SOLAR POWER

New Jersey Solar Credit Market is in for Overhaul under New Incentive Program

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – New Jersey Solar Credit Market is in for Overhaul under New Incentive Program

New Jersey has enacted legislation expanding the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50 percent by 2030 and phasing out the solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) program by 2021 to establish a new or modified framework to support solar development. The move addresses an impending oversupply of SRECs, providing a near-term boost to keep the solar industry growth while the state crafts a long-term plan.

Net Metering in Retreat as Utilities Seek to Protect Their Interests

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Net Metering in Retreat as Utilities Seek to Protect Their Interests

The net metering policy landscape is reacting to growing customer-sited generation. Facing pressure from utilities about grid use charges to net metering customers, policymakers have started actively seeking alternatives to the policy. Responses vary from new demand charges in Massachusetts and ending net metering in Michigan to New York’s new Value Stack pricing mechanism for distributed generation.

Southern's Vogtle Reactor Review, Williams' $1B NYC Gas Line, Avangrid's Vineyard Wind Farm

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – New Jersey Poised to Become the Next California Under Energy Policy Revamp

New Jersey lawmakers have passed a suite of sweeping measures to propel the state’s clean energy agenda under Democratic Governor Phil Murphy's administration. The swift turn of events marks a significant shift from his Republican predecessor Chris Christie who withdrew the state from the carbon market and shunned offshore wind.

Renewables Break New Records as More States Embrace Clean Distributed Energy

Renewables Break New Records as More States Embrace Clean Distributed Energy

Ever more states are embracing pro-renewable policies by committing to clean energy and ramping up their clean energy targets despite federal policy uncertainty under the Trump administration. Frontrunners like California, Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts are encouraging other states with nascent markets to follow suit.

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Renewables Break New Records as More States Embrace Clean Distributed Energy

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Renewables Break New Records as More States Embrace Clean Distributed Energy

Ever more states are embracing pro-renewable policies by committing to clean energy and ramping up their clean energy targets despite federal policy uncertainty under the Trump administration. Frontrunners like California, Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts are encouraging other states with nascent markets to follow suit.

Solar Set to Grow under Michigan's New Avoided Cost Rules for Consumers Energy

Solar Set to Grow under Michigan’s New Avoided Cost Rules for Consumers Energy

The Michigan Public Service Commission has finalized a formula to determine the avoided cost that Consumers Energy Co. must pay to buy power from qualifying facilities under the federal Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978. The new methodology extends the power purchase contract period to up to 20 years, and boosts the capacity of eligible projects to 2 megawatts, up from 100 kilowatts. While current contracts are based on the costs of running a coal plant, new contracts will be based on the energy and capacity costs of natural gas-fueled plants. The ruling, which marks the first update to avoided cost payments in almost 30 years, is expected to increase certainty for distributed energy resources, such as solar.

Solar Set to Grow under Michigan's New Avoided Cost Rules for Consumers Energy

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Solar Set to Grow under Michigan’s New Avoided Cost Rules for Consumers Energy

The Michigan Public Service Commission has finalized a formula to determine the avoided cost that Consumers Energy Co. must pay to buy power from qualifying facilities under the federal Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) of 1978. The new methodology extends the power purchase contract period to up to 20 years, and boosts the capacity of eligible projects to 2 megawatts, up from 100 kilowatts. While current contracts are based on the costs of running a coal plant, new contracts will be based on the energy and capacity costs of natural gas-fueled plants. The ruling, which marks the first update to avoided cost payments in almost 30 years, is expected to increase certainty for distributed energy resources, such as solar.

Ohio Net Metering Update Limits System Size but Opens Doors to Energy Marketers

Ohio Net Metering Update Limits System Size but Opens Doors to Energy Marketers

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has revised its net metering rules requiring regulated electric utilities to offer a standard tariff to standard service offer customers, while competitive retail electric service providers can offer diverse net metering products and service to shopping customers. The Ohio rule comes after months of review and seeks to address the interests of distributed generation customers, electric utilities, and competitive providers. Importantly, the ruling opens doors to energy marketers, some of which might be able to offer better rates than the utilities.

Ohio Net Metering Update Limits System Size but Opens Doors to Energy Marketers

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – Ohio Net Metering Update Limits System Size but Opens Doors to Energy Marketers

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has revised its net metering rules requiring regulated electric utilities to offer a standard tariff to standard service offer customers, while competitive retail electric service providers can offer diverse net metering products and service to shopping customers. The Ohio rule comes after months of review and seeks to address the interests of distributed generation customers, electric utilities, and competitive providers. Importantly, the ruling opens doors to energy marketers, some of which might be able to offer better rates than the utilities.

Hurricane-Battered U.S. Gives Momentum to Sweeping Push for Microgrids

Hurricane-Battered U.S. Gives Momentum to Sweeping Push for Microgrids

Panelists at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing concurred that having more diversified resources would help the authorities manage outages in the wake of hurricanes such as Irma, Harvey, and Maria. The catastrophic storms have emphasized the need for significant investments in the nation’s grid to protect it from a major, long-lasting outage that has affected Puerto Rico. Policymakers are turning to battery storage and microgrids as they do not just strengthen the grid against inclement weather but bring an array of other benefits.

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New York Approves Utility Proposals for Setting the Value of DER

New York Approves Utility Proposals for Setting the Value of DER

The New York State Public Service Commission (NY PSC) has issued an order approving utility proposals to implement its Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) compensation mechanism, a structure that values DER in a more accurate manner including locational and environmental benefits that were previously not quantified. However, solar advocates that have so far commended New York’s reforms said the approval was inadequately reviewed and could undercompensate DER. While studies on the costs and benefits of solar and other types of DERs will help states set their policies, New York will provide invaluable real-life lessons for other states with emerging solar markets.

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New York Approves Utility Proposals for Setting the Value of DER

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – New York Approves Utility Proposals for Setting the Value of DER

The New York State Public Service Commission (NY PSC) has issued an order approving utility proposals to implement its Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) compensation mechanism, a structure that values DER in a more accurate manner including locational and environmental benefits that were previously not quantified. However, solar advocates that have so far commended New York’s reforms said the approval was inadequately reviewed and could undercompensate DER. While studies on the costs and benefits of solar and other types of DERs will help other states set their policies, New York will provide invaluable real-life lessons for other states with emerging solar markets.