El Paso Electric’s 2017 rate case asks to discriminate against solar customers
The case includes a request to create a special rate class for solar distributed-generation customers, including a new demand charge, to “establish a fair rate structure that reflects the cost to serve each customer class.”
Montana plans 80 MW solar farm amid legislative uncertainty
In another baffling tale of state’s solar-policy split personality, the Treasure State is planning a 480-acre solar farm while the legislature simultaneously tries to snuff out its nascent solar industry.
Maine’s LePage tweets latest attacks on solar
In his ongoing efforts to eliminate the underpinnings of a successful solar industry, Maine’s buffoonish chief executive slams solar on Twitter and suggests all Public Utilities Commissioners resign in the wake of a Maine solar compromise reached last month.
Schneider, Duke supply microgrids to Maryland government
Schneider Electric and Duke Energy Renewables announced an agreement to develop two microgrids to serve the Montgomery County, Maryland, Public Safety Headquarters and Correctional Facility under the microgrid as service financing model.
SEIA seeks Midwest expansion
The national solar association is setting up a committee to focus on solar expansion in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin in a move designed to refocus the association on state-level policy battles, which are where most observers believe the future of solar will now be decided.
Missing commissioners leave FERC staff to pick up pieces
Down three commissioners thanks to untimely resignations, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission can’t field a quorum, leaving them only the option of delegating many of their duties to commission staffers.
Amtech quarterly results show growth in orders and revenues
The equipment maker’s results for Q1 fiscal 2017 show a dip in revenue but growth in orders for solar equipment compared to the previous quarter.
ABB to provide microgrid solution to Alaska community
The Swiss technology company will provide a microgrid combining battery and flywheel storage technologies to improve energy stability for around 300,000 people near Anchorage, Alaska.
Mosaic secures investor support for residential loan portfolio
In four years, the company has originated more than $1 billion in solar loans, reaching the goal it set when it was founded in 2012.
South Carolina conservatives jump on solar bandwagon
The Palmetto Conservative Solar Coalition, headed by a former congressman, cheered the National Solar Job Census’ finding that South Carolina had added 1,000 jobs last year and called for the legislature to support the solar industry with free-market approaches.
