Perry out at Energy? Rumors fly as game of musical chairs continues
President Donald J. Trump’s constant reshuffling of administration officials may have the former Texas governor moving to Homeland Security, leaving the Energy Department open to a possibly worse replacement.
Maine’s legislature upholds veto of net metering compromise by two votes
After more than a year of wrangling and a veto by an intractably anti-solar governor, the Pine Tree State’s legislature split over whether to override the veto of the bill that ensconces into law a long-term solar compensation plan. As a result, the bill dies.
Separate is not equal: Idaho Power wants a new solar class
In a new filing with the Idaho Public Commission, the utility asks to eliminate net metering and create two new customer categories – solar and non-solar.
Indiana’s solar market is still alive, for now
Retail net metering will expire in three tiers, with the first one ending December 31. The bulk of Indiana’s solar market will be in feed-in tariffs, power purchase agreements and utility ownership.
Community solar goes to Washington
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to move community solar forward nationwide. The bill would make permanent a U.S. Department of Energy program that promotes community solar, as well as boosting community solar in low-income communities and encouraging federal government participation in community solar.
Maine regulators approve state’s largest solar project
A first phase of the 9.9 MW project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, as one of the first under a 50 MW pilot community-owned renewables program.
Minnesota ups the value of its Social Cost of Carbon
While it is unclear if and when these revised carbon cost assumptions will be integrated in Minnesota’ Value of Solar Tariff, the new, higher calculations are to be considered in utility planning.
Bill to protect solar customers from discriminatory fees introduced in Texas
Legislators are pushing back on discriminatory fees on wind and solar installations
Arizona sun rises: Judge endorses APS, solar industry settlement
After a bruising two-year battle over the value of solar, Administrative Law Judge Teena Jibilian recommended the Arizona Corporation Commission accept a settlement agreement that will bring the matter to a close.
North Carolina governor signs PURPA overhaul bill
The bill will move most of the state’s market for large-scale solar to a competitive procurement model, and allow for leasing of distributed PV systems, while restricting the availability of fixed-price contracts. It will also institute an 18-month wind moratorium.
