Calif., N.J. utilities unveil solar power plans

Solar thermal plants could provide electricity to 845,000 homes

Two major utilities in California and New Jersey this week announced plans to vastly ramp up solar power. The deals come as Congress wraps up economic stimulus legislation that includes provisions to free up credit for renewable energy companies.

Both plans require approval from state agencies, but both states have requirements to increase the share of renewable energy in overall energy production so approval is likely.

In California, Southern California Edison and BrightSource Energy Inc. signed contracts to build solar power projects that would produce 1,300 megawatts of electricity