Ford makes major EV charging investment, Florida regulators approve Tampa Electric Co. solar cost recovery: pvMB 10/22/19

Ford introduces North America’s largest EV charging network – Ford has announced that it will be offering all customers access to an EV charging network with more than 12,000 locations and 35,000 plugs nationwide. New Ford all-electric vehicles will come standard with a Ford Mobile Charger that can charge regardless of outlet power (120/240-volt). Ford has also teamed up with Amazon Home Services to offer installation of home charging setups, which add an estimated range of 22 miles per charging hour. Source: Alt Energy Mag

Florida regulators approve cost recovery for the 3rd phase of Tampa Electric Co.’s solar plans – “The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved cost recovery for the third phase of Tampa Electric Co.’s (TECO) solar plans, covering two projects that total 150 MW. Located in Hillsborough County, the two new solar projects include Wimauma Solar (74.8 MW) and Little Manatee River Solar (74.5 MW). Both projects are expected to be in service by January 2020. The additional revenue requirement for the two projects is $26.5 million, which is below the cap approved in TECO’s 2017 rate settlement agreement. This translates to a $1.00 monthly bill increase, beginning in January 2020, for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh. TECO’s $193 million in estimated fuel savings from the solar projects and its PSC-approved tax reform savings will partially offset that increase.” Source: Solar Industry Mag

Lt. Governor Flanagan, Xcel energy to speak at MnSEIA conference – “The Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) welcomed Chris Clark, President of Northern States Power (dba Xcel Energy) to headline its annual conference kickoff event, Leading the Way and Inspiring Minnesota’s Clean Energy Transition. With a focus on the transformation necessary in Minnesota to lead in sustainability, equity and climate action, Mr. Clark outlined the leadership and vision required to realize its recently announced carbon dioxide reduction target for 2030, and beyond. Kicking off MnSEIA’s 6th Annual Gateway to Solar Conference in downtown Minneapolis October 21, Xcel Energy’s remarks set the stage for further discussion and collaboration with various stakeholders, including its own staff, downstream contractors, ratepayers and other utilities, not to mention, the solar industry generally: many of which were in attendance. Notable as the State’s largest investor owned utility, Xcel Energy’s recently announced plan to achieve 80% carbon reduction by 2030 was center stage for a morning of discussions on how to succeed in this new era of energy transformation.” Source: Minnesota Seia 

Greenbacker Renewable Energy acquires 31.33 MW of solar, partners on 3.5 MW more – Over the course of three seperate transactions, Greenbacker Renewable Energy has acquired 31.33 MW of solar and agreed to an additionaln 3.5 MW: a 25.6 MW commercial and industrial portfolio from IGS Solar, an operating 5.74 MW ground-mount solar project in Brattleboro, Vt. and a 3.5 MW portfolio of to-be-constructed projects in Arkansas. The deals bring Greenbacker’s generating capacity to 367.7 MW of utility-scale and distributed solar. Source: Solar Industry Mag

Philipstown votes yes on community solar – “Philipstown’s Town Council unanimously voted to pass a resolution enabling the municipality to endorse Hudson Valley Community Power’s fully-vetted community solar program for residents. Offered in conjunction with the recently implemented Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, community solar provides residents and local businesses further opportunity to save on electricity while supporting clean, community-based generation and decreasing New York State’s carbon footprint… By subscribing to a solar farm in Accord, NY, Philipstown residents can spend approximately 10% less on electricity each year for up to 25 years. The guaranteed savings are derived from New York State’s clean energy generation incentives. The shift to locally sourced renewable energy also unlocks a municipal sustainability fund. Established by Hudson Valley Community Power and funded through the community solar program, the fund receives $50 for each solar enrollment completed before November 30th.” Source: Joule Community Power