The electrical energy generation mix in California uses about 47% Natural Gas. So, it's ironic that they are banning use for thermal purposes (which it is about 100% efficient for this job). Instead relying on electrical heating. Of course, this method isn't as efficient. Although Combined Cycle Gas Turbines are among the most efficient power generators, at about 60% thermal efficiency, it's still not 100%. Peaker plants using Natural Gas are far less efficient.
So, the behavior of these policies are that they burn gas in an electrical generator, lose >40% of the energy (and release CO2 into the atmosphere), then transmit that power to electrical appliances.... rather than just burn the gas for thermal purposes at 100% efficiency.1
The electrical energy generation mix in California uses about 47% Natural Gas. So, it's ironic that they are banning use for thermal purposes (which it is about 100% efficient for this job). Instead relying on electrical heating. Of course, this method isn't as efficient. Although Combined Cycle Gas Turbines are among the most efficient power generators, at about 60% thermal efficiency, it's still not 100%. Peaker plants using Natural Gas are far less efficient.
So, the behavior of these policies are that they burn gas in an electrical generator, lose >40% of the energy (and release CO2 into the atmosphere), then transmit that power to electrical appliances.... rather than just burn the gas for thermal purposes at 100% efficiency.1