SOLAR POWER
New executive actions and initiatives to advance solar and energy efficiency projects include military-veterans solar job training, $68M USDA-funded rural projects, and stronger building codes. On September 18, 2014, the White House announced executive actions, public and private sector commitments, federal agency initiatives, and reports to advance solar deployment and energy efficiency. The actions are…...
On September 17, 2014, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing titled “Reforming America’s Outdated Energy Tax Code” to discuss possible reforms to the U.S. energy tax policy. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) underscored the need for predictable, level playing-field tax policy that puts renewables on the same footing as other…...
The USDA has announced new funding to modernize the rural electric infrastructure across 15 states. On September 9, 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a funding of more than $518M to rural electric cooperatives to modernize the rural electric infrastructure, increase electric system reliability, and improve electricity delivery across 15 states. The funding,…...
The 2015 round of the Solarize Massachusetts Program seeks applications from Massachusetts communities by October 15. On September 9, 2014, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the 2015 Solarize Massachusetts program with an October 15 response deadline. MassCEC and DOER…...
The New York Department of Public Service (DPS) staff has issued a Straw Proposal on achieving the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) Track One goals. The straw proposal reaffirms the initial April 24 proceeding which identified utilities’ role in managing a distributed system platform (DSP) and growing the state’s existing Distributed Energy Resource (DER) assets. Despite…...
New York has rolled out K-Solar, a landmark solar program that will facilitate solar installations across state public schools to lower energy costs with clean, local power. On September 4, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the rollout of K-Solar, a joint program of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York…...
Rhode Island has launched the Solarize program, a municipal-based initiative aimed to facilitate low-cost rooftop solar installations. On September 2, 2014, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (Commerce RI), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and non-profit partner SmartPower announced the launch of Solarize Rhode Island, a municipal-based program aimed to facilitate low-cost rooftop solar installations. The…...
On August 7, 2014, California and Quebec held a successful practice joint carbon emissions allowance auction in preparation for the first ever cross-border auction on November 2014. Despite varied participation levels in Quebec’s first four auctions, activity is expected to increase with program maturity and the upcoming 2015 compliance deadline.The programs – under the Western…...
ACO Investment Group, a U.S.-based private equity fund focused on emerging Asian markets, has signed an agreement to develop a 300 MW solar project in Burma. On August 28, 2014, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced an agreement between ACO Investment Group and Burma Ministry of Electric Power to develop two 150 MW…...
Hawaiian Electric Companies have proposed comprehensive electric energy plans with a goal to achieve more than 65 percent renewable energy by 2030. On August 26, 2014, the Hawaiian Electric Companies – Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawaii Electric Light Company – proposed electric energy plans in response to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC)…...
Through PowerUp Long Island, state agencies will work with Long Island energy companies to advance clean energy development and deployment. On August 22, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of PowerUp Long Island, a collaboration of state energy agencies and local utilities to boost clean and renewable energy development in Long…...
The NY-Sun Incentive Program, a conflation of New York’s multiple solar programs, aims to establish a self-sustaining solar industry by stimulating private sector participation. On August 21, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the transition of New York’s solar programs to the single NY-Sun Incentive program to support solar industry growth through the…...
