The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 12 granted Xcel Energy Inc.’s request to expand the utility’s Renewable*Connect pilot program, a green pricing option, into a permanent initiative. Xcel sought the expansion because the program, established in 2017, has been fully subscribed and there is additional customer demand. The unfulfilled demand for its two renewable…
Vineyard Wind LLC expressed disappointment at the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s decision to further delay the approval of the environmental review for its 800-megawatt offshore wind project, according to an Aug. 9 press release. The developer urged the agency to expedite the review, highlighting the project’s potential to kickstart the offshore wind industry…
Democratic Governor Kate Brown signed legislation on Aug. 9 that creates a program to provide rebates of up to $5,000 or 40 percent of the cost of installing a residential solar generating facility. The measure boosts the prospects of the state’s solar industry, which declined after state incentives through the Renewable Energy Tax Credit sunset…
The Maryland Public Service Commission on Aug. 9 issued a decision to convene a working group tasked with developing a procedure for implementing a multi-year rate plan, an alternative rate-setting process that would extend utilities’ approved rates for up to three years. Multi-year plans can combine the stability of traditional ratemaking while allowing adjustments that…
The California Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 9 adopted reforms requiring eligible energy storage systems under the Self-Generation Incentive Program, or SGIP, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The changes call for a digitally accessible “GHG signal” that provides storage developers and customers with the information needed to charge during low- emission periods and discharge during…
The ISO New England Inc.’s short-term program to compensate resources for maintaining inventoried energy during winters 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 became effective by operation of law because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission lacked a quorum to act on the proposed reforms before the statutory deadline, according to an Aug. 6 notice. A resource is eligible to…
The New York Public Service Commission on Aug. 8 opened a proceeding to examine options to align the state’s resource adequacy programs with renewable energy and emissions reduction goals, while ensuring safe and adequate service at just and reasonable rates. New York enacted legislation last month, which requires a carbon-neutral power system by 2040 and…
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Aug. 8 proposed to amend the registration process for the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate, or SREC, program by including a step to determine when electricity sales from distributed solar reaches 5.1 percent, the threshold set by legislation enacted last year to phase out the program. The law…
The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Aug. 5 conditionally granted Northern States Power Company’s request for a determination of prudence for its contract to buy 151 megawatts of wind-generated power from Dakota Range III LLP. The agency ordered that customers should receive financial compensation for the renewable energy certificates, or RECs, associated with the…
The North Carolina Utilities Commission on Aug. 5 approved tariff revisions filed by Duke Energy Carolinas LLC and Duke Energy Progress LLC to implement the Green Source Advantage Program, which allows for the direct procurement of new renewable energy resources by large nonresidential customers. The commission approved the program with changes in February and directed…
Competition among U.S. states eager to take the lead in the nation's still nascent offshore wind sector is fueling growth and bringing the industry to new highs. Turning these goals into reality will be no small feat, as the targets are several hundred times the current installed capacity. Still, this hasn’t dissuaded states from doubling down on offshore wind commitments.
Republican Governor Christopher Sununu signed legislation on Aug. 2 that allows municipalities and counties the option of implementing aggregation programs, in which retail electric customers will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out. Previously, community choice aggregation was allowed only for residents who consent to being included in the program. Municipalities can also operate energy…