FERC opens markets to energy storage, begins distributed energy proceeding
As the completion of the multi-year rule-making the federal agency will require grid operators to value the contributions of energy storage, and begins a process to look at how aggregated distributed energy resources can compete in wholesale markets.
Maryland opens energy-storage tax credit program
The program is now taking applications for $750,000 in tax credits to support energy storage systems added to existing renewable energy systems, with $225,000 reserved for residential solar customers and $525,000 reserved for commercial taxpayers.
Maryland bill calls for 14.5% solar by 2028
The new bill would increase the state’s renewable energy mandate to 50% by 2030, as well as setting the ambitious solar carve-out.
California regulators emphasize solar, batteries in utility planning framework
CPUC’s guidance calls for an additional 9 GW of solar and 2 GW of battery storage as the standard against which to compare utility and CCA Integrated Resource plans, and says that new fossil fuel plants must prove a need.
Ballot initiative in Nevada proposes 50% RPS by 2030
Nevadans for A Clean Energy Future, funded in part by progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, is hoping to put the decision about increasing the state’s RPS in the hands of voters in November.
Michigan group starts ballot campaign for 30% by 30 renewable energy
Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan has started collecting signatures to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would extend the state’s Renewable Energy Standard to 30% by 2030 after the current targets are met in 2021.
Trump 2019 budget would slash renewable energy funding, eliminate ARPA-E
President Trump has yet again proposed eliminating most federal funding for clean energy R&D, but Congress will have the last word.
Vermont’s solar market fell 50% in 2017 (w/chart)
Solar advocates blame changes to the state’s net metering policy for the decline in installations and a loss of 232 full-time jobs.
Report: DOE might invoke emergency powers to keep coal plants online
After the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected Secretary of Energy Rick Perry’s order to bail out First Energy coal plants, the Department is now considering invoking emergency powers under Section 202 of the Federal Power Act to achieve the goal, Bloomberg Politics reports.
Massachusetts reaches 2 GW of installed solar
The state has reached this milestone despite a residential market crash, a long waiting period for the new SMART regulations, and net metering caps being reached in some utility service areas.
