SoCal Edison nicked by regulator for violations at San Onofre nuclear plant By Rob Nikolewski March 4, 2025 at 5:31 a.m. No financial penalties were levied after three instances in the dismantlement project violated NRC requirements...
Battle lines drawn between Trump and California over electric vehicles By Rob Nikolewski March 3, 2025 at 6:01 a.m. Gavin Newsom and CA policymakers vow to maintain state mandates against White House and GOP...
Port of San Diego renames DEI team, removes language from website By Jennifer Van Grove February 27, 2025 at 7:19 p.m. The agency renamed its DEI team the Culture of Belonging team, but maintains the change...
Sempra raises retirement age for CEO Jeff Martin By Rob Nikolewski February 27, 2025 at 5:31 a.m. Committee boosts retirement age from 65 to 67; Martin has been in charge of Sempra...
SDG&E reports lower profits in 2024, but company still earned $891M By Rob Nikolewski February 26, 2025 at 2:16 p.m. SDG&E parent company Sempra saw its stock drop nearly 19% Tuesday on lower earnings expectations...
California policymakers say they’re undeterred by Trump opposition to offshore wind By Rob Nikolewski February 22, 2025 at 2:50 p.m. "We acknowledge uncertainties," but cite state's economic strength and targets that extend beyond Trump's term.
Two bills introduced in Sacramento aim to lower utility bills. Will they work? By Rob Nikolewski February 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. One bill would tie rate increases to the rate of inflation, another takes aim at...
California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming. Will targets be reached? By Rob Nikolewski February 16, 2025 at 12:03 p.m. The Golden State wants to eliminate sales of new gasoline-powered enger cars by 2035. Car...
Yikes! San Diego gas prices have shot up 23 cents per gallon in two weeks By Rob Nikolewski February 13, 2025 at 7:55 p.m. A refinery explosion in Northern California on Feb. 1 is one of the main culprits
San Diego Community Power lowers rates for 2025, with some uncertainties ahead By Rob Nikolewski February 12, 2025 at 11:43 a.m. The largest CCA in the San Diego area lowers electricity generation rates an average of...
Bill making San Onofre nuclear waste a priority reintroduced on Capitol Hill By Rob Nikolewski February 6, 2025 at 1:12 p.m. At the California power plant, some 3.55 million pounds of waste is stored in dozens...
With electric vehicles in Trump’s bull’s-eye, is now a good time to buy? By Rob Nikolewski February 4, 2025 at 8:32 a.m. A Trump executive order raises questions about the rate of EV adoption and building out...
Trump executive order may leave California offshore wind projects up in the air By Rob Nikolewski January 31, 2025 at 1:25 p.m. The Golden State is counting on 25 gigawatts, or about 13% of its electricity, from...
Big Oil wants a lot from Trump. It has an ally in Doug Burgum, the president’s Interior pick By Associated Press January 30, 2025 at 12:07 p.m. Many of the oil and gas companies Burgum developed a rapport with are certain to...
California utilities commission proposes new standards for battery storage facilities By Rob Nikolewski March 17, 2025 at 1:42 p.m. A big fire in Monterey County is another in a series of blazes at plants...
Power restored for customers affected by SDG&E shutoffs By Rob Nikolewski January 24, 2025 at 4:18 p.m. More manageable wind speeds allowed crews to re-energize power lines.
Santa Ana winds lead to another round of power shutoffs around San Diego County By Rob Nikolewski January 23, 2025 at 6:37 p.m. SDG&E cuts off electricity to thousands of residents in another of a wave of power...
San Diego diesel prices on the rise, nearing $5 a gallon By Rob Nikolewski January 20, 2025 at 2:55 p.m. Businesses in California that rely on diesel fuel feel the pinch
During SDG&E power shutoffs, why do some areas have no electricity but others nearby do? By Rob Nikolewski January 16, 2025 at 1:01 p.m. SDG&E says some power lines feed areas that are miles apart
SDG&E to pay $2.6M for mistakenly booting customers from discounted bill programs By Rob Nikolewski January 14, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Affected customers have been reimbursed; problems blamed on new computer system.
No heat, no water, no school: In rural San Diego County, power shutoffs pose their own public safety risks By Kristen Taketa January 16, 2025 at 1:04 p.m. Utility officials say shutoffs are a necessary, last-resort measure to help prevent devastating wildfires, but...
SDG&E restores power to customers — but another round of outages loom as Santa Ana winds continue By Rob Nikolewski January 10, 2025 at 10:52 a.m. Another series of gusts expected for the area on Thursday night
Forecasters urge preparations for stronger wave of Santa Anas in San Diego County as fires ravage L.A. By Gary Robbins January 9, 2025 at 1:20 p.m. The relative humidity will be lower, which is conducive to the start and spread of...
