The period occured in 2024 between late winter and early summer. “Compared to the same period in 2023, solar output in California is up 31%, wind power is up 8%, and batteries are up a staggering 105%.”
Link to the study PDF mentioned in the article: https://web.stanford.edu/group/efmh/jacobson/Articles/Others/25-CaliforniaWWS.pdf
One of the paper’s cowriters is Mark Z. Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the atmosphere/energy program at Stanford University.
The exorbitant PG&E charges are usually “delivery charges,” not the “generation charge” iirc. So we’re paying reasonable rates for cheap, clean energy, but we’re getting charged out the ass for getting the electricity to our home.
It sucks either way, but charging for delivery sucks more because on top of it all if we run solar and sell back to the grid we only get the generation charge (which is minimal). At least, that’s my understanding — we don’t currently have a home solar installation.
It makes sense that you don’t get paid a delivery charge when selling electricity. You aren’t paying for any transmission lines, transformers, or any of the other expenses needed to keep the electricity grid stable and functioning.