President Biden Commits U.S. to Achieve 50 Percent Emissions Reductions in 2030

U.S. Energy Department Announces Net Zero World Initiative to Facilitate Global Emissions Reduction

The U.S. Energy Department on Nov. 3 launched the Net Zero World Initiative, a partnership between countries working to implement their climate action pledges and speed up the shift to net zero, resilient, and inclusive energy systems. The agency will lead the initiative as part of the Build Back Better World initiative to facilitate customized,…...

Policy Primer: Carbon Pricing November 2021 Update

Policy Primer: Carbon Pricing November 2021 Update

Interest in carbon pricing mechanisms has deepened as lawmakers and regulators explore policy tools to address emissions reductions in order to reach ambitious clean energy and climate goals. Cap-and-trade is figuring more prominently as an efficient market-based means to achieve significant carbon reductions and create an incentive to invest in non-emitting technologies.

Missouri Regulator Launches Probe into Winter Storm Event

Texas Commission Adopts Weatherization Rules for Power Generators

The Texas Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 21 adopted a rule addressing weather emergency preparedness of power generators and utilities, the first of a two-part process in the development of reliability standards in the wake of the mid-February winter storm event.  The rule requires affected companies to implement winter weather readiness recommendations identified in a…...

Policy Primer: Grid Modernization - October 2021 Update

Policy Primer: Grid Modernization – October 2021 Update

A growing number of states are turning to grid modernization initiatives aimed at creating a more flexible system that can accommodate the proliferation of distributed energy resources (DER) and other solutions that meet changing customer needs and climate goals.

RPS Mapper September 2021

RPS Mapper – U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standards September 2021 Update

State renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are a key driver behind the torrid expansion of wind and solar generation across the U.S., responsible for about half of the nation’s deployment of clean energy sources over the last couple of decades, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Over three dozen states, territories and the nation’s capital…

Visual Primer: Wave Towards 100 Percent Clean Power Intensifies as Illinois and Oregon Join the Pack

Visual Primer: Wave Towards 100 Percent Clean Power Intensifies as Illinois and Oregon Join the Pack

The importance of U.S. state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) continues to grow, with recent changes reflecting the trend of strengthening renewable energy targets. Several states have expanded their RPS programs to broader clean energy standards, which establish milestones to achieve a carbon-free electricity supply.

Policy Primer: Net Energy Metering Reforms - September 2021 Update

Policy Primer: Net Energy Metering Reforms – September 2021 Update

As the distributed solar landscape evolves, revisions and successors to net metering programs seek to ensure that the compensation rate and other and program elements avoid cost shifting to non-participating customers while supporting a value proposition for new solar customers.

Solar Panels Power Plants

Illinois Law Requires 100 Percent Clean Energy, Aids Nuclear Plants

Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker, a Democrat, signed legislation on Sept. 15 that puts the state on the path to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. The law sets a goal of 50 percent renewable energy by 2040 and provides financial support for the states’ existing nuclear plants at risk of closure due to market…...

EnerKnol Research PU Visual Primer SREC 2021 09 14 Blog preview

Visual Primer: Solar Credit Markets Evolve as States Revisit Incentive Programs

The expansion of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) has prompted several states to reshape their solar incentive programs. The market for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) is driven by solar carve-outs in RPS programs, which require utilities to procure a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable resources.

Visual Primer: Reforms to PURPA Rules Influence Small Renewable Energy Development Across U.S.

Visual Primer: Reforms to PURPA Rules Influence Small Renewable Energy Development Across U.S.

Amid the growing interest in clean energy, state and federal policy changes to utility power procurement rules under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) are shaping the portfolios of small renewable power producers. PURPA, which has been a key driver of renewable generation in the U.S., sets requirements for utilities to purchase power from small independent electricity and cogeneration facilities.

Visual Primer: Grid Planning Initiatives Expand as States Prepare for Proliferation of Distributed Energy Resources

Visual Primer: Grid Planning Initiatives Expand as States Prepare for Proliferation of Distributed Energy Resources

A growing number of states are gearing up to leverage distributed energy resources (DER) to support grid operations amid clean energy and climate goals that require investments in and incentives for renewables and customer-sited generation.