Soaring electricity bills could hobble California’s green energy push, report says By George Avalos January 8, 2025 at 11:55 a.m. Soaring monthly electric bill could hobble California's quest for a clean power future, a new...
Will California’s power grid keep running smoothly? By Rob Nikolewski May 7, 2025 at 6:12 a.m. California at "elevated risk" in the coming years, according to a reliability assessment.
Biden issues ban on offshore oil and gas drilling in most federal waters. Trump vows to undo it By Associated Press April 9, 2025 at 11:54 p.m. The move is a last-minute effort to block possible action by the incoming Trump istration
Will California’s zero-emission truck rules work for the long haul? By Rob Nikolewski January 1, 2025 at 5:59 a.m. State funding hopes to promote adoption, but some in the trucking industry want the mandates...
State approves higher SDG&E rates By Rob Nikolewski December 21, 2024 at 5:19 a.m. It’s not exactly welcome news for SDG&E’s 3.7 million customers, but the increase is hundreds...
Your San Diego utility bill may go up about $2 per month to keep California’s only nuclear power plant going By Rob Nikolewski December 18, 2024 at 3:54 p.m. The California Public Utilities Commission considers approving $723 million to extend operations at Diablo Canyon...
New rate proposal calls for a smaller increase for SDG&E customers with natural gas By Rob Nikolewski December 18, 2024 at 9:48 a.m. The California Public Utilities Commission votes Thursday about what rates to charge SDG&E customers through...
New $42M battery storage facility set for Camp Pendleton By Rob Nikolewski December 13, 2024 at 3:31 p.m. The California Energy Commission approves a $42 million grant to build the project that will...
SDG&E crews restore power after record-breaking winds blow through San Diego By Rob Nikolewski December 12, 2024 at 3:31 p.m. "The worst is definitely behind us," said National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Tardy. "We're seeing...
San Diego Supervisors sidestep new rules for battery projects amid fire concerns By Rob Nikolewski December 11, 2024 at 4:02 p.m. The supervisors balked at implementing enhanced interim safety requirements and voted 3-1 to receive a...
Santa Ana winds gusting up to 92 mph cause SDG&E to shut off power to 51,000 households By Gary Robbins December 11, 2024 at 3:09 p.m. 'This is actually the highest fire potential we have seen in San Diego County in...
Hey San Diego, where is your energy coming from? Here’s a look By Rob Nikolewski December 5, 2024 at 4:02 p.m. The state releases a breakdown of power sources for 2023 as well as SDG&E and...
Solar power glut boosts California electric bills. Other states reap the benefits By Tribune News Service December 2, 2024 at 3:27 p.m. Green energy paid for by California electricity customers is sent away, lowering bills for residents...
SDG&E wants to place more power lines underground to reduce wildfires. Is it worth the expense? By Rob Nikolewski December 3, 2024 at 3:55 p.m. The costs of undergrounding versus covered conductors on overhead lines is a key issue in...
Challenge to San Diego’s franchise agreements with SDG&E rebuffed by state appeals court By Jeff McDonald November 21, 2024 at 4:44 p.m. In a split decision, a majority of a three-judge agreed with the trial court...
Carlsbad to study whether to build solar power farm By Phil Diehl November 21, 2024 at 7:09 a.m. s would be installed on vacant land near city's Maerkle Reservoir near border with Oceanside...
Family landowners want battery storage site in rural San Diego County. Some neighbors do not. By Rob Nikolewski November 26, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. A local family who owns the land in Valley Center says the project is safe,...
Here’s how Californians can get an $8,000 rebate for buying a home heat pump By Rob Nikolewski November 18, 2024 at 10:02 a.m. The state touts heat pumps as a way to help meet its greenhouse gas reduction...
SDG&E’s new center uses AI and other technologies to fight wildfires By Rob Nikolewski November 14, 2024 at 6:41 a.m. The Weather and Climate Resilience Center is part of the utility's larger $6 billion effort....
California regulator OKs stricter clean air standards. What will it mean for gas prices? By Rob Nikolewski November 11, 2024 at 9:04 p.m. The Air Resources Board updates the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard for the first time...
Car sales in San Diego sputtering this year By Rob Nikolewski November 7, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. Analysts say high prices and financing rates discourage buyers; electric vehicle numbers are mixed.
SDG&E shuts off power to backcountry areas due to high winds By Rob Nikolewski November 6, 2024 at 3:26 p.m. About 700 customers affected as National Weather Service issues a red flag warning through Friday.
SDG&E warns rural residents of potential power shutoffs By Rob Nikolewski November 5, 2024 at 5:37 p.m. Santa Ana winds expected, elevating potential fire risks in backcountry areas.
California is about to change fuel standards. That means higher gas prices. But how high? By Rob Nikolewski November 3, 2024 at 10:17 a.m. of the California Air Resources Board are scheduled to update the Low Carbon Fuel...
Newsom issues executive order on rising electric bills — but how much will it help? By Rob Nikolewski October 31, 2024 at 6:26 a.m. The directive calls for smarter wildfire mitigation measures, reviewing underperforming programs and boosting climate credits.
Port of San Diego to get $58.6M from feds for zero-emission infrastructure By Rob Nikolewski October 29, 2024 at 6:01 p.m. California ports receive one-third of the $3 billion in grants issued distributed by the U.S....
San Diego’s General Atomics es a milestone. Can nuclear fusion energy become a reality? By Rob Nikolewski October 25, 2024 at 2:51 p.m. The DIII-D facility is a cornerstone of research seeking to develop a virtually limitless, carbon-free...
Brace for higher SDG&E bills after utilities commission releases proposed decision on rates By Rob Nikolewski October 21, 2024 at 10:20 a.m. Critics say this is the worst time to hit consumers with a rate increase. Final...
Oil company Phillips 66 says it will shut down Los Angeles-area refinery By Associated Press October 18, 2024 at 9:35 a.m. The company said it will remain operating in the state.
Is nuclear power making a comeback? And could it even happen in California? San Diego? By Rob Nikolewski October 16, 2024 at 12:58 p.m. Nuclear plants seen by some as crucial to meet increasing energy demand, but the industry's...
Appeals court weighs effort to overturn controversial SDG&E franchise agreement By Jeff McDonald October 22, 2024 at 2:23 p.m. The utility's deal with the city of San Diego — ed by a 6-3 council...
California Senate es bill requiring refiners to keep minimum levels of gasoline reserves By Rob Nikolewski October 11, 2024 at 3:32 p.m. Pushed bv Gov. Newsom, the bill is the first of its kind in the nation;...
Chevron and California’s petroleum boss exchange barbs on gasoline inventory bill By Rob Nikolewski October 10, 2024 at 1:11 p.m. The bill's ers say it will help prevent price spikes at the pump while opponents...
Did you buy gasoline in SoCal in 2015? You may be eligible to receive a payment By Rob Nikolewski October 4, 2024 at 1:55 p.m. Claims can be filed regarding a $37.5 million settlement over allegations that trading firms manipulated...
Bill requiring minimum gasoline storage levels in California es Assembly By Rob Nikolewski October 2, 2024 at 10:28 a.m. The legislation, ed in a special session, now heads to the Senate next week
You’re going to get a $78 deduction on your SDG&E bill this month By Rob Nikolewski October 3, 2024 at 1:11 p.m. The money comes from revenue collected by California's cap and trade program and is distributed...
Here’s how much it costs to use the new hyper-fast EV chargers at Fashion Valley mall By Rob Nikolewski September 26, 2024 at 4:08 p.m. The new station can charge an EV at 80 percent in 20 to 30 minutes.
Levin introduces bill aimed at moving nuclear waste out of San Onofre — and other sites across the country By Rob Nikolewski September 25, 2024 at 2:39 p.m. A piece of bipartisan legislation wants to establish a new agency to manage spent fuel
As crews chainsaw Joshua trees, Mojave Desert community protests solar energy project By Tribune News Service September 24, 2024 at 8:22 a.m. Mojave town protests solar energy project as crews chainsaw hundreds of protected Joshua trees
Charge and go: 20 fast chargers for electric vehicles coming to San Diego freeways By Rob Nikolewski September 23, 2024 at 1:46 p.m. A federal program earmarks more than $32 million for California to build charging projects along...
SDSU is betting $80 million it can become a key player in the lithium industry By Gary Robbins September 20, 2024 at 11:28 a.m. The university is putting a lot on the line in the Imperial Valley, where the...
Big battery storage project in Poway gets the final OK By Rob Nikolewski September 20, 2024 at 1:08 p.m. Some residents, worried about fire risk, wanted the Poway City Council to rescind approval of...
All-electric cranes lifting cargo at the Port of San Diego By Rob Nikolewski September 17, 2024 at 4:38 p.m. A pair of 262-foot harbor cranes are the first to be installed in North America
‘Biggest environmental victory’: After more than a decade in limbo, San Diego County has a new climate plan By Emily Alvarenga September 25, 2024 at 11:05 a.m. 'It's ed, we think it's strong, and now we’ve got a watchdog,' one local environmental...