Does southern California have an energy future: the importance of Sundesert

The case for building the Sundesert nuclear plant illustrates Southern California's energy problems and leads to a proposal for a new approach to siting power plants. Opposition to Sundesert has led to reversals by the State Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Commission on the role of nuclear energy in California. At stake is whether Southern California will have the energy to achieve its societal and individual goals. A comparison of projected energy supplies with projected demands indicates that, without Sundesert, the energy deficit will have to be bridged by imported oil. The Energy Commission's advocacy of oil-fired plants is counter to the shift to alternative energy supplies. The author proposes that rate-setting and power plant certification be combined in one regulatory authority in order to expedite capital formation. He also proposes a clear delineation be established between state and federal responsibilities.