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Renewable Energy Workers Deemed ‘Essential’ in California

Workers who install solar power and energy storage systems, along with those working in other sectors of renewable energy, are considered “essential” to maintain “critical infrastructure” in California, according to a clarification from the California Energy Commission (CEC).

The state’s Public Health Officer had earlier designated a variety of personnel, mainly health care staff, as “essential critical infrastructure workers,” able to remain on the job during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CEC recently clarified that those workers include members of the construction and energy industries, including those who install solar power, energy storage, and other renewable energy systems.

The CEC in a statement said “essential electricity industry workers includes solar photovoltaic and energy storage installers,” noting energy equipment installers as critical personnel in its statement that highlighted “workers who maintain, ensure, or restore the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power.”

The CEC in its statement said solar and battery installation and maintenance has “the added importance of supporting the resilience and continued operations of critical equipment and infrastructure across the state that requires uninterrupted power. This may include medical equipment and other devices necessary to ensure ongoing health and safety in consideration of potential grid outages and/or public safety power shutoffs.”

The commission said local agencies should continue to permit energy infrastructure and building construction projects.

The state also has deemed workers “who support radio, television, and media service, including, but not limited to front line news reporters, studio, and technicians for news gathering and reporting,” as essential critical infrastructure workers.

The list of essential personnel also includes weather forecasters, and faith-based services provided through online streaming.

POWER staff (@POWERmagazine).