A Vision for California’s Future: Affordable Energy and Secure Water Supply
For California to maintain its status as a global leader in high-tech innovation and uphold a high standard of living while transitioning to electric vehicles, the state must prioritize reliable, plentiful, and affordable energy. A key goal for the next governor should be to deliver clean, 24/7, 365-day electricity at a stable cost of 20–24 cents per kWh, alongside securing a sustainable water supply.
My research demonstrates that this is achievable through clean energy solutions, such as deploying 33–36 Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for baseload power, complemented by hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal to handle reactive loads and usage spikes, like those from increased air conditioning on hot days. Remarkably, my models also show that this cost target can be met without SMRs, using renewables integrated with the voter-approved Proposition 1 Water Project of 2014, ensuring both energy affordability and water security.
Achieving this vision won’t be easy. It requires the state to collaborate with regulators and energy producers to set clear, public-focused goals, prioritizing reliability and affordability over profit-driven control. By investing in this dual energy-water framework, California can power its high-tech economy, support the shift to electric vehicles, and maintain its position as a first-world leader in innovation and sustainability.
Curtis Neil
May 8th. 2025, June 29th. 2025
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