The Energy Commission is California's primary energy policy and planning agency.  Its formal title is the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission.  Its mission is to assess, advocate and act through public/private partnerships to improve energy systems that promote a strong economy and a healthy environment.

Forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical energy data; licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger; promoting energy efficiency through appliance and building standards; developing energy technologies and supporting renewable energy; planning for and directing state responses to energy emergencies.