This loss should be reduced. In addition, the entire transmission system should be reviewed to eliminate the coordination difficulties that currently exist in building new lines. Military Bases - Allow military bases to generate power for their own needs and sell excess power to the state electricity grid. Increase Natural Gas Production and Transmission Natural gas powers the majority of new power plants in the U.S. and almost all the new plants in California. The significant factor in the increased cost of electricity is the high price of natural gas.
Natural gas is preferred as a fuel for electric power over oil and coal for environmental reasons.
However, the shortage of natural gas production needs to be addressed. The government should support increased natural gas exploration and production in an environmentally acceptable way. This includes exploration, where acceptable, on Federal lands. In addition, pipeline capacity issues need to be addressed immediately. Like electric power transmission, lack of adequate pipeline transmission is a major factor in the high price of natural gas.