The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Established by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, seven core responsibilities guide the Energy Commission as it sets California energy policy:

• Forecasting future energy needs
• Promoting energy efficiency and conservation by setting the state's appliance and building energy efficiency standards
• Supporting energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development and demonstration projects
• Developing renewable energy resources
• Advancing alternative and renewable transportation fuels and technologies
• Certifying thermal power plants 50 megawatts and larger
• Planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies