52 Comments
User's avatar
Jim Murphy's avatar

Keeping the site open may be stupid, but just for context, it’s worth noting that California has almost 40 million people. The cost of keeping Ivanpah running will add about 25 cents per month to a person’s electric bill.

JBS's avatar

If it is not working, we just need to “invest”

more public money. That’ll do it.

K Reed's avatar

Looking at the bigger picture. https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/12/california-diablo-canyon-permit-approved/

Ivanpah a mistake not originated by Newsom. He did however work to save Diablo Canyon. Maybe time to look at retooling San Onofre.

Green Leap Forward's avatar

"In addition, during peak hours, consumers who rely on San Diego Gas & Electric are paying as much as 68 cents per kWh."

Yikes, 2.5 years since leaving San Diego and I had no idea rates went up that much.

Hwburnie's avatar

If the issue is sunk cost in transmission lines etc, and the land area this covers is so immense and almost no one lives nearby, and at least one gas turbine exists there already…demo and add two full size natural gas powered electric plants and plan to add a small nuclear reactor on the balance…transmission lines exist already.

Jim's avatar

Just like Nuisance total political career, a totsl disaster.

Bob Armstrong's avatar

" Let’s do the math. "

How dare You !

Urs Broderick Furrer's avatar

Governor Good Hair 🤣

Hugh Sharman's avatar

Isn't Mr (Boondoggle) Newsome the Democrats' favoured next President?

Robert Bryce's avatar

Yes. As I note in the piece, he's already considered the frontrunner for the Dems.

Ken Braun's avatar

Just producing his hair product causes more CO2 emissions than 37 other states.

Gary Ackerman's avatar

It’s a deep throat type of contact and unfortunately it has to remain that way. Very unusual situation. Can’t say I expected it.

Lee's avatar

It is interesting that California will need even more imported power over time. By giving away excess solar to surrounding states they have economically damaged the generators that have been supplying the power they import. The assumption that imported power will always be available is most likely wrong.

Ian Braithwaite's avatar

Thank you Mr Bryce! I'd be interested in views as to why those in charge are getting away with what they are imposing on Californians.

My view from the UK, a parallel case but with a lot less sunshine, is that most folk are just not well-informed, because being so is really not that easy for those busy with work and family. All they see is their bills, and hear reassurances that it's all going to get better, though it isn't.

It may soon be time to resurrect the old Soviet joke: "What did people use before candles Mom?":"Electricity Son".

Robert Bryce's avatar

thanks. Why are they getting away with it? I think it's the slow, but ever-increasing cost of living. Many Californians are stuck where they are and simply have to accept the slow ratchet of increasing costs.

As for Soviet jokes, I like the one that goes: "We pretend to work and they pretend to pay us."

Walker's avatar

Speaking as a 5th generation Californian now living in Montana .... 😭

Bruce Thielen's avatar

The $180 PG&E pays for Ivanpah generation excludes the taxpayer funded subsidies, no? The true cost per kWh is obscured by the cash harvested from federal and state taxpayers. The media will likely help Newsome shift the blame for their high electricity rates to Orangeman.