Carbon Prices in RGGI Auction Slump to Lowest in Over Four Years, Reflecting Need for Reform

Clearing prices in the June 2017 RGGI auction dropped to their lowest level in over four years, marking a sharp turn from the December 2015 auction which had reached a record high. The decline in prices can be attributed to uncertainty about the RGGI program after 2020 with regard to the future value of emissions allowances, as well as uncertainty over the future of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan. RGGI’s emission cap must extend at least until 2030 to provide certainty for market participants who are bracing for the end of the program currently slated for the end of 2020.

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Carbon Prices in RGGI Auction Slump to Lowest in Over Four Years, Reflecting Need for Reform

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Carbon Prices in RGGI Auction Slump to Lowest in Over Four Years, Reflecting Need for Reform

Clearing prices in the June 2017 RGGI auction dropped to their lowest level in over four years, marking a sharp turn from the December 2015 auction which had reached a record high. The decline in prices can be attributed to uncertainty about the RGGI program after 2020 with regard to the future value of emissions allowances, as well as uncertainty over the future of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan. RGGI’s emission cap must extend at least until 2030 to provide certainty for market participants who are bracing for the end of the program currently slated for the end of 2020.

2017 State Legislative Action Calls for Greater Energy Diversity

Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.

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State Legislation Update: 6/2017

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – State Legislation Update: 6/2017

Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.

U.S. States, Cities Commit to Paris Climate Accord After Trump Pullout

A coalition of 13 states joined by more than 200 mayors have expressed their commitment to uphold the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement after President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the accord. Climate efforts continues to shift to regional and state levels as demonstrated by the quick response from states and cities nationwide.

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Pennsylvania Joins Other States Exploring Options to Save Nuclear

Multiple proposals to preserve and expand nuclear generation have emerged among states willing to do so. These include zero emission credits (ZEC), categorizing nuclear as an alternative or renewable energy source, easing the construction process, and establishing cost recovery mechanisms. A few states, particularly Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington have passed policies to foster small modular reactors. New York and Illinois, which have established ZEC programs, have sparked a national debate over the premature closure of their nuclear plants due to their inability to compete in wholesale markets.

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Pennsylvania Joins Other States Exploring Options to Save Nuclear

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Pennsylvania Joins Other States Exploring Options to Save Nuclear

Multiple proposals to preserve and expand nuclear generation have emerged among states willing to do so. These include zero emission credits (ZEC), categorizing nuclear as an alternative or renewable energy source, easing the construction process, and establishing cost recovery mechanisms. A few states, particularly Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington have passed policies to foster small modular reactors. New York and Illinois, which have established ZEC programs, have sparked a national debate over the premature closure of their nuclear plants due to their inability to compete in wholesale markets.

Prices Fall in PJM’s 100-Percent Capacity Resource Auction

PJM’s 2017 capacity auction – the first one to apply the 100-percent Capacity Performance requirement – yielded a clearing price of $76.53/megawatt-day in most of PJM, about 24 percent lower than last year. Cleared capacity of seasonal resources like demand response, solar, and wind fell largely due to the new year-round performance requirement. Lower prices are attributed largely to lower natural-gas prices, lower demand forecasts, and new combined-cycle natural gas units clearing capacity in the auction.

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Prices Fall in PJM's 100-Percent Capacity Resource Auction

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Prices Fall in PJM’s 100-Percent Capacity Resource Auction

PJM’s 2017 capacity auction – the first one to apply the 100-percent Capacity Performance requirement – yielded a clearing price of $76.53/megawatt-day in most of PJM, about 24 percent lower than last year. Cleared capacity of seasonal resources like demand response, solar, and wind fell largely due to the new year-round performance requirement. Lower prices are attributed largely to lower natural-gas prices, lower demand forecasts, and new combined-cycle natural gas units clearing capacity in the auction.

Maryland Paves the Way for Large-Scale Offshore Wind Projects

The Maryland Public Service Commission has awarded offshore wind renewable energy credits to advance two large-scale offshore projects with a combined capacity of 368 MW, potentially outdoing the capacity of the 30 MW Block Island, the only operational offshore wind facility in the U.S. The extension of the wind PTC and the successful completion of the Block Island project have spurred more companies and states to increase their focus on offshore wind development. State policy shifts to advance offshore wind projects will likely provide the much-needed impetus for the U.S. offshore wind industry, which has been plagued by regulatory uncertainty, permitting hurdles, high infrastructure costs, and public resistance.

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EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Maryland Paves the Way for Large-Scale Offshore Wind Projects

The Maryland Public Service Commission has awarded offshore wind renewable energy credits to advance two large-scale offshore projects with a combined capacity of 368 MW, potentially outdoing the capacity of the 30 MW Block Island, the only operational offshore wind facility in the U.S. The extension of the wind PTC and the successful completion of the Block Island project have spurred more companies and states to increase their focus on offshore wind development. State policy shifts to advance offshore wind projects will likely provide the much-needed impetus for the U.S. offshore wind industry, which has been plagued by regulatory uncertainty, permitting hurdles, high infrastructure costs, and public resistance.

Virginia’s Legislative Package and Dominion’s IRP Reflect New Role for Clean Energy

Virginia has enacted a suite of clean energy bills that will help expand renewable energy and energy efficiency across the state. The legislation increases opportunities for community solar, pumped storage, battery technologies, and green development zones, bringing a remarkable turn in a state that has generally lingered over clean energy development. Amid legislative efforts to advance Virginia’s clean energy future, the state’s largest utility Dominion Energy also presented solar as a central piece of its 2017 Integrated Resource Plan. The new legislative package and the underlying market developments set Virginia up for a sustainable energy policy that supports economic development.

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