Scope
The California Energy Commission's "Data Centers" topic page states that the Commission does not permit data centers but, since 2024, incorporates projected data center growth into its annual Energy Demand Forecast using data from applications submitted to utilities, and that it has jurisdiction over data centers' on-site thermal generation of 50 MW and larger; most data centers' backup generation has gone through its Small Power Plant Exemption program (50-100 MW), with larger generation requiring an Application for Certification or the Opt-In program. It is an informational agency page; it creates no data-center requirement.
- Geographic scope
- California
- Jurisdiction
- State
- Authority type
- Government agency
- Issuing authority
- California Energy Commission
Dates
- Adopted
- No adoption day is recorded
- Effective
- Not a binding measure
- Scheduled expiration
- None scheduled
- Ended
- Not recorded as ended
- Completion condition
- None stated
- Source document
- The source page states no document date
- Last checked
- 23 September 2026 (earlier than tracker date 5 October 2026; not an automatic status change)
Summary
The California Energy Commission explains that it does not permit data centers but includes projected data center load in its demand forecast (since 2024) and reviews data centers' larger on-site power plants, most often backup generators, through its Small Power Plant Exemption, certification or opt-in programs under CEQA. The page estimates data centers at about 1,000 MW (2 percent) of California ISO peak demand in early 2026, rising to 4,500 MW by 2040 in its forecast. It is informational and adopts no rule.
What this does not establish
- The page is undated; no publication day is stored.
- The Small Power Plant Exemption, certification and opt-in programs are general power-plant permitting authorities applied to data center generation; they are not data-center-specific rules.
- The load figures are the Commission's forecast statements and were not independently checked.
- Implementation of chapter 434 (AB 1577) reporting to the Commission is not described on the page as read.
Unresolved questions
None recorded.
Relationships
Supersession means a later instrument replaces the earlier legal effect. Repeal links identify the repeal instrument and the measure it ends. A later implementation or related letter is not treated as a replacement unless the record says so.
- No related action is recorded.
Sources
https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/topics/data-centers