Smart Grid

Changing Net Metering Landscape Relies on Solar-Plus-Storage to Solve Cost Shifting

EnerKnol Insights – Changing Net Metering Landscape Relies on Solar-Plus-Storage to Solve Cost Shifting

Net metering reforms are becoming more common to keep pace with the evolution of solar and other forms of distributed generation. Regulators are increasingly pushing for adjustments to the valuation of distributed generation as higher levels of supplies begin to strain the grid. Rate designs that value solar-plus-storage could solve the growing concerns of cost shifts and approaching net metering caps.

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Utilities Adapt Resource Plans to Reap Economics of Renewables, Storage

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Utilities Adapt Resource Plans to Reap Economics of Renewables, Storage

Electric utilities are striving to develop Integrated Resource Plans based on an evaluation of the full range of available supply and demand side options in a changing energy landscape that is becoming more complex and uncertain due to emerging trends. These include intermittent large-scale renewable energy, customer-sited distributed energy resources, energy efficiency, demand response, upgrades to aging infrastructure, and legislative clean energy mandates.

Utilities Seek to Weaken Renewable Energy Contracts as DIY Projects Proliferate

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Utilities Seek to Weaken Renewable Energy Contracts as DIY Projects Proliferate

The dramatic fall in renewables costs have enticed several utilities to look at large-scale investments and also attracted a large number of independent developers seeking to qualify their projects for must-buy obligations under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Utilities have complained about having to overpay qualifying facilities and buy electricity even when they don’t need it. The must-buy requirements are also interfering with the utilities’ own plans of developing renewable plants, intensifying the pushback against PURPA.

How Hurricanes Are Sparking Latest Push For Grid Resilience

EnerKnol Insights – How Hurricanes Are Sparking Latest Push For Grid Resilience

Extreme weather is figuring more prominently than ever into America's energy policy as the nation recovers from a rash of storms and a catastrophic hurricane season that's inflicted hundreds of billions of dollars in damage. In the name of resiliency and reliability, the Trump administration and regulators alike are seeking unprecedented changes to wholesale power markets, as well as urging massive investments in nascent technologies, like microgrids and battery storage, to gear up for the next bomb cyclone, derecho, polar vortex or hurricane season.

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Retail Choice Under Scrutiny Amid Growing Consumer Complaints

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Retail Choice Under Scrutiny Amid Growing Consumer Complaints

After years of retail choice, some states have begun to examine whether customers are better off with competitive retailers or on the default service tariff. As retail choice comes under greater scrutiny, regulators will focus on stringent market entry rules and market monitoring that can help avoid deceptive tactics.

How Utilities are Navigating the New Distributed Energy Landscape

How Utilities are Navigating the New Distributed Energy Landscape

Demand response (DR) is gaining relevance as a vital grid balancing tool amid the rapid surge in intermittent generation resources. The next generation DR will provide more localized responses to areas of stress to influence energy usage patterns. The digitally enabled grid, advanced metering infrastructure, and automated strategies coupled with dynamic pricing will support the DR market.

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How Utilities are Navigating the New Distributed Energy Landscape

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – How Utilities are Navigating the New Distributed Energy Landscape

The penetration of distributed energy resources (DER) has led states and utilities to reconsider their strategies and planning processes. Advanced metering infrastructure and automation allow utilities to capture the full value of DERs and explore new uses of emerging technologies. Because of the rapid influx of DERs utilities must stay proactive to avoid issues on the distribution grid and capture new growth opportunities.

Eversource Adopts Performance-Based Ratemaking in Massachusetts to Meet Clean Energy Goals

Eversource Adopts Performance-Based Ratemaking in Massachusetts to Meet Clean Energy Goals

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has approved a performance-based ratemaking (PBR) mechanism for Eversource Energy to balance infrastructure funding with avoiding rate case expenses and rate redesign that create uncertainty for consumers. PBRs adjust utility revenues based on their measurable performance, and they have been gaining popularity nationwide as grid technology keeps evolving.

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Eversource Adopts Performance-Based Ratemaking in Massachusetts to Meet Clean Energy Goals

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Eversource Adopts Performance-Based Ratemaking in Massachusetts to Meet Clean Energy Goals

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has approved a performance-based ratemaking (PBR) mechanism for Eversource Energy to balance infrastructure funding with avoiding rate case expenses and rate redesign that create uncertainty for consumers. PBRs adjust utility revenues based on their measurable performance, and they have been gaining popularity nationwide as grid technology keeps evolving.

Historic Federal Tax Cuts Bring Utility Rates Under Scrutiny

Historic Federal Tax Cuts Bring Utility Rates Under Scrutiny

Dozens of states want utilities to lower rates for electricity and natural gas services following the recently enacted federal tax law which slashed the corporate income tax rate to 21 percent from 35 percent at the start of the year. Sixteen states and consumer advocates wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requesting prompt action for the cuts to be extended to customers, while 20 states are mulling rate changes tied to the new tax law.

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Historic Federal Tax Cuts Bring Utility Rates Under Scrutiny

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Historic Federal Tax Cuts Bring Utility Rates Under Scrutiny

Dozens of states want utilities to lower rates for electricity and natural gas services following the recently enacted federal tax law which slashed the corporate income tax rate to 21 percent from 35 percent at the start of the year. Sixteen states and consumer advocates wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requesting prompt action for the cuts to be extended to customers, while 20 states are mulling rate changes tied to the new tax law.

Five Power Industry Trends to Watch in 2018

Five Power Industry Trends to Watch in 2018

Over the past five years, the power industry has evolved at a faster pace because of several simultaneous trends reflecting a broader shift from coal to natural gas and renewables. The changing fuel mix, growth in renewables, and evolution of distributed energy resources are among the key causes catalyzing this transformation. In 2018, most of these trends are expected to continue or accelerate.

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