Massachusetts House Democratic lawmakers Marjorie Decker and Sean Garballey introduced legislation on Jan. 28 that would transition Massachusetts to 100 percent renewable electricity. The bill would set a target for the state to source all of its electricity from renewable energy by 2035 and calls for an economy-wide transition to renewables, including heating and transportation,…...
U.S. energy exports in 2020 are projected to surpass imports for the first time since 1953, thanks to the continued growth in petroleum and natural gas exports, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency’s Annual Energy Outlook released on Jan. 24. The trend is expected continue for the next three decades driven by large increases in the…...
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved rules for a community solar pilot, allowing residents to participate in a solar project that is not located on their property, according to a Jan. 17 news release. The agency said that expanding solar access is key to achieve Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s stated goal of 100…...
Alternative compliance payments assessed under Connecticut renewable portfolio standards program fell to $2.329 million in 2016, a decline of more than half from 2014, according to a RPS compliance report issued Jan. 23 by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Assessed alternative compliance payments fell down from $3.90 million in 2015 and $7.86 million in 2014…....
Vermont House lawmaker Charles Shaw, a Republican, introduced legislation on Jan. 22 that would require in-state solar facilities to sell their renewable energy credits to distribution utilities that will apply the credits toward meeting the state’s renewable energy standard, in a bid to balance the local impacts of siting solar installations. Alternatively, the facility would have…...
The Michigan Public Service Commission on Jan. 18 approved DTE Electric Co.’s voluntary green pricing program tailored for large customers who choose to meet a portion of their electricity needs from renewable energy resources. The company said that the program will commence once the renewable energy projects required to support the program are in commercial operation…...
Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 17 announced new goals as part of the state’s “Green New Deal” to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. The initiative, outlined in Cuomo’s 2019 policy agenda, calls for an offshore wind target of 9 gigawatts by 2035, up from 2.4 gigawatts by 2030, adding to the combined…...
NextEra Energy Inc. and NextEra Energy Partners L.P on Jan. 18 asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order that Pacific Gas and Electric Company may not reject its wholesale contracts in bankruptcy without the federal regulator’s approval. PG&E announced it will file for bankruptcy protection on or about Jan. 29 as it faces billions…...
In the case of a fossil fuel facility, a plan shall include provisions to construct or invest in one or more renewable energy facilities in conjunction with construction and operation of the proposed fossil fuel facility. The aggregate estimated cost or investment in one or more renewable energy facilities shall be equal to no less…
In 2019, the U.S. is expected to add 23.7 gigawatts of generation capacity and retire 8.3 gigawatts, according to a Jan. 10 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. About 8 gigawatts of coal, nuclear, and natural gas generation are scheduled to retire this year, with coal accounting for 53 percent of the retirements. Texas,…
Colorado House lawmaker Chris Hansen, a Democrat, introduced legislation on Jan. 4 that would increase the maximum size of community solar gardens to 10 megawatts, up from 2 megawatts permitted by current law. The bill would broaden access to community projects, which offers consumers the opportunity to participate in solar installations through subscriptions, by allowing…...
The Virginia State Corporation Commission on Jan. 7 approved Appalachian Power Company’s proposal that allows customers the option to meet 100 percent of their electricity needs from renewable energy resources. Participating customers would pay a premium of $4.25 a month above the standard electric rate. State law permits utilities to design a tariff that customers…...
