As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America initiative, the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) has finalized a $15 billion loan guarantee for Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E). Northern and Central California will benefit from the power provider’s project as PG&E sought the loan in June 2023. Funds raised will cater for Project Polaris, which is a far-reaching effort by enhancing California’s energy infrastructure by expanding its hydropower generation, increasing the battery storage capacity, upgrading transmission networks, and creating virtual power plants throughout the service area.
The aim is to serve increasing energy demand, strengthen grid resilience, and make electricity cheaper for customers in California.
Milestone for Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment
This loan guarantee represents the first Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment (EIR) project to reach financial close under LPO’s flexible financing model for regulated, investment-grade utilities. EIR projects must ensure that utilities pass the financial benefits from loan guarantees directly to their customers or communities. The loan’s lower interest rates help reduce costs for PG&E’s 16 million customers, easing financial pressure on them.
LPO carefully reviews projects to ensure they meet eligibility and environmental standards, confirming PG&E can successfully deliver its plans.
Also read: DOE Announces $101 Million for Carbon Management Test Centers
Assistance to Communities and Employment Generation
PG&E has joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 in providing training and job opportunities to underserved groups through its PowerPathway program. Currently, about two-thirds of PG&E’s workforce are union members. The Polaris Project will create thousands of jobs, supporting local communities and strengthening the economy through construction and operational opportunities.
PG&E’s CBP focuses on meaningful community and labor engagement to create quality jobs and support local well-being. PG&E will prioritize its programs in disadvantaged communities identified as needing the most support using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.
This investment supports the Biden-Harris Justice40 Initiative, ensuring 40% of clean energy benefits reach underserved and marginalized communities.
The EIR program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act, helps modernize energy infrastructure through the Title 17 Clean Energy Program. These projects aim to repurpose or replace outdated energy facilities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants.
By December 2024, LPO had 182 applications for clean energy projects nationwide, requesting over $278.9 billion in funding.