VCE is working towards a clean energy future.
VCE is committed to developing higher levels of renewable energy and low levels of carbon for the communities it serves. We’ve developed contracts with renewable power sources in and around Yolo County, bringing more green collar jobs wherever possible.
Here’s where our renewable energy and storage is — and will be — coming from.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly replenished naturally. Using renewable sources for electricity produces no additional carbon emissions. Some sources even provide environmental advantages—such as solar farms that are constructed with pollinator-friendly habitats, and economic advantages—creating new local jobs for their construction and operation.
The renewable sources in VCE’s current electricity mix include solar, wind, biomass, bio-waste, geothermal, and small hydroelectric. Large-scale hydroelectric is not considered to be renewable by the California Energy Commission due to its lasting impacts on ecosystems.
Carbon-free Energy
In contrast to fossil fuels, carbon-free energy creates no carbon emissions when generating electricity. All of VCE’s renewable energy sources are carbon-free. But not all carbon-free energy is considered renewable.
For example, nuclear energy contains virtually no carbon but is not considered renewable—the disposal of hazardous nuclear waste often disproportionately affects indigenous lands, waters, and communities. So while both renewable and carbon-free sources help us to curb the greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change, renewables have fewer environmental impacts.
Totals Contracted for Since 2018:
236
MW Renewables
135
MW Energy Storage
7
MW Demand Response
Power Resource Contracts
Kings County
Solar PV
50 MW
(Approx. 130,000 MWh)
Online Now
Yolo County
Solar PV + Storage
3 MW (PV) / 3 MW BESS*
(Approx. 7,600 MWh)
Online Now
Lake County
Small Hydroelectric
2.9 MW
(Approx. 5,000 MWh)
Online Now
Sutter County
Battery Storage (4-hr)
VCE Share is 2.5 MW
Online Now
Statewide Resources
VCE share is 7 MW
Online Now
San Bernardino County
Solar PV + Storage
90 MW (PV) / 75 MW BESS*
(Approx. 250,000 MWh)
Online Now
Kern County
Solar PV + Storage
72 MW (PV) / 36 MW BESS*
(Approx. 215,000 MWh)
Online Now
Kern County
Long Duration Battery Storage (8-hr)
VCE Share 3.1 MW
Online Now
Yolo County
Solar PV + Storage
13 MW (PV) / 13 MW BESS**
(Approx. 52,000 MWh)
Anticipated Online Q4 2027
Esmeralda County, NV
VCE Share is 0.5 MW
(Approx. 4,500 MWh)
Anticipated Online Q3 2027
NV & CA
Geothermal
VCE Share is 4.6 MW
(Approx. 40,000 MWh)
Anticipated Online Q4 2027
Kern County
Compressed Air Energy Storage (8-hr)
VCE Share is 2.7 MW
Anticipated Online Q4 2030
*4-Hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
**5-Hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
rev. 08/2026