As California utilities prepare their systems for upcoming summer demand, hydro-electric generation and other renewable resources remain important tools in the state’s energy resource toolbox. However, natural gas is crucial to the stabilization of the power grid, particularly during extreme events, according to state regulators.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is anticipating more robust hydro generation this spring and summer thanks to wetter weather, agency staff told NGI. Still, CEC expects natural gas to be counted on throughout the summer season as renewable energy output fluctuates.

California continues to transition away from fossil fuels. Nongreenhouse gas and renewable resources have eaten away at the share of the market once significantly belonging to natural...