Utilities’ latest tactic? Fixed charge increases – and PUCs are listening
An EQ Research study indicates regulators are approving utilities’ requests for increased fixed charges and diminishing distributed solar’s value proposition in the process.
California gets “quacking” on ending Duck Curve problem
Senate Bill 338, which mandates that utilities come up with non-gas generation options to meet peak demand, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.
Energy Department limits scope of coal, nuclear bailout
Under fire from a broad range of forces including the oil and gas industry, the Energy Department has limited its order for a coal and nuclear bailout to regional grid operators with energy and capacity markets.
First Solar weighs in on the Section 201 trade case
The world’s largest thin-film solar maker has sided with the petitioners, testifying to the difficulties that U.S. solar cell and module makers are experiencing and the challenges of competing with imports supported by foreign governments.
Oncor settlement ends byzantine solar rate request
Under the terms of a settlement approved unanimously by the Texas Public Utilities Commission, the Dallas-based utility withdrew its convoluted rate structure for distributed energy customers in return for a 3.4% increase in the base rates of all customers.
Missed opportunity: GTM Research weighs in on the Clean Power Plan
GTM Research Solar Analyst Colin Smith argues that the pending repeal of the Clean Power Plan represents a significant loss of “upside potential”.
Montana brings PURPA contract lengths back to 15 years for small projects
State regulators have increased contract lengths for projects up to 3 MW, but most of the changes made when they gutted PURPA last summer remain.
SolarWorld testifies on Chinese IP theft
The Section 301 case being considered could up the penalties on Chinese PV makers seeking to export to the U.S. market.
From the editor: Clean Power Plan, policy and illusion
The Trump Administration’s pledge to repeal CPP should not distract us from the fact that this was not an ambitious policy to begin with.
FERC: Renewable energy investors can skip Section 203 prior approval
In a petition before the commission, tax equity providers said the intense scrutiny of passive investors was holding up renewable energy projects – and the federal commission agreed.
