The Renwable Ephiphany.

Evidence continues to pile up that the media is finally waking up to the reality of the renewable energy paradox in California.

In today’s San Jose Mercury News, Sarah Jane Tribble reports on PGE’s contract with SolEl to supply solar power. Tribble notes that the contract ups PGE’s renewable portfolio to 18% and she makes some “gosh, would you believe it?” observations about renewable energy that should surprise nobody who is bored enough to read this blog”:

“Experts say it is impossible to say how an increase in renewable energy use will affect customer bills because there are a number of factors that contribute to the price of power. But it is clear that new environmentally friendly sources of energy cost more than traditional sources.

While natural gas and clean-coal technologies cost about 9 cents per kilowatt-hour, solar technologies can cost four times that. Even more, renewable fuels provide intermittent power, working only when the wind blows or the sun shines.”

And..

“PG&E declines to talk about the cost of renewables and how much they may affect customer bills, citing competitive reasons. However, the company confirms that renewables usually cost more than natural gas or coal.”

In other news, the Sunrise Powerlink project appears to be in a world of hurt…

PG&E makes major solar play [San Jose Mercury News]

Sempra's Sunrise transmission project delayed -PUC [Reuters]