RCEA board votes to accept 2026 Diablo Canyon carbon‑free allocation, will review savings in 2026

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority board on Nov. 24 voted to accept its pro rata allocation of carbon‑free attributes from the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant for 2026, continuing an annual review the board approved last year.

Richard Engle, director of power resources, told the board that the allocation is expected to be roughly 50,000 megawatt‑hours — about 9% of the authority’s procurement volume — and that initial estimates put the dollar benefit at roughly $500,000, although the final numbers depend on PG&E data that were still forthcoming.

"This is just basically a question of whether RCA should take the allocation of that carbon‑free energy or not," Engle said, adding that staff is not making a recommendation for or against at this time and will return in early 2026 with the actual savings figures and options for reinvestment.

Board members discussed both practical and ethical considerations. One board member opposing the allocation argued that accepting attributes from an extended operating nuclear plant presents long‑term stewardship concerns, saying, "I can't, in good faith... burden our kids with that" because of unresolved long‑term storage issues and site risk. Other members said rejecting the allocation would not stop the power from being produced; it would simply shift the carbon‑free attributes to another buyer and forgo modest savings that could be used for local programs.

Directors also discussed clarifying the authority’s risk management policy to distinguish between historic facilities and new nuclear development. Staff said such language had already been added to the policy’s exceptions to recognize state action permitting Diablo Canyon’s extended operation.

The motion to accept the 2026 allocation carried on a voice vote. Staff will return to the board early next year with the final accounting of savings and a recommendation for how to spend or reserve the funds